Conducting an Informational Interview

This is the capstone networking course. Put all the skills that you have learned into practice. You’ll introduce yourself, write effective email, highlight your best qualities, and conduct an informational interview with a person of your choice.

In this final course of the English for Business Networking Professional Certificate program, you’ll put your knowledge into practice by preparing for and conducting an informational interview.

First off, you’ll clarify your goals and set up a practice informational interview. You’ll practice talking on the phone to make arrangements to meet. Then, you’ll set up a second informational interview. You’ll learn how to research a person and write questions to learn more about them or their career. You’ll also learn the parts of an interview.

Finally, you’ll learn the key steps for following up with a person after your interview. You’llsuccessfully complete a whole cycle of networking activities.

  • Institution:UWashingtonX
  • Subject:Language
  • Prerequisites:Intermediate level of English language proficiency.
  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Research a person you would like to interview using LinkedIn and other tools.
  • Prepare for and conduct an informational interview with someone you already know, and follow up with a thank-you note.
  • Prepare for and conduct an informational interview witha new contact
  • Follow up with a thank-you note.
  • Share your lessons learnedaboutinformational interviewsand networking

"The course was very easy to follow and understand. Which helped me to ask more questions at work." - Previous Student


Joel Ozretich
Instructor at University of Washington


Richard Moore
Instructor at University of Washington

Q: Do I need to take the courses in order?
A: We recommend you take the courses in order. Many of the topics build from one course to the next, but there is no strict requirement.

Q: I don’t know many people, so how can I network?
A: Everyone has a network. The course will help you identify the people that you already know and help you figure out strategies to make your network bigger.

Q: My English isn’t very strong. Is this course right for me?
A: This course is designed for people with an intermediate level or above. That means you should be able to talk about everyday topics. If you are a beginner, some of the activities might be difficult, but you can still learn from them.

Q: I’m quite fluent in English. Is this too basic for me?
This course is designed for people at an intermediate level in English. Some of the vocabulary might be easy for you, but you can probably benefit from the activities.

Q: I’m not studying business. Is this course okay for me?
Yes, networking is all about making connections. You can use networking in any major, career, or location.