The best examples of networking email templates for informational interviews

Real examples of networking email templates for informational interviews

Let’s start with what you actually came for: real examples of networking email templates for informational interviews you can copy, paste, and customize.

You’ll see the pattern quickly:

• A clear subject line
• A short intro that says who you are
• A line or two that shows you’ve done your homework
• A specific, easy request
• A polite out, so they can say no without guilt

Then we’ll break down why each example works and how to adjust it.

1. Cold outreach to someone you don’t know

This is the classic “I found you on LinkedIn/Google and I’m hoping you’ll talk to me” situation. Here’s an example of a networking email template for an informational interview when you have no mutual contacts.

Subject: Quick 20‑minute chat about [role/field]?

Email:

Hi [Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I’m a [current role or situation: “marketing coordinator exploring product marketing” / “recent grad from [School] interested in UX research”]. I came across your profile while looking for [role/industry] leaders in [city/industry], and your path from [past role] to [current role] really stood out.

I’m currently [brief context: “considering a transition into product marketing” / “researching early-career paths in UX”], and I’d love to learn how you approached similar decisions. Would you be open to a 20‑minute informational conversation sometime in the next few weeks? I’m especially curious about how you [specific detail from their background: “moved from agency to in‑house roles” / “broke into tech without a CS degree”].

I know your time is valuable, so no worries at all if your schedule is packed. Either way, thank you for sharing so much about your work online—it’s been really helpful.

Best,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]
[Optional: Phone]

Why this works:
You’re specific, respectful of time, and you show you’ve actually read their background. This is one of the best examples of a networking email template for informational interviews because it’s short, personal, and easy to say yes to.

2. Using a mutual connection (warm intro request)

Sometimes the best examples of networking email templates for informational interviews don’t go directly to the person you want to meet. They start with a friend or colleague who can introduce you.

Subject: Quick intro to [Name]?

Hi [Friend’s Name],

Hope you’re doing well! I saw on LinkedIn that you’re connected to [Target’s Name] at [Company]. I’ve been exploring [field/role], and their work on [specific project, article, or role] really caught my eye.

Would you feel comfortable introducing us for a short informational conversation? I’d love to ask them a few questions about [specific topic: “transitioning from consulting to corporate strategy” / “breaking into data analytics from a non‑technical background”]. I’d keep it to 20 minutes and be very respectful of their time.

If you’re open to it, I’ve drafted a short blurb you could forward or tweak:

Hi [Target’s Name],

I’d like to introduce you to my colleague [Your Name]. They’re [one‑line description: “a project manager exploring product roles” / “a recent grad interested in public health policy”] and are curious about your path at [Company]. Would you be open to a brief informational chat?

No pressure at all if this isn’t a good time.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You make it easy for your contact to help you and easy for them to say no. When people ask for an introduction this clearly, the response rate is much higher.

3. Following up after an event or webinar

If you’ve heard someone speak at a conference, webinar, or panel, you already have a natural opening. Here’s an example of a networking email template for an informational interview in that situation.

Subject: Your point about [topic] at [event] really stuck with me

Hi [Name],

I attended your session on [topic] at [event/webinar] on [date], and your comments about [specific insight they shared] really stayed with me. I’m [Your Name], a [role/student] at [Company/School], currently exploring [field or decision you’re facing].

I’d love to learn more about how you [specific thing they do: “approach stakeholder communication in your role” / “navigated your move from academia to industry”]. If you’re open to it, would you have 20 minutes for an informational conversation sometime this month?

If now isn’t a good time, I completely understand and appreciate the insights you shared during the session.

Best,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

Why this works:
You show you were paying attention, you connect their expertise to your situation, and you keep the ask light.

4. Reaching out to alumni from your school

Alumni are often more willing to help, especially early‑career professionals. Here’s an example of a networking email template for informational interviews aimed at alumni.

Subject: Fellow [School] alum interested in [field]

Hi [Name],

I’m a fellow [School] alum (Class of [Year]) and came across your profile through the alumni network. I’m currently [your situation: “a senior majoring in economics” / “two years into a finance role and exploring product management”]. Your path from [their major or first job] to [current role] really caught my attention.

