What is identified as the primary purpose of the informational interview in relationship-based job seeking?

To learn.

The informational interview serves as the fundamental cornerstone of a networking strategy rooted in building relationships rather than transactional job hunting. The primary, explicitly stated purpose of this meeting is centered around gaining knowledge and insight—that is, to learn about the role, the department's current challenges, the company culture, and the necessary skills for success in that field. While a successful conversation might naturally transition into a discussion about potential openings near the end, initiating the meeting with the intent to learn ensures the interaction remains focused on advice exchange, aligning with the principle of gathering information before asking for a favor.