Why Informational Interviews Matter
Most students and job seekers think of interviews only in one way: the high-pressure meeting where your performance decides whether you get hired. But there’s another kind of interview — one that flips the script.
An informational interview is not a job interview. It’s a conversation you initiate with someone working in a field, role, or company you’re interested in. The purpose? Not to ask for a job, but to gain insight, advice, and perspective.
Done right, informational interviews can uncover hidden career paths, expand your network, and even open doors to opportunities later — without the stress of formal evaluation.
For international students studying in the UK, they can also provide clarity on unfamiliar industries, visa sponsorship realities, and employer expectations.
The Difference Between Informational and Job Interviews
- Job Interview: Employer evaluates you for a role. Pressure is high. The focus is on your skills and fit.
- Informational Interview: You evaluate the industry/role by asking questions. Pressure is low. The focus is on the professional’s experience and advice.
This difference is crucial. In an informational interview, you’re not trying to “sell” yourself. You’re trying to learn. Ironically, this relaxed format often builds stronger professional relationships — which can lead to opportunities later.
Step 1: Identify the Right People
Who should you request an informational interview with? Aim for:
- Alumni from your university (for example, graduates from UWS London).
- Professionals in your target industry on LinkedIn.
- Guest speakers from webinars or conferences.
- Connections suggested by your mentors, professors, or the TEG Club at UWS London.
Starting with warm connections like alumni is often best, since they’re more likely to say yes.
Step 2: Make the Request
How you ask matters. Keep it:
- Polite: Respect their time.
- Specific: Mention why you chose them.
- Flexible: Offer short time slots (15–20 minutes).
Sample outreach message:
“Hello [Name], I’m currently studying MSc Information Technology at UWS London and exploring careers in data analytics. I came across your profile and would love to learn more about your journey and advice for someone starting out. Would you be open to a short 15–20 minute call at your convenience?”
Step 3: Prepare Your Questions
Don’t go in unprepared. Have a short list of thoughtful questions like:
- What’s a typical day like in your role?
- What skills matter most in your industry right now?
- How did you land your first role after graduation?
- What mistakes do you see fresh graduates make?
- If you were in my shoes, how would you prepare for this career?
For international students, it’s also smart to ask about visa sponsorship and Graduate Route realities:
- Do employers in your industry frequently sponsor international candidates?
- What’s the best way for an international graduate to stand out?
Step 4: During the Conversation
Keep it conversational, not transactional.
- Start with gratitude.
- Listen more than you talk.
- Take notes.
- Respect time limits.
If they seem open, you can share a little about your own background — but keep the focus on learning, not pitching.
Step 5: Follow Up
Always thank them afterwards — ideally with a personalised note. Mention one thing you learned that was particularly valuable.
Later, update them on your progress. For example:
“Thank you again for your advice on improving my data visualisation skills. I’ve since taken a Tableau course and applied it in my project — it made a big difference.”
This builds credibility and keeps the relationship alive.
The Hidden Benefits You Don’t See Immediately
- Clarity on Career Fit
Instead of guessing if a role is right for you, you get real insights into what the work looks like. - Insider Knowledge
Job postings rarely reveal company culture, challenges, or unspoken expectations. Informational interviews do. - Network Expansion
Many professionals will end by saying, “You should also talk to my colleague in X department.” That’s how networks grow organically. - Future Opportunities
While you shouldn’t expect a job offer, staying in touch can lead to them thinking of you when a role opens.
Why This Matters for International Students
If you’re studying abroad, you face two unique challenges:
- Time Pressure – With only 18 months on the UK Graduate Route, you can’t afford to spend a year “figuring it out.”
- Knowledge Gap – You may not fully understand UK employer expectations, industry dynamics, or hiring practices.
Informational interviews close these gaps. They allow you to learn faster than trial-and-error, and they help you see where your home-country strengths can be adapted to the UK market.
For example, a UWS student from Egypt studying BEng Cyber Security may assume employers only care about technical certifications. An informational interview with a UK-based cyber analyst might reveal the equal importance of communication skills for presenting security risks to non-technical managers.
How Erudmite Prepares You for This
At Erudmite, we encourage students not just to apply blindly but to research, ask, and engage. Our one-on-one career counselling often includes:
- Guidance on how to write outreach messages.
- Mock informational interviews.
- Linking students to alumni networks via the TEG Club at UWS London.
We’ve seen that students who conduct even five informational interviews in their first year have far more clarity and confidence by graduation.
Informational interviews are one of the most underused career tools. They cost nothing but time, yet the returns are enormous: clarity, confidence, connections, and sometimes even future job opportunities.
Final Word
For international students, they are not just useful — they are essential. With limited time in the UK, you can’t afford to wait for opportunities to come to you. Informational interviews allow you to seek knowledge directly from the source and chart a smarter, faster career path.
At Erudmite, we believe your questions are as important as your answers. Start asking them today.
FAQs
Q1. How long should an informational interview last?
15–30 minutes is ideal. Respect their time.
Q2. Should I ask for a job at the end?
No. The goal is insight and relationship-building, not job-seeking.
Q3. What if they don’t reply to my request?
Don’t take it personally. Professionals are busy. Send a polite follow-up after a week, then move on.
Q4. Do I need to dress formally for a virtual call?
Smart casual is fine. Professionalism matters more than a suit.
Q5. How many informational interviews should I aim for?
Even 3–5 can give you valuable insights. More is better, but focus on quality conversations.
Q6. Can I connect with professionals from other countries?
Yes. Remote informational interviews are common and give you global perspectives.
Q7. Do UK employers appreciate this effort?
Yes, many admire proactive students who show genuine curiosity.
