When it comes to career development, most people focus on big moves — promotions, certifications, or even total career pivots. But sometimes, the most valuable growth opportunities are the simplest: observing someone else at work or having a focused conversation with someone who’s already doing what you aspire to do.
That’s where job shadowing and informational interviews come in. These two underused but powerful tools can help you uncover hidden career paths, clarify your goals, and expand your network in ways that online research and job boards never can. Whether you’re exploring a career change or just want to deepen your knowledge in your current field, both strategies can give you practical insight and confidence about your next step.
What Job Shadowing and Informational Interviews Really Mean
Both of these approaches are about learning from real people — not job descriptions or corporate websites. But they serve slightly different purposes.
Job shadowing means spending time alongside a professional in their daily environment. You observe their tasks, meetings, decision-making, and workflow to understand what the job truly looks like behind the scenes. Shadowing might last a few hours or a few days, depending on the role and industry.
Informational interviews are more conversational. They’re short, one-on-one discussions — typically 20 to 30 minutes — where you ask someone about their career path, what their role entails, what skills matter most, and what advice they’d give to someone looking to follow a similar route.
Both give you a window into the reality of a job, free from the polished language of job listings or the pressure of applying.
Why These Tools Matter More Than Ever
The modern job market changes fast. Automation, AI, and hybrid work models have redefined what many jobs look like, even within the same industry. A title that existed five years ago might mean something completely different today.
Job shadowing and informational interviews help you keep up with that evolution. Instead of relying on outdated assumptions, you get current, firsthand insight from people living it day to day.
They also help you:
Discover new roles or specializations you didn’t know existed
Identify which skills are most in demand right now
Understand company culture before applying
Test your interest in a new path without quitting your current job
In a world where information is everywhere but context is rare, these experiences provide clarity you can’t find online.
The Real Benefits of Job Shadowing
Job shadowing gives you something that’s hard to find in traditional professional development: immersion.
You see what the work really looks like — the pace, the interactions, the challenges, and the small details that never make it into job postings.
Here’s what makes it so valuable:
You observe reality, not theory. You see how meetings run, what tools people actually use, and how teams collaborate.
You uncover hidden skills. Watching someone in action helps you spot soft skills (like communication or problem-solving) that might be more important than technical ones.
You clarify your interests. Sometimes, shadowing confirms that you’re on the right path. Other times, it reveals that a dream job isn’t what you imagined — saving you time and energy.
You build genuine relationships. Spending time in someone’s environment creates natural opportunities for mentorship or future referrals.
Many professionals credit a single shadowing experience with shaping their career direction. It’s low risk, but potentially career-changing.
The Value of Informational Interviews
If job shadowing shows you what a job looks like, informational interviews tell you why it looks that way.
They’re one of the most underrated forms of networking because they don’t feel like networking at all. You’re not asking for a job; you’re asking for wisdom. And most people are happy to share their experiences when approached sincerely.
The benefits are wide-reaching:
You get insider information. Learn about how someone entered their field, what they wish they’d done differently, and what challenges are emerging in the industry.
You uncover pathways. You might discover alternative routes into your dream field that don’t require starting from scratch.
You expand your professional network. Every informational interview builds a connection — and that person might later refer you to opportunities.
You gain confidence for future interviews. Understanding industry language and challenges helps you sound more knowledgeable when it’s time to apply for a real position.
Informational interviews are essentially “career research” with a human touch — and they often open doors you didn’t know existed.
How to Set Up Job Shadowing or Informational Interviews
You don’t need to wait for a formal program or HR permission to make these happen. With the right approach, you can create your own opportunities.
1. Identify people or roles that interest you. Use LinkedIn, alumni networks, or professional associations to find people doing work that intrigues you. Don’t limit yourself to your current industry — curiosity is your biggest advantage.
2. Reach out with a clear, respectful message. Keep it short and specific. For example:
“Hi [Name], I’ve been learning more about [industry or role] and would love to hear about your experience at [company]. If you have 20 minutes for a quick conversation, I’d really appreciate your insights.”
3. Be flexible with their time. Offer options like phone calls, virtual meetings, or brief in-person visits. People are more likely to say yes when you make it easy for them.
4. Prepare thoughtful questions. Focus on their experiences and insights, not job openings. Ask things like:
What does a typical day in your role look like?
What skills or traits make someone successful in your field?
What challenges or trends are shaping your industry right now?
If you could go back, what advice would you give your younger self?
5. Follow up with gratitude. A sincere thank-you email goes a long way — and keeps the relationship warm for the future.
Making the Most of the Experience
For job shadowing, treat the day like an audition — even though it’s not one. Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and observe more than you speak. Take notes on processes, tools, and interactions. Ask thoughtful questions during breaks, not while someone is mid-task.
For informational interviews, listen more than you talk. The goal is to understand, not impress. People remember curiosity and humility — qualities that make you stand out in any professional interaction.
Afterward, reflect on what you learned. What surprised you? What excited you? What skills or knowledge gaps did you notice? Use those insights to refine your career plan or professional development goals.
Combining Both for Maximum Career Impact
The best approach is to use job shadowing and informational interviews together. Start with a few informational interviews to explore potential paths. Once you find one that sparks real interest, ask if you can shadow someone in that role for a day or two.
This combination gives you a full picture:
Informational interviews provide the strategic overview.
Job shadowing provides the lived experience.
Together, they help you make smarter choices about where to focus your time, learning, and career investment.
Comparison: Job Shadowing vs. Informational Interviews
| Feature | Job Shadowing | Informational Interview |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Observe day-to-day work in action | Gain insights through conversation |
| Time Commitment | A few hours to a few days | 20–30 minutes |
| Format | Hands-on, in-person or virtual observation | Conversational, Q&A-style discussion |
| Outcome | Understand job realities and environment | Build relationships and gather advice |
| Best For | Testing interest in specific roles | Exploring multiple industries or career paths |
Turning Curiosity Into Career Momentum
Career growth doesn’t always come from climbing the ladder — sometimes it comes from stepping sideways, asking better questions, and learning from others. Job shadowing and informational interviews give you that chance.
They’re simple, free, and incredibly effective ways to learn, connect, and position yourself for the right opportunities. You’ll gain perspective, relationships, and direction — the three things that shape lasting career success.
So don’t wait for your next big break to fall into place. Start by sending one message, scheduling one conversation, or observing one professional in action. Every career leap begins with curiosity — and these tools are how you turn that curiosity into clarity.
Sources:
Harvard Business Review, “How to Ask for an Informational Interview (and Get a Yes)”
Forbes, “Why Job Shadowing Is the Most Underrated Career Tool”
LinkedIn Learning, “Career Exploration Strategies in a Changing Workforce”
The Muse, “Networking Through Informational Interviews”
