Best examples of informational interview job inquiry email templates (with copy‑and‑paste scripts)

Real-world examples of informational interview job inquiry email templates

Let’s skip theory and go straight into the good stuff: real examples you can borrow. Each example of an informational interview job inquiry email template includes context, the actual email, and a quick breakdown of why it works.

Example 1: Cold outreach to someone you don’t know (LinkedIn or email)

This is one of the best examples to use when you’ve never met the person and you’re reaching out based on their role, company, or background.

Subject: Quick 15‑minute chat about your path into product management?

Email:
Hi [Name],

I came across your profile while researching product managers at mid-size tech companies in [city/region], and your path from [previous field] to [current role] really stood out.

I’m currently a [your current role or situation, e.g., “data analyst transitioning into product”] and I’m exploring next steps in my career. I’d love to ask you a few questions about how you navigated that transition and what skills you rely on most day to day.

If you’re open to it, would you have 15–20 minutes for a brief Zoom or phone call sometime in the next couple of weeks? I know your time is valuable, so I’m happy to work around your schedule and come prepared with specific questions.

Either way, thanks for sharing so much about your work online—it’s been really helpful as I map out my own path.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn URL]
[Your City, Time Zone]

Why this works: It’s short, specific, and respectful of their time. It makes a clear ask (15–20 minutes) without pushing for a job. Among the best examples of informational interview job inquiry email template language, it shows you’ve actually read their profile.

Example 2: Informational interview request to a warm connection (friend-of-a-friend)

Use this when someone has been introduced to you or you share a mutual connection.

Subject: Intro from [Mutual Contact] – quick career chat?

Hi [Name],

[Mutual Contact] suggested I reach out to you because I’m exploring [field/role], and they spoke very highly of your experience at [Company].

I’m currently [one line about you: “a marketing coordinator at a nonprofit looking to move into brand marketing in tech”]. I’d really value your perspective on how you got started and what you’d recommend for someone trying to make a similar move in 2025.

If you’re willing, I’d love to schedule a 20‑minute virtual coffee sometime in the next two weeks. I’ll keep it focused and make sure it’s a good use of your time.

Thanks again for considering this, and please feel free to say no if your schedule is packed right now.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works: It leans on the mutual contact for credibility, but still keeps the ask small and easy to decline. In many lists of the best examples of informational interview job inquiry email template copy, this structure shows up because it feels low-pressure.

Example 3: Reaching out to a college or grad school alum

Alumni are often more willing to respond, which makes this one of the most reliable examples of informational interview job inquiry email template formats.

Subject: Fellow [School] alum interested in [field] – quick chat?

Hi [Name],

I’m a fellow [School] alum (Class of [Year]) and came across your profile on the alumni directory/LinkedIn. Your work in [specific area, e.g., “health policy at the state level”] caught my eye.

I’m currently [your role or situation, e.g., “finishing my MPH and exploring policy analyst roles”], and I’d love to learn more about how you built your career after [School].

Would you be open to a 20‑minute conversation sometime this month? I’m especially interested in how you chose your first role out of school and any advice you might have for someone entering the field in 2025.

Thank you for considering it, and regardless, I appreciate the example you’re setting for those of us following a similar path.

All the best,
[Your Name]
[Program, Graduation Year]

Why this works: The shared school connection creates instant rapport. It also subtly flatters them by acknowledging them as an example you look up to.

Example 4: Following up after meeting at a conference or event

If you’ve already met briefly, this example of an informational interview job inquiry email template helps you turn a quick chat into a deeper conversation.

Subject: Great to meet you at [Event] – could I ask a few follow‑up questions?

Hi [Name],

It was great meeting you at [Event] last week and hearing your thoughts on [topic you discussed or their panel topic]. I’ve been thinking about your point on [specific insight they shared] and how it applies to my own career.

I’m currently [your role/situation], and I’m exploring opportunities in [field/industry]. If you’re open to it, I’d love to schedule a brief follow‑up conversation to ask a few more questions about your work at [Company] and how you see the field evolving over the next few years.

Would you have 15–20 minutes in the next couple of weeks for a quick call? I’d really appreciate your perspective.

Thanks again for the insights you shared at [Event].

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works: It reminds them who you are, shows you listened, and connects their expertise to your career questions. Among real examples of informational interview job inquiry email template messages, this one feels natural because it continues an existing conversation.

Example 5: Pivoting careers in 2024–2025 (mid-career transition)

The job market in 2024–2025 is full of career changers. This example of an informational interview job inquiry email template is tailored to that reality.

Subject: Career changer exploring [new field] – would value your insight

Hi [Name],

I’m reaching out because I’m transitioning from [Old Field] into [New Field], and your path into [their role/industry] is exactly the kind of example I’ve been looking for.

For the past [X] years I’ve worked as a [brief background], and over the last year I’ve been building skills in [courses, certifications, projects – e.g., “UX design via online courses and volunteer projects”].

I’d love to learn more about:

• How you made your own transition
• What hiring managers in [New Field] look for now
• Any common mistakes career changers make

If you’re open to it, could we set up a 20‑minute call sometime in the next two weeks? I’m happy to send a few questions in advance.

Thank you for considering this, and I completely understand if your schedule doesn’t allow.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works: It acknowledges the reality of a career pivot and shows you’re already taking action (courses, projects). It’s one of the best examples of informational interview job inquiry email template language for mid-career professionals.

Example 6: Internal informational interview (someone at your own company)

Informational interviews aren’t just for job hunting elsewhere. They’re also powerful for internal moves.

