In a job market where competition is fierce and online applications often feel like they’re going into a black hole, informational interviews have become one of the most powerful tools for career growth in 2025.

They’re not just about gathering information—they’re about building real connections, expanding your network, and gaining inside insights you won’t find on company websites or job boards. For career changers, recent grads, and even seasoned professionals, informational interviews can open doors that no résumé ever could.

But what exactly are they—and how do you get one without feeling awkward?

What is an Informational Interview?

An informational interview is a casual, one-on-one conversation where you ask someone questions about their career path, industry, or organization. It’s not a job interview. You’re not asking for a job—you’re asking for perspective.

You might learn:

• What a day in their role actually looks like

• What skills are most valuable in their industry

• How they broke into the field (and what they’d do differently today)

• Whether a company’s culture aligns with what you’re looking for

These conversations can help you make smarter career moves, avoid bad fits, and sometimes—yes—lead to future opportunities.

Why They Matter More in 2025

In an era of digital hiring and AI screening, people still hire people—especially those they know or trust. Informational interviews allow you to:

• Bypass the algorithm by getting on someone’s radar before a job is even posted

• Make better decisions by learning what a role really requires

• Strengthen your network with professionals who are already doing what you want to do

And the best part? Most people are happy to talk about themselves and share advice—especially if you’re respectful of their time.

How to Ask for an Informational Interview (Without Feeling Awkward)

Here’s a simple 4-step formula that works:

1. Be clear and polite.
Let them know you’re not asking for a job—just 15–20 minutes of their insight.

Example message:

Hi [Name], I’m exploring a transition into [industry/role], and I’ve been really inspired by your journey. If you’re open to it, I’d love to ask a few quick questions about your career path and any advice you have. I know you’re busy, so even 15 minutes would mean a lot!

2. Keep it short and personal.
Mention something specific about their work—like a LinkedIn post, recent project, or role they hold—to show you’re genuinely interested.

3. Suggest a flexible format.
Phone call, Zoom, coffee—let them choose what works best for them.

4. Say thank you—twice.
Before and after the chat, always follow up with a sincere thank-you note. If they made a recommendation or shared a resource, let them know how it helped you.

What to Ask During the Conversation

Don’t just wing it. Come prepared with thoughtful, open-ended questions like:

• “What’s one thing you wish you had known before entering this field?”

• “What skills do you use most often in your role?”

• “What advice would you give someone looking to follow a similar path?”

• “Are there any trends in the industry that new professionals should be aware of?”

If the conversation goes well, you can close with:

“Is there anyone else you’d recommend I speak with to learn more?”

That one sentence could double or triple your network.

Final Thoughts

Informational interviews are less about getting hired now and more about getting ready, positioned, and known. In a world full of noise and automation, they offer something rare: human connection.

So stop waiting for the perfect job listing to drop. Start reaching out. A simple conversation could be the turning point in your career story.

If you’re serious about growing your career in 2025, it’s time to stop thinking of a personal brand as “nice to have.” It’s no longer optional—it’s essential.

Today, opportunities aren’t just based on résumés. They’re based on how clearly you can communicate who you are, what you stand for, and the unique value you bring to the table. Whether you’re job hunting, building a business, or climbing the leadership ladder, a strong personal brand can open doors that traditional qualifications alone can’t.

Let’s break down why your brand matters—and how to start building one intentionally.

What Is a Personal Brand, Really?

Your personal brand is the story people tell about you when you’re not in the room.

It’s not just your LinkedIn bio or your résumé. It’s the full picture:

• How you show up online and offline

• How you communicate your ideas

• The way you handle challenges

• The reputation you build through your work and interactions

In short, it’s about being clear, consistent, and authentic about what you offer and what you care about.

Why It’s So Important Now

In a crowded and competitive job market, personal branding is how you stand out. Here’s why it matters more than ever in 2025:

• Remote work and online hiring make first impressions happen digitally.

• Career pivots are common, and your brand helps people connect the dots between where you’ve been and where you’re headed.

• Companies are hiring for fit—not just skills. They want people whose values align with theirs.

Your brand can help you attract the right opportunities—and avoid wasting time on the wrong ones.

How to Start Building Your Personal Brand (Without Feeling Fake)

1. Clarify Your Message
Ask yourself: What three words do I want people to think of when they hear my name? Focus your content, conversations, and actions around those themes.

2. Show Up Consistently
Update your LinkedIn profile, your resume, and even your email signature to reflect your current strengths and goals. Post content that highlights your skills, values, and interests.

3. Tell Your Story
People remember stories more than bullet points. Share your career journey, lessons learned, and what motivates you.

4. Add Value First
Personal branding isn’t just self-promotion. It’s about contributing ideas, support, and solutions that show what you can offer.

Final Thoughts

Your personal brand is already being formed—whether you shape it intentionally or not.
Taking control of that narrative is one of the smartest moves you can make for your career.

Start simple. Pick one platform (like LinkedIn), get clear on what you want to be known for, and start showing up consistently.

Remember: your brand isn’t just about impressing others. It’s about standing in your truth and letting the right people find you.

A growing number of professionals across industries are making bold career pivots this year, according to new workforce reports. Economic shifts, new technology like AI, and changing values around work-life balance are pushing many workers to rethink their career paths—and take action.

Recent surveys show that nearly 38% of mid-career professionals are considering switching industries or taking on completely new roles in 2025. That’s a big jump from just two years ago.

So, what’s behind this career movement—and how do you know if a pivot is right for you?

Why More People Are Changing Careers Now

Several major factors are at play:

• AI and Automation: Technology is changing job roles faster than ever. Skills like critical thinking, creativity, and leadership are becoming even more valuable across industries.

• Workplace Values: Professionals are prioritizing flexibility, purpose-driven work, and personal well-being—sometimes over salary alone.

• Economic Reality: Some sectors are slowing down, while others (like healthcare, tech services, and education) are growing. Workers are adapting to where opportunities are opening up.

Simply put: people want careers that not only pay the bills but also align with their long-term goals and values.

Signs It Might Be Time for You to Pivot

Career experts suggest watching for these signs:

• You feel unmotivated or disconnected from your current role.

• Your industry is shrinking or facing major changes.

• You find yourself daydreaming about other types of work.

• You’re eager to learn new skills or explore new interests.

If any of these feel familiar, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It could mean you’re ready for a fresh start.

How to Start Your Pivot (Without Starting Over)

Pivoting your career doesn’t mean throwing away everything you’ve built. In fact, your existing skills, experience, and network can help you step into a new field more smoothly than you think.

Here’s how to start:

• Audit your skills: What skills are transferable? Leadership, project management, writing, communication, and technical skills often apply across many industries.

• Upskill strategically: Short courses, certifications, or mentorships can fill in the gaps quickly.

• Rebrand yourself: Update your LinkedIn profile, resume, and elevator pitch to reflect the future you’re building—not just the past you’ve had.

• Talk to people in the field: Informational interviews are gold. They give you real-world insights—and open doors you didn’t know existed.

Final Thoughts

Career pivots are no longer the exception—they’re becoming the new normal. In a rapidly changing world, flexibility and courage are two of the most valuable career skills you can have.

If you’re feeling the pull to make a change, trust it. With the right strategy and support, your next move could be the best one yet.