Informational Interviews: What They Are and How to Use Them in Your UK Job Search

An informational interview is a conversation where you ask someone about their career, their industry, or their organisation — not to apply for a job, but to learn and build a relationship.

It sounds modest. In practice, it is one of the most effective career development and job search tools available — particularly for career changers, early-career professionals, and anyone trying to break into a new sector.

Why Informational Interviews Work

Most people agree to informational interviews because being asked for their perspective is flattering and the ask is low-pressure. There is no position to fill, no competition, no judgment. The conversation is genuinely mutual: the person you speak with enjoys sharing their experience, and you genuinely learn.

The job search benefit is a natural consequence of the relationship. People you have had a genuine conversation with are far more likely to think of you when an opportunity arises, to flag your name internally, or to make an introduction to a hiring manager.

Who to Ask

The most valuable informational interview requests go to:

• People doing the job you want to do (ask about their career path and what the work actually involves)
• People at companies you want to work for (ask about culture, hiring, and what they look for)
• Sector experts or thought leaders (ask about the industry and where it is heading)
• People who transitioned from your current field to your target one (ask how they made the move)

LinkedIn is the most reliable way to find these people. Alumni from your university who now work in your target field are particularly warm contacts for this purpose.

How to Ask

Keep the request short and specific. Three to four sentences maximum.

"Hi [Name], I hope you do not mind me reaching out. I came across your profile while researching [sector/company/career path] and your experience in [specific area] is exactly what I am trying to understand better. I am at a career stage where I am seriously exploring [direction], and a brief conversation with someone who has been through a similar transition would be incredibly valuable. Would you have twenty to thirty minutes for a call in the next few weeks?"

Specific points:

• Reference why them specifically
• Be honest about your purpose (exploring, not asking for a job)
• Make the ask low-commitment (twenty to thirty minutes)
• Give them control over the timing

Preparing for the Conversation

Prepare genuine questions. Do not waste their time with questions you could Google.

Good questions:

• "How did you transition into this field from [your background]?"
• "What does a typical week in your role look like?"
• "What skills or experiences have been most valuable to you in this career?"
• "What do you wish you had known earlier?"
• "What would you look for if you were hiring someone for an entry-level role in this area?"
• "Is there anyone else you think I should speak with?"

The last question is important. A good informational interview often leads to two more.

During the Conversation

Listen more than you talk. The person you are speaking with knows things you need to know. Let them share it.

Take notes — but let the conversation flow naturally. Do not read from a list of questions mechanically.

Be genuine. If something they say genuinely interests you, say so. If something surprises you, let them know. Real conversations are more memorable than professional performances.

After the Conversation

Send a thank-you within twenty-four hours. Be specific about what you found most useful. Follow up on any suggestions or introductions they offered.

Stay in touch. Every few months, share something relevant: an article about the sector, news about something they mentioned, an update on your own progress. Maintain the relationship with genuine interest.

Converting Conversations Into Opportunities

You should not explicitly ask for a job in an informational interview. But you can be transparent:

"I am actively exploring opportunities in this area — if you ever hear of anything that might be a fit, I would be grateful to be considered."

This is natural, non-pressuring, and perfectly appropriate. Many informational interview conversations have led directly to job offers, referrals, or introductions that led to offers.

Use CVCircuit to build a CV that is ready whenever your informational interview network generates a real opportunity — specific, compelling, and positioned exactly for the roles you have been researching.