So we answered the first part of my client's questions: " What the &^%$ is an Informational Interview? " in my first entry. Now onto the other half of my client's question :"Why would ANYONE ever agree to giving one??!"

Here are the top three answers as to why someone agrees to give an I.I.:
1) Believe or not, people like to help people ( don't roll your eyes..) studies show that professional satisfaction relies heavily on the ability to have "meaning" to your work. At some point, we all got a break; many people remember that and karmically like to pay it forward.; 2) Most people feel very isolated in their jobs and work. Many people will grant an I.I. so that they can connect, mentor and add value to someone else's career objectives. These are key leadership activities they may not be able to access or may not be given an opportunity to demonstrate in their present position. This builds their skills as leaders and makes them feel good--a great motivator to do anything; 3) Talent can come from the most unlikely places. And sometimes an I.I. presents the interviewer with talent that they or the company may quietly need. Finding talent that way and presenting it to their boss, shows initiative and makes them look good. Another motivator for granting an I.I.
Either way you look at it setting up a...you know... 15 minute coffee meeting ...is a win-win for everyone!