Subject: Exploring internal paths into [team/role] – quick chat?

Hi [Name],

I’m [Your Name] from the [Your Team] team. I’ve been curious about the work your group is doing around [specific project or focus], especially as I think about where I can grow within [Company].

If you’re open to it, I’d really appreciate 20 minutes to learn more about:

• How your team is structured
• What skills you look for when hiring
• Ways someone in my current role can prepare for a move into [their area]

I know you’re busy, so I’m happy to work around your calendar and keep it focused.

Thanks for considering it, and either way, I appreciate the work your team is doing.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Role]

Why this works: It frames the conversation as internal growth, not as you trying to escape your current job. Many internal mobility programs and HR teams (see guidance from sites like CareerOneStop.org) encourage exactly this kind of outreach.

Example 7: Informational interview request after a layoff

Layoffs have been common in 2023–2025. This real example of an informational interview job inquiry email template helps you address that without sounding apologetic.

Subject: Recently impacted by layoffs – exploring next steps in [field]

Hi [Name],

I hope you don’t mind the outreach. I was recently part of a layoff at [Former Company] where I worked as a [Your Role], and I’m now taking the opportunity to rethink my next step in [field/industry].

I’ve admired your work at [Their Company] and your posts about [topic, if applicable]. I’d be grateful for 20 minutes of your time to ask a few questions about how you see the market in [field] right now and how someone with my background might position themselves.

I’m not asking about job openings—just your perspective as someone who’s a few steps ahead on the path I’d like to follow.

If you’re open to it, I’d really appreciate the chance to connect.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

Why this works: It’s honest without oversharing, and it explicitly says you’re not asking for a job, which lowers pressure. In modern examples of informational interview job inquiry email template scripts, acknowledging layoffs has become more common and more accepted.

Example 8: Short LinkedIn message version

Sometimes you don’t need a full email. Here’s a condensed version that still follows the same principles as the longer examples of informational interview job inquiry email template messages.

LinkedIn message:
Hi [Name], I found your profile while researching [field/role], and your path at [Company] really stood out. I’m [your role/situation] and exploring similar roles. Would you be open to a brief 15‑minute Zoom or phone chat so I can ask a few questions about your experience? Totally understand if your schedule is tight.

This shorter format works well when you’re limited by character counts or just want a light touch.

How to customize these examples so they sound like you

Seeing lots of examples of informational interview job inquiry email template scripts is helpful, but copy‑pasting word for word can feel stiff. Here’s how to tweak them.

Step 1: Clarify your goal

Before you send anything, write down:

• What you want to learn (e.g., “Is UX research a good fit for my skills?”)
• Why this person specifically (their path, company, role, or expertise)
• What you’re asking for (usually 15–20 minutes, via phone or video)

If you can’t answer those, your email will sound vague. Career development resources from universities (for example, Harvard’s Office of Career Services) emphasize being specific about your ask for exactly this reason.

Step 2: Personalize one or two lines

You don’t need to rewrite the whole template. Just customize:

• A line that shows you actually looked at their profile, talk, or article
• A line that explains your current situation in plain language

That’s enough to turn a generic script into a real example of you reaching out like a human.

Step 3: Keep the ask small

Most busy professionals will ignore a vague, heavy lift like “Can I pick your brain sometime?” They’re more likely to say yes when:

• The time box is clear (15–20 minutes)
• The format is simple (phone or Zoom)
• You hint that you’ll come prepared

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that many jobs are found through networking rather than formal postings, but that doesn’t mean you need to ask for a job directly. A focused informational chat is often a better first step.

Step 4: Follow up (once)

If you don’t hear back after a week, a short, polite follow‑up is reasonable:

Hi [Name], just bumping this up in case it fell through the cracks. No worries at all if now isn’t a good time.

If they still don’t respond, move on. One of the best examples of professional behavior is knowing when not to push.

FAQ: Informational interview job inquiry emails

What are some good examples of subject lines for informational interview emails?

Strong subject lines are clear and specific. Examples include:

• “Fellow [School] alum interested in [field] – quick chat?”
• “Career changer into [field] – would value your insight”
• “Quick 15‑minute chat about your path at [Company]?”
• “Intro from [Mutual Contact] – exploring [field]”

Each example of a subject line gives the recipient enough context to decide whether to open your message.

How long should an informational interview request email be?

Aim for 150–250 words. The real examples of informational interview job inquiry email template scripts above all stay in that range: long enough to explain who you are and what you want, short enough to skim on a phone.

Can I mention that I’m job searching in my email?

Yes, briefly. You can say something like, “I’m starting to explore new roles in [field] this year and would value your perspective.” Just avoid turning the email into a direct job pitch. Many career centers and professional organizations (such as NACE) recommend focusing on learning, not asking for openings, during informational interviews.

How soon after an informational interview should I send a thank‑you note?

Within 24 hours. A short email that thanks them, mentions one specific thing you learned, and notes any next steps is enough. It doesn’t need to be long; sincerity beats length.

Do I need different examples of emails for in‑person vs. virtual informational interviews?

Not really. The core structure is the same. You might adjust the wording slightly (e.g., “grab coffee near your office” vs. “hop on Zoom”), but the best examples of informational interview job inquiry email template messages work for both in‑person and virtual chats.

If you’re feeling stuck, pick one of the examples of informational interview job inquiry email template scripts above that’s closest to your situation, swap in your details, and send it. The hardest part is almost always hitting “send,” not writing the perfect sentence. Once you’ve done it a few times, you’ll have your own real examples to build on.