I’m exploring [field/industry] and would be grateful for the chance to hear how you approached early career decisions and what your work at [Company] looks like day to day. If you’re open to it, would you have 20 minutes for an informational conversation in the next few weeks?

If your schedule is packed, I’d still appreciate any quick advice or resources you’d recommend.

Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Program/Major, Class Year]
[LinkedIn URL]

Why this works:
You’re using a shared identity (same school) to build trust, and you keep your request realistic.

5. Switching careers or industries

Career changers often struggle with what to say. Here’s a targeted example of a networking email template for an informational interview when you’re pivoting.

Subject: Exploring a move into [new field] – could I ask your advice?

Hi [Name],

I’m [Your Name], currently working as a [current role] at [Company]. Over the past [time period], I’ve become increasingly interested in transitioning into [new field/role], especially after [brief trigger: “leading a cross‑functional project with your team” / “completing a data analytics certificate”].

I found your profile while looking for people who’ve successfully moved from [your background or related field] into [their field], and your path really resonated with me.

Would you be open to a 20‑minute informational conversation about how you approached that transition and what skills you found most helpful? I’m not looking to ask for a job—just to better understand whether this path makes sense and how to prepare.

If now isn’t convenient, I completely understand and appreciate your consideration.

Best,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

Why this works:
You explicitly say you’re not asking for a job, which lowers their guard and makes them more likely to respond.

6. LinkedIn message template for an informational interview

Sometimes you don’t have an email address. Here’s a shorter LinkedIn‑ready example of a networking message template for an informational interview.

Message:

Hi [Name],

I came across your profile while researching [field/role], and your move from [past role/industry] to [current role/company] really stood out.

I’m [Your Name], currently [short context: “a project coordinator at X” / “finishing my master’s in public health”], and I’m exploring similar paths. Would you be open to a brief 15–20 minute informational chat sometime in the next few weeks? I’d love to hear how you approached [specific topic: “your first year in the role” / “building skills for this field”].

Totally understand if your schedule is tight, but I’d really appreciate any time you’re able to spare.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
LinkedIn messages need to be tighter. This hits the same structure as the earlier examples without turning into a wall of text.

7. Follow‑up email when they don’t respond

Even the best examples of networking email templates for informational interviews won’t get a yes every time. People are busy; emails get buried. A polite follow‑up is not annoying if you keep it light.

Subject: Quick follow‑up on informational chat

Hi [Name],

Just a quick note in case my earlier email got buried. I’d still love the chance to ask you a few questions about your work at [Company] and your path into [field].

If now isn’t a good time or you’re not taking informational conversations, no worries at all—I completely understand.

Thank you again for considering it,
[Your Name]

Why this works:
You give them an easy out and you’re not guilt‑tripping them. One follow‑up like this (about 7–10 days later) is reasonable. After that, move on.

How to write your own networking email for an informational interview

Now that you’ve seen several examples of networking email templates for informational interviews, let’s pull out the pattern so you can write your own.

Think in five simple pieces:

1. Subject line that sounds human
Skip the clickbait. Aim for something they might realistically open:

• “Quick question about your path into product management”
• “Fellow [School] alum interested in UX research”
• “Exploring [field] – could I ask your advice?”

2. One‑line intro about who you are
Give them just enough context:

• “I’m a senior at [School] majoring in biology and exploring public health careers.”
• “I’m a financial analyst at [Company] considering a move into data science.”

3. Show you’ve done your homework
Reference something specific: a post they wrote, a talk they gave, a project they led, or a career move they made. This is where a lot of bad templates fall apart—they sound generic and copy‑pasted.

4. Make a clear, small request
You’re not asking for a job. You’re asking for:

• “a 20‑minute informational conversation”
• “a brief 15–20 minute chat”

Research on networking and informal interviews from places like Harvard Business School and MIT emphasizes that people are more willing to help when the request is specific and time‑bound.

