How to Use Informational Interviews to Land Your First Job

Episode 31 of The First Job Podcast: Lucas and Luna explore the power of informational interviews as a strategy for new grads and early-career professionals. They break down a real example: how a 2025 public policy graduate from the University of Michigan turned 12 informational chats into three job offers at mid-size consulting firms. Lucas shares the specific script she used — a subject line that got a 60% open rate, the exact three questions she asked, and the follow-up template that led to referrals. Luna pushes back on common fears: 'Won't I be bothering busy people?' They discuss how to find the right contacts on LinkedIn without seeming spammy, the ideal ask length (15 minutes, not 30), and how to turn a conversation into a next step. No cold emails, no cover letter lottery — just a repeatable system that works whether you're aiming for corporate, nonprofit, or startup. Plus: the hosts share a quick behind-the-scenes note on how listener support keeps the show ad-free. #InformationalInterviews #JobSearchStrategy #FirstJob #NewGrad #CareerAdvice #Networking #LinkedInTips #JobHunt2026 #EntryLevel #PublicPolicy #UniversityOfMichigan #ColdEmailing #CareerDevelopment #YoungProfessionals #JobOffer #Careers #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo