The Ultimate Guide to Informational Interviews in Healthcare

Whether you’re exploring career paths, transitioning into a new role, or seeking insider knowledge about a specific healthcare profession, informational interviews in healthcare can be an invaluable tool. Unlike traditional job interviews, these meetings are low-pressure conversations where you gain insights, build connections, and prepare for future career opportunities.

This guide will walk you through the benefits of informational interviews in healthcare, how to request one, what questions to ask, and how to make the most of these networking opportunities.

What Are Informational Interviews in Healthcare?

You may not be familiar with informational interviews in healthcare, but they can really set you apart! An informational interview is a one-on-one conversation with a professional in the healthcare field to learn more about their career path, role, and industry insights. Unlike job interviews, the goal is not to ask for a job but to gather information, expand your network, and refine your career goals.

Informational interviewing for healthcare jobs can open doors you didn’t even know were there. They can help you:

• Gain Firsthand Insights: Learn about real-world experiences, workplace culture, and daily responsibilities in different healthcare settings.
• Expand Your Professional Network: Building relationships with healthcare professionals can lead to future opportunities.
• Refine Your Career Goals: Understanding different specialties and job roles can help you determine which healthcare career path is right for you.
• Increase Your Job Market Readiness: The knowledge and connections you gain can make you a more competitive candidate when you apply for jobs.

By approaching these conversations strategically, you can unlock valuable insights, refine your career goals, and forge connections that may lead to extraordinary opportunities in the ever-evolving world of healthcare. Let’s discuss how to get started requesting an informational interview in healthcare.

How to Request an Informational Interview in Healthcare

Reaching out to healthcare professionals for an informational interview might feel intimidating, but most people are happy to share their experiences, especially if approached with professionalism and respect. Here’s how to request an informational interview in healthcare:

Step 1: Identify the Right People to Contact

Informational interviews in healthcare take time, so you want to make sure you identify the right person to interview. This will not only save you time and effort but also increase your chances of leaving a good impression. Look for professionals in roles you’re interested in, such as:

• Hospital administrators
• Physicians and surgeons
• Nurses and nurse practitioners
• Physical and occupational therapists
• Healthcare recruiters and HR professionals
• Medical researchers

Use LinkedIn, professional associations, alumni networks, and healthcare conferences to find potential contacts.

Step 2: Craft a Polite and Concise Request

After finding the right person for your informational interview in healthcare, the next step to leaving a good impression is to target your message. When reaching out, keep your message professional and to the point, keeping in mind that anyone worth interviewing probably has a very busy schedule. Here’s an example email you might use:

Subject: Quick Chat About Your Healthcare Career

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. My name is [Your Name], and I’m currently [describe your background]. I’m very interested in [specific role or field] and would love to learn more about your experiences in this field.

If you have some availability, I’d appreciate the opportunity to speak with you for 15–20 minutes at your convenience. I completely understand your busy schedule, so I’d be happy to work around your availability.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best,

[Your Name]

Step 3: Follow Up Professionally

If you don’t receive a response within a week, send a polite follow-up message reiterating your interest and offering flexible scheduling options. Most people appreciate a reminder, with email inboxes filling up daily.

How to Prepare for an Informational Interview in Healthcare

To make the most of your informational interview in healthcare, thorough preparation is key. This involves not only researching the individual you’ll be speaking with and their organization but also crafting thoughtful healthcare informational interview questions that will provide valuable insights. Let’s walk through the essential steps to ensure you’re fully prepared for a successful informational interview in healthcare.

Step 1: Research the Individual and Organization

Thorough research can help you make the best possible impression. It also saves time during the informational interview in healthcare that can be better spent gaining valuable insights.

• Look up their LinkedIn profile, company website, and recent news articles.
• Familiarize yourself with their career path, current role, and any relevant projects or contributions.

Step 2: Prepare Thoughtful Healthcare Informational Interview Questions

The quality of your informational interview depends on the questions you ask. Here are some strong healthcare informational interview questions to consider:

General Career Path Questions:

• I noticed from your bio that you [insert something impactful from their bio]. It got me wondering, how did you get started in healthcare?
• What inspired you to choose this particular field?
• What’s a typical day like in your role?
• What skills or qualifications do you think are essential for success in your field?

Workplace Culture and Industry Insights:

• What are the biggest challenges healthcare professionals face today?
• How do you see this field evolving in the next 5–10 years?
• What do you enjoy most about your job?
• What advice would you give to someone looking to enter this industry?

Job Market and Career Advancement:

• What is the job outlook for this field?
• Are there specific certifications or advanced degrees that are beneficial?
• How do employers typically recruit for positions in your field?
• Do you have any networking groups or professional organizations you recommend?

Based on your research, pick the healthcare informational interview questions that you think will make the biggest difference in your future career choices. 

Step 3: Learn Best Practices for an Informational Interview in Healthcare

During the informational interview in healthcare is your time to shine. Consider the best-practice tips below for how to prepare for an informational interview.

1. Be Professional and Respectful

• Arrive on time if meeting in person or log in early for virtual meetings.
• Dress appropriately, even if it’s a casual conversation.
• Express gratitude for their time and insights.

2. Listen Actively and Take Notes

• Show genuine interest in their responses.
• Take brief notes but stay engaged in the conversation.
• Avoid dominating the conversation – let them share their experiences.

3. Keep the Focus on Learning, Not Job Hunting

• This is not the time to ask for a job or send your resume unless they offer to review it.
• Instead, focus on gathering information and building a relationship.

Knowing these interview best practices before the interview can help you make the best possible impression. Once you have all this in mind, it’s time to take action. Reach out and set a time for your informational interview in healthcare.

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After the Informational Interview: Follow-Up and Next Steps

After you have completed the informational interview in healthcare, following best practices and making a great impression, it’s crucial you follow up, reflect, and stay connected.

1. Send a Thank You Note

Express appreciation with a brief email. Here’s a template email you can use to get started:

Subject: Thank You for Your Time

Hi [Name],

I really appreciate you taking the time to speak with me about your experiences in [field]. Your insights into [specific topic they mentioned] were incredibly valuable, and I gained a lot from our conversation.

Thank you again for your time and advice. I hope to stay in touch!

Best,

[Your Name]

2. Reflect on What You Learned

Learning is strengthened by reflection. After your informational interview in healthcare, consider:

• Did this conversation confirm or shift your career goals?
• What new insights did you gain about your field of interest?
• What steps will you take next based on this information?

Answering these questions can help you determine next steps for your healthcare career.

3. Stay Connected

It can be easy to get lost in the chaos of a busy healthcare professional’s mind. Once you have made a good first impression, it’s important to stay top of mind for the person you interviewed. After your informational interview in healthcare, consider doing the following to stay connected and build your network:

• Connect on LinkedIn with a personalized message.
• Keep them updated on your progress, especially if their advice helped you land a job or further your career.
• If they introduced you to someone else, follow through on that connection.

Keep the momentum going by staying connected after your informational interview in healthcare.

Get Started With Informational Interviewing for Healthcare Jobs

Informational interviews in healthcare are a powerful tool for career exploration, professional networking, and job market preparation. By approaching these conversations strategically, you can gain valuable insights, refine your career goals, and build connections that may lead to future opportunities. Whether you’re a recent graduate, making a career change, or simply exploring new possibilities, mastering the art of the informational interview in healthcare will give you a competitive edge in your future career.

Want more healthcare career advancement strategies? Visit the iHire Resource Center for expert advice and job search tips.