5. Give them an easy out
This reduces pressure and actually increases your chances of a yes:

• “If your schedule is packed, I completely understand.”
• “If now isn’t a good time, no worries at all.”

When you look back at the earlier examples of networking email templates for informational interviews, you’ll see all five of these elements repeating with different details.

2024–2025 trends: how informational interview emails are changing

Networking norms shift over time, and your emails should reflect what’s happening now.

Shorter attention spans, shorter emails
People are reading on phones between meetings. Aim for 150–250 words. Most of the best examples above stay in that range.

Video and remote chats are standard
You can safely assume Zoom or phone is fine. You don’t need to suggest coffee unless they’re local and you know that’s common in their city or industry.

AI‑generated messages are everywhere
Many professionals can spot generic AI text a mile away. That’s why your message needs specific details: their talk, their article, their project, or something you genuinely found interesting.

More people are changing careers
Post‑pandemic, career transitions are common. Informational interviews are now a standard part of that process. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that workers change jobs more frequently over their careers than in past decades (BLS data), which makes these conversations feel more normal and less awkward.

Mental health and boundaries matter
Professionals are more protective of their time. Respecting that in your wording (and not pushing if they decline or don’t respond) is part of being a good networking partner.

Common mistakes to avoid (even with great templates)

Looking at the best examples of networking email templates for informational interviews is helpful, but it’s just as important to know what not to do.

Being vague about what you want
“Can I pick your brain?” is fuzzy and overused. “Could I ask for 20 minutes to learn more about your move from audit to corporate finance?” is clear.

Writing a mini‑autobiography
Your life story belongs in your journal, not your first email. Two to three short sentences about you is enough.

Hinting that you want a job
The fastest way to shut down a potential conversation is to sound like you’re asking them to get you hired. Focus on learning, not landing an offer. Ironically, the more you treat it as a real informational interview, the more likely it is to lead to opportunities.

Copy‑pasting the same message to everyone
You can absolutely reuse structure. But if you send the same text to 20 people at the same company, you’ll sound like a bot. Customize 2–3 lines for each person.

Ignoring time zones and schedules
If you know they’re in Europe and you’re in California, say you’re happy to work around their time. Small detail, big signal of respect.

For more guidance on informational interviews and networking etiquette, you can check resources from university career centers like Harvard’s Office of Career Services or MIT Career Advising & Professional Development.

FAQ: Informational interview networking emails

How long should a networking email for an informational interview be?

Aim for about 150–250 words. If your email is longer than what you’d comfortably read on your phone in under a minute, it’s probably too long. The best examples of networking email templates for informational interviews in this guide all stay roughly in that range.

How many people should I contact for informational interviews?

Start small: 5–10 targeted, thoughtful emails are better than blasting 50 generic ones. Track who you’ve contacted and when you followed up. If you’re actively job‑searching, many career coaches suggest aiming for a few informational interviews per month alongside your applications.

Is it okay to ask about salary during an informational interview?

It’s better to ask about salary ranges and market norms than their personal pay. For example: “What’s the typical salary range for someone starting in this field?” You can cross‑check what you hear with data from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or reputable salary surveys.

Can you give another example of a very short informational interview email?

Here’s a compact example of a networking email template for informational interviews:

Subject: Quick question about your path into [field]

Hi [Name],

I’m [Your Name], a [role/student] at [Company/School], exploring [field]. I came across your profile and was impressed by your move from [past role] to [current role] at [Company].

Would you be open to a brief 15–20 minute informational chat sometime this month? I’d love to hear how you approached that transition.

If your schedule is tight, no worries at all.

Best,
[Your Name]

How soon should I follow up if there’s no response?

Wait about 7–10 days, then send one short follow‑up like the example earlier. If they still don’t respond, let it go. Silence usually means “no” or “not now,” and that’s okay. There are plenty of other people you can learn from.

If you use these examples of networking email templates for informational interviews as starting points—and keep your messages short, specific, and respectful—you’ll be miles ahead of most people who are still sending vague, copy‑pasted notes. Edit the words so they sound like you, pick two or three templates that fit your situation, and send them today while the ideas are still fresh.