Want to learn what a career is really like before pursuing it? One of the best ways is to speak with someone already doing the work. The challenge is knowing how to approach them, especially if you've never met.
An informational interview is a short conversation that helps you explore a career, understand a role, or learn from someone's professional experience. Unlike a job interview, it isn't about applying for an opening. You're asking for insight, not employment.
Whether you're a student contacting an alumnus, a professional considering a career change, or someone following up with a LinkedIn connection, a thoughtful request can help you start that conversation. Here are three email templates you can adapt.
What to know before requesting an informational interview
An informational interview typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes and focuses on learning about a particular career or industry. According to UC Berkeley's Career Engagement office, these conversations can help people understand workplace expectations, discover career paths, and develop professional connections.
You might ask about someone's daily responsibilities, the skills their position requires, or the decisions that shaped their career. If you're considering a career change, you can also discuss transferable skills and qualifications worth pursuing.
The distinction between seeking advice and requesting employment matters. Harvard's networking guidance recommends against asking contacts for jobs during informational meetings. Professional introductions or job leads may arise later, but they shouldn't be your primary reason for reaching out.
Find someone whose experience matches your goals
Start with people you know, including former colleagues, professors, classmates, or professional acquaintances. University alumni networks, LinkedIn, industry associations, and networking events can also help you find potential contacts.
Look beyond impressive job titles. Someone who recently entered your target field may offer useful advice about applications, training, and early-career challenges. A more experienced professional may provide insight into advancement and long-term opportunities.
Before contacting anyone, identify one or two things you'd genuinely like to learn from them. That gives your message a clear purpose.
How to write an informational interview request email
A good request should be brief, personal, and easy to answer. The Kogod School of Business at American University recommends explaining why you've chosen a particular person, clarifying that you're seeking advice rather than employment, and suggesting a manageable meeting length.
Include these elements:
- A clear subject line: Identify why you're reaching out.
- A brief introduction: Explain who you are and how you found the recipient.
- A personal connection: Mention a shared affiliation or something specific about their experience.
- A learning-focused request: Explain what you'd like to understand about their career.
- A reasonable time commitment: Request approximately 20 to 30 minutes and suggest convenient meeting windows.
- A polite closing: Thank the recipient and include your contact information.
Keep the email to roughly three short paragraphs. If you suggest meeting times, include your time zone and offer flexibility. Phone and video calls are convenient options, although an in-person meeting may also work.
3 informational interview email templates
Choose the template that matches your relationship with the recipient. Replace every placeholder with accurate details, and personalize the message before sending it.
Template 1: Reaching out to an alumnus or mutual contact
Use this approach when you share a school, former employer, professional association, or mutual connection.
Subject: Fellow [School] Graduate Seeking Career Advice
Hi [Name],
I'm a fellow [School] graduate exploring opportunities in [field]. I came across your profile and was interested in your experience as a [role] at [company].
Would you be available for a 20-minute phone or video conversation about your career path? I'm free [Tuesday afternoon] or [Thursday morning, time zone], but I'm happy to work around your schedule.
Thank you for considering my request.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]
If a mutual acquaintance introduced you, mention that person's name in the opening sentence. For former colleagues, replace the school reference with your shared workplace or project.
Template 2: Contacting someone you don't know
Cold outreach works best when your message shows you've researched the recipient. A specific project, career transition, or professional achievement provides a stronger opening than generic praise.
Subject: Question About Your Career in [Field]
Hi [Name],
I'm [Your Name], and I'm exploring careers in [field]. I came across your profile while researching [role or industry] and was interested in your work on [specific project or experience].
I'd appreciate the chance to learn more about your career path and what working in this field involves. Would you be open to a 20-minute phone or video conversation? I'm available [two suggested time windows, including time zone], but I can adjust to your schedule.
Thank you for your time.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]
Only mention work you've actually researched. One relevant detail is more convincing than several vague compliments.
Template 3: Following up after connecting
If you've recently met someone at an event or connected on LinkedIn, refer to that interaction before requesting a conversation.
For a new LinkedIn connection, you might first write:
"Hi [Name], thanks for connecting. I'm interested in learning more about your work in [field] and would be glad to stay in touch."
You can then send a more specific request through LinkedIn or email.
Subject: Following Up on [Event or Connection]
Hi [Name],
It was great connecting with you through [event or LinkedIn]. I was interested in your experience with [specific role, project, or professional topic].
Would you be open to a 20-minute conversation about your career path? I'm available [two suggested time windows, including time zone], but I'm happy to find another time that works for you.
Thanks again,
[Your Name]
If you've already spoken at an event, mention something you discussed. If you've only connected online, refer to the person's background without implying you've had a conversation.
Questions to prepare before the conversation
Once someone agrees to meet, research their background and prepare several open-ended questions. Focus on information you couldn't easily find on their company website or LinkedIn profile.
Consider asking:
- What does a typical workday look like in your role?
- Which skills have been most important to your career?
- What challenges should someone entering this field expect?
- How did you prepare for your current position?
- What would you recommend to someone considering a similar career transition?
- What do you wish you'd known when you started?
Prioritize three or four questions, but prepare a few extras. Listen carefully, ask relevant follow-up questions, and respect the agreed meeting length. Leave room for the conversation to develop naturally.
When and how to follow up
If you haven't received a response after five to seven business days, one polite follow-up is reasonable. Keep it brief and avoid pressuring the recipient.
For example:
"Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on my earlier message about a brief conversation regarding your experience in [field]. I understand you may have a busy schedule, but I'd appreciate the opportunity to connect if you have time. Thank you for considering it."
If there's still no response, move on to another contact.
After the interview, send a thank-you email within one or two days. Mention something specific you learned and express appreciation for the person's time. If you act on their advice, consider sharing a brief update later.
For examples of post-conversation messages, see Kogod's thank-you email guidance.
Send your first informational interview request
Start with a few professionals whose experience matches your career interests. Choose the appropriate template, explain why you'd like to speak with them, and make a request that respects their time.
You don't need a large professional network to get started. A single conversation can help you see a career more clearly, understand which skills to develop, or recognize that a different path may suit you better. The first step is simply asking.
