An Informational Interview is a meeting in which a job seeker asks for avice rather than employment. The job seeker uses the interview to gather information on the field, find employment leads and expand their professional network. This differs from a job interview because the job seeker asks the questions. There may or may not be employment opportunities available. The term was coined by Richard Nelson Bolles, author of the best-selling career handbook, What Color Is Your Parachute?