When you're trying to break into a competitive industry like influencer marketing, job boards and cover letters will only take you so far. One of the most underrated strategies for landing your next role? Informational interviews.

An informational interview isn’t about asking for a job—it’s about asking for insight. It’s a 20–30 minute conversation with someone who’s doing work you admire, working in a company or role you’re curious about, or who has a career path you’d love to understand better.

And yes, they really work. Most jobs are filled through networks, not applications. Informational interviews help you build relationships, clarify your direction, and stand out from the crowd.

Here’s how to conduct a great one—and what to ask if you’re exploring a career in influencer marketing.

Step 1: Do Your Homework

Before you reach out, learn about the person. Read their LinkedIn profile. Skim their company’s website. If they’ve written or shared content about influencer marketing, read it. Show that you respect their time by coming in informed.

Step 2: Make the Ask (Brief + Clear)

Send a short, personalized message—something like:

"Hi [Name], I’m a recent grad interested in influencer marketing and came across your profile. I really admire the work you’ve done at [Company] and would love to hear more about your path and experience. Would you be open to a 20-minute chat sometime in the next few weeks? I’m exploring next steps in my career and would really value your insight."

Step 3: Prepare Great Questions

You’re not there to impress—you’re there to learn. Ask thoughtful, open-ended questions that show curiosity and respect. Here are some examples tailored to influencer marketing:

About Their Role and Career Path:

• What was your first job in influencer marketing, and how did you land it?

• What does a typical day look like in your role?

• How did you decide to work for an agency/brand/platform?

About Skills and Hiring:

• What skills do you think are most important for someone starting in this field?

• Are there any tools, platforms, or certifications you'd recommend learning?

• What do you look for in entry-level candidates when hiring?

About the Industry and Trends:

• What trends are you most excited about in the creator economy?

• How do you think the influencer marketing space is changing?

• Are there any creators or campaigns you think are doing things differently right now?

About Their Advice:

• What do you wish you knew when you were just starting out?

• If you were job hunting today, what would you focus on?

• Is there anyone else you’d recommend I speak to?

Step 4: Be Respectful and Grateful

Start the conversation by thanking them for their time. Stick to the agreed time limit. Take notes—but don’t treat it like an interrogation. This is a conversation, not a checklist.

Follow up with a thank-you message within 24 hours, and share a specific takeaway or how the conversation helped you.

Final Thought

Informational interviews won’t magically hand you a job—but they will make you smarter, more connected, and more confident about where you’re headed. In influencer marketing especially, where relationships and trend-awareness are everything, showing up with curiosity and initiative goes a long way.

So be bold. Reach out. Ask questions. And remember: every conversation is a step closer to clarity—and opportunity.