#Informational Interview

An informational interview is a ritual of extracting free knowledge under the guise of ‘research,’ while justifying one’s own anxiety as ‘professional development.’ Participants flatter each other as experts without bearing any real responsibility, walking away with little more than a bullet point on a resume. For companies, it’s often just small talk and free advertising masquerading as mentorship. Attendees furiously take notes only to later forget everything or realize the advice doesn’t apply to their situation. Ultimately, it’s a charade of mutual self-congratulation preserving face and avoiding real work.