How to Ask for Informational Interview on Linkedin
How to ask for an informational interview via email
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What's an informational interview?
An informational interview is a great way to connect with professionals and gain industry insight from someone already deep in the trenches. You'll build your network while strategically placing yourself in the mix for any future opportunities. Play your cards right, and it could lead to a job referral in the future.
You can request informational interviews from people who went to your school, professional contacts, or even people in your LinkedIn network.
Use our email template and below points to craft an informational interview request that gets a positive response!
Striking a mutual connection
Start the email by sharing how you came to contact them. This is a good way to establish a rapport with your potential contact. If you were referred by someone, mention their name at the start of the email. A warm introduction like this is extremely likely to get a response.
If you have a shared professional connection, make it clear "I'm a Berkeley Alumni working in data science too."
Be clear about what you're asking for
Be clear that you'd just like to ask a few questions about their industry and career experience.
"I'm keen to hear your insights on emerging trends in (insert industry) and any advice on getting started in the industry?"
The idea of an informational interview isn't to ask for a job - it's to establish a connection, gather information, and make a good impression.
Be flexible!
Typically, offering your potential contact for a coffee was common place, but now in light of everything going on, I'd recommend just offering a quick call over Zoom or phone call. Sometimes, just emailing your questions may work better for a busy schedule.
Haven't heard back? Send a short follow up email 4 - 5 days after your first email. Landing an informational interview might take time, but it can be a career gamechanger.
Sample email templates
Here are exact word-for-word email samples you can start using right away. They're applicable for both email and LinkedIn messages.
How to ask for an informational interview via email
Subject: Interested in connecting
Hi Rohan,
Greetings from a fellow Berkeley alum! I hope you're doing great.
I came across your profile on LinkedIn and noticed that you're a Data Scientist at Resume Worded.
I'm currently a Software Engineer and I've been thinking about a career change. I'd love to ask you 3-5 questions about your experience at Resume Worded and your insights on the data science industry.
Any chance you would be available for a quick phone/video call this Thursday at 11am? I'm flexible so if any other day/time works better for you, let me know!
Thanks!
Katie
P.S. Alternatively, if it's easier for you, I'd be happy to send my questions via email - thank you!
Insight
There are a few reasons why this email has a high response rate. First, it quickly mentions the shared connection (Berkeley). Second, the specific mention of 3-5 questions is a small ask and easier to commit to.
Finally, it's flexible and respectful of the alumni's time - it not only gives a specific time slot the alumni can say yes or no to, but it also gives the option to continue the conversation via email.
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How to ask for an informational interview via email
Subject: Would love to connect
Hi Kimberley,
I'm Rohan and I'm currently a software engineer at Samsung. I found your profile after reading a post you wrote on LinkedIn about predicting customer churn at Resume Worded. I found the article fascinating and I've actually just started implementing a similar model myself - thanks for your detailed perspectives!
I'm reaching out because I've been thinking about a career change into data science. If it's OK with you, I'd love to ask you 3-5 questions about your experience at Resume Worded and your insights on the data science industry.
Any chance you would be available for a quick call this Thursday at 11am? I'm flexible so if any other day/time works better for you, let me know!
Thanks!
Katie
P.S. Alternatively, if it's easier for you, I'd be happy to send my questions via email - thank you!
Insight
When looking for contacts to cold email, it's worth reviewing their recent activity on LinkedIn and referencing it in your cold email.
Additionally, the specific mention of 3-5 questions is a small ask and easier to commit to. Second, it's flexible and respectful of the contact's time - it not only gives a specific time slot the alumni can say yes or no to, but it also gives the option to continue the conversation via email.
Found this template useful? Bookmark it and you'll never get stuck on an email again. Also, please share it with your network! It helps us keep these templates free.
Asking for informational interview more casually
Subject: Congrats on the move!
Hi Kim,
I see from LinkedIn that you're currently working in blockchain. That's amazing - congrats on the move! I've actually been contemplating a similar move and would love to hear what the transition was like for you. Would you have 15 mins for a cup of coffee? Alternatively, I could send over a few questions by email.
Thanks,
Rohan
Insight
This could either be sent via email or LinkedIn, depending on your relationship. The email is succinct and to the point, and is a good one to use to maintain your relationships with your network.
Found this template useful? Bookmark it and you'll never get stuck on an email again. Also, please share it with your network! It helps us keep these templates free.
