What is the purpose of informational interviewing in career development?

• A. A formal therapy session.
• B. A process to gather industry knowledge and connections to opportunities.
• C. Interviewing for a job you haven't applied for.
• D. A training session provided by an employer.

Answer: (B)

The purpose of informational interviewing in career development is to gather industry knowledge and build connections that can lead to opportunities. It’s a targeted conversation with someone working in a field or at a company to learn what the day-to-day work looks like, what skills are valued, typical career paths, and current industry trends. The primary goal isn’t to land a job in that meeting; it’s to gain insider information and expand your professional network. Those connections can later point you to openings, provide referrals, or offer guidance on how to prepare your resume and portfolio for the roles you’re pursuing. This approach helps you make informed career choices and increases your chances of being noticed by hiring teams in the future. It’s not a formal therapy session, not a job interview for a position you haven’t applied for, and not an employer-provided training session.