When engaging in informational interviewing regarding a potential career path, what specific goal must the inquirer explicitly state they are seeking?

Advice and insight into the role's daily reality

Informational interviewing is explicitly defined as a deliberate quest for knowledge, not a subtle job application. The core purpose is epistemological—to gain a genuine understanding of the day-to-day environment of the target role. Therefore, when reaching out to professionals, the inquirer must be upfront that they are seeking advice and insight into the practical reality of the job. This contrasts sharply with asking for job referrals or hinting at immediate employment needs. By focusing the conversation on what a typical Tuesday looks like, what education was genuinely useful, and the common challenges newcomers face, the researcher vicariously experiences the role before committing personal time and resources, which is the ultimate objective of this research phase.