Asking an alum
Subject: Career changer interested in [industry]
Hi Stephanie,
My name is Kelly Min. I'm a recent graduate who came across your name through [how you found them, e.g. a post you made on X LinkedIn group, an article you wrote, LinkedIn when researching consulting profiles].
I'm currently an Account Executive at Resume Worded, but have been strongly considering a career switch to consulting.
I saw from your LinkedIn profile that you've worked at both X and Y - those are both companies I'm researching heavily at the moment, but unsure if these roles are well suited to a [career changer / recent graduate / whatever characterizes you best] like me! So I thought I'd reach out to you - I hope that's okay.
If you had 15 minutes, do you think I could get your insight into your job and the consulting industry? If so, I'd love to schedule a quick phone/video call for whenever works for you - no pressure if you're busy, but if you are available, let me know what you're schedule is like and I'll accommodate it.
Thanks!
Kelly
Insight
Note how we ask for advice, not a job. You don't want to be emailing someone that doesn't know you for a job or an interview right off the bat. Build a relationship first!
Highlight specific questions in your email ("is consulting a good fit for me?") and suggest a short meeting - you're more likely to get a response this way.
Found this template useful? Bookmark it and you'll never get stuck on an email again. Also, please share it with your network! It helps us keep these templates free.
Asking an alumni for an informational interview
Subject: RISD student reaching out for career advice
Hello Sasha,
My name is Ashley Wilson and I'm currently a final-year student at the Rhode Island School of Design, majoring in Architecture. I came across your profile on LinkedIn when researching RISD alumni in design and noticed that you've held some extremely interesting roles at T-Mobile, Facebook and Resume Worded. There aren't many people who have had such unique design-centric experiences at not only established companies, but also high growth tech companies and startups!
I'm graduating in May and I'd be so grateful if I could ask you a few questions about your career path and how you got to where you are today. If you have the time, I will come to you wherever you are, even if it is for 15 minutes, phone or email - whatever works with you.
Does anytime in the next week work for you?
Thanks!
Ashley
Insight
There are a few reasons why this email has a high response rate. First, it quickly mentions the shared connection (RISD). Second, it compliments the VIP as well as mentions why she is uniquely positioned to give the advice the candidate is looking for.
Finally, the second paragraph shows flexibility and respect to the VIP's time.
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Sending your resume with the email
Subject: Reaching out for career advice
Hi Ashley,
I hope all is well. My name is Mark Anthony, and currently I'm a senior at the ABC Business School, minoring in Marketing Psychology. I found your name on our alumni database and I'm very interested in learning more about the marketing field.
I'd love to learn more about your role at Resume Worded and how you got started in such an exciting and competitive industry. I'd be grateful if you had 10-15 minutes to speak to me about your experience and particularly the choices you made after graduating. Are you free anytime next week?
I have attached a copy of my resume just for your information so that you can have a little more background about me.
Much appreciate you reading this email!
Best,
Rohan
Insight
Note how we ask for advice, not a job. You don't want to be emailing someone that doesn't know you for a job or an interview right off the bat. Build a relationship first!
Highlight specific questions in your email ("is consulting a good fit for me?") and suggest a short meeting - you're more likely to get a response this way.
Found this template useful? Bookmark it and you'll never get stuck on an email again. Also, please share it with your network! It helps us keep these templates free.
Requesting an informational interview after a networking event
Subject: I hope you're well!
Hello John! I hope you're doing well. This is Samantha, we met at the networking brunch at the Marriott Hotel back in 2019. I'm reaching out to you today because I was recently laid off from XYZ Industries, and I thought you might be able to help me in finding my next opportunity.
I'm looking for a position in XYZ, and I remember you saying that you have experience in this area.
A little about my background:
-5 years at X Industries, designing the fitness application Y which had 100k downloads
-3 years experience with Java
-Experience in graphic design
Would you be available to talk briefly over the phone sometime in the upcoming week? I would really appreciate just 15 minutes of your time.
Thank you so much, your insight and advice would be extremely valuable to me. I have attached my resume to this email.
Insight
Here's another example of an email that you can use to request an informational interview.
Found this template useful? Bookmark it and you'll never get stuck on an email again. Also, please share it with your network! It helps us keep these templates free.
How to Ask for Informational Interview on Linkedin
Source: https://resumeworded.com/networking-email-templates/informational-interview-templates/asking-for-informational-interview