How to Ask for an Informational Interview as a Student—and Actually Get a Reply
Getting your first internship or graduate job can feel frustrating. You send applications, adjust your resume, write cover letters, and then wait. Sometimes, you never hear back.
There is another way to get closer to the people and companies you want to work with: informational interviews.
An informational interview is a short conversation with someone who already works in a role, industry, or company you are interested in. You are not asking them to hire you. You are asking for their experience, advice, and perspective.
For students, this can be one of the most useful forms of networking—if you approach it properly.
The key is simple: make the conversation about learning, not asking for a job.
Why Should Students Use Informational Interviews?
Cold applications put you in a crowded queue. An informational interview creates an opportunity to have an actual conversation with someone who understands the career path you are considering.
You might learn:
Which skills matter most in your target role
What employers expect from new graduates
Which mistakes beginners commonly make
How someone built their career
What your university coursework may be missing
Which people or resources you should explore next
More importantly, a good conversation can turn a stranger into a professional connection.
That does not mean an informational interview guarantees a job. It simply gives you something a job application cannot always provide: context, feedback, and a relationship.
If you are an international student exploring opportunities abroad, you may also find our Study in Germany Guide for International Students and Germany University Admission Requirements for Students useful starting points.
How to Ask for an Informational Interview Without Sounding Awkward
The biggest mistake students make is writing a long message that sounds like a job application.
You don't need to explain your entire academic history. You also don't need to tell someone that you have "always dreamed" of working at their company.
A strong informational interview email for a student usually has three parts.
1. Start With a Genuine Connection
Show the person why you chose to contact them specifically.
Maybe you found them through your university alumni network. Perhaps you read something they published or watched a presentation they gave.
For example:
"I came across your profile through our university alumni network and noticed your transition from engineering into product management."
That is much stronger than:
"I am interested in your company and would like to connect."
2. Explain What You Are Learning
Give them enough context to understand who you are and what you want to learn.
Mention your degree, year of study, and one specific area you are exploring.
Instead of saying:
"I am interested in technology."
Try:
"I'm a third-year computer science student currently building a small project using Python and exploring how junior developers move from academic projects to production environments."
Specificity makes your request easier to take seriously.
3. Make the Request Small
Don't ask for an hour.
Ask for 15 minutes.
A short request feels manageable, particularly when you're contacting someone who has a busy schedule.
You can offer two possible time slots, but make it clear that you are happy to work around their availability.
3 Informational Interview Email Templates for Students
Template 1: University Alumni
Subject: Question from a fellow [University Name] student
Hi [Name],
I came across your profile through the [University Name] alumni network and was interested in your career path from [Major] to your current role as [Job Title] at [Company].
I'm currently a third-year [Field] student, and I'm exploring [specific area]. I'd especially like to understand how you made the transition into [industry] and which skills helped you most during the early stages of your career.
Would you be open to a brief 15-minute virtual coffee chat next Tuesday or Thursday? I'd really appreciate the opportunity to learn from your experience.
Best,
[Your Name]
Template 2: Someone Whose Work You Follow
Subject: Loved your post on [Specific Topic]
Hi [Name],
I recently read your LinkedIn post about [specific topic], particularly your point about [specific detail]. It gave me a different perspective on my own project around [topic].
I'm currently studying [degree] and preparing for a career in [target role]. I'm trying to understand which skills and practical capabilities actually make junior candidates stand out.
Would you be open to a quick 15-minute conversation sometime in the next couple of weeks? I'd value your perspective.
Best,
[Your Name]
Template 3: Short and Direct
Subject: 15-minute career question
Hi [Name],
I'm a [year] student studying [field], and I'm currently exploring a career in [industry/role]. I found your career path particularly interesting because of your experience in [specific area].
Could I ask you for 15 minutes to hear what you wish you had known before entering this field?
I'm happy to work around your schedule.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
What Should You Ask During an Informational Interview?
Don't waste your limited time asking questions that can be answered by reading the company's website.
Ask about their experience and judgment instead.
Here are five useful questions to ask in an informational interview:
"What surprised you most during your first year in this career?"
"Which skill became more important in your job than you expected?"
"What do strong entry-level candidates usually do differently?"
"If you were a college student entering this field today, what would you spend the next six months learning?"
"Is there someone else you think I should speak with to understand this career better?"
That final question can be particularly valuable. A single conversation can introduce you to another professional, and that person may introduce you to someone else.
That is how networking as a college student becomes a genuine relationship-building process rather than simply collecting LinkedIn connections.
What You Should Never Do
Informational interviews work best when you respect the purpose of the conversation.
Avoid:
Immediately asking whether the company is hiring
Sending a generic copy-paste message
Asking for a referral in your first message
Talking about yourself for the entire conversation
Asking questions you could easily Google
Treating the conversation like an interview for a job
If the person mentions an opening themselves, that's different. But don't make a request for career advice feel like a disguised job application.
Don't Forget the Follow-Up
Your networking does not end when the call ends.
Send a short thank-you message afterward. Mention one useful thing you learned so the message feels personal rather than automated.
For example:
"Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me. Your advice about building practical projects instead of focusing only on certifications was particularly helpful. I'll definitely keep that in mind as I prepare for internships."
Good informational interview etiquette is not complicated. Be prepared, be respectful of their time, listen carefully, and follow up.
And remember: the goal isn't to convince someone to hire you in 15 minutes.
The goal is to leave the conversation with better information, a stronger professional connection, and a clearer idea of what to do next.
If you're also working on becoming more confident in professional conversations, our Action Plan to Improve Communication Skills can help. And if you're considering a move into technology, see our guide on How to Switch From Non-Tech to Tech Roles.
