The best examples of thank you email templates for informational interviews

Quick, polished examples of thank you email templates for informational interviews

Let’s start with what you actually came for: ready‑to‑use wording. You’ll see several different examples of thank you email templates for informational interviews, each tuned to a slightly different situation. You can mix and match lines to sound like yourself.

Short and simple thank you email (busy professional)

This is a clean, no‑drama template when the person is clearly busy and you want to respect their time.

Subject: Thank you for your time today

Email:
Hi [Name],

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me today about your work at [Company]. I really appreciated your insights on [specific topic they covered, e.g., “how your team collaborates with product”] and your honest perspective on [second topic, e.g., “what you look for in candidates transitioning from other industries”].

Our conversation confirmed my interest in [industry/role], and I’m excited to explore the resources you mentioned, especially [specific resource, event, or book]. If I have any follow‑up questions after I dig in, would it be alright if I reach out?

Thanks again for your generosity and guidance.
Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works: It’s specific, it references at least one concrete detail from the conversation, and it leaves the door open without pushing for a job.

Warm and conversational thank you email (great rapport)

Use this when the conversation felt relaxed and you clicked personally.

Subject: Really enjoyed our conversation

Email:
Hi [Name],

I just wanted to say a genuine thank you for chatting with me about your path into [field/role] today. Hearing how you went from [their earlier role] to [their current role] was both reassuring and motivating for me.

I especially liked your advice about [specific tip, e.g., “building a portfolio before applying”] and your suggestion to look into [tool, course, conference, or company]. I’ve already added it to my to‑do list.

I know you’re busy, so I really appreciate you taking time out of your day to share your experience. If I can ever return the favor—whether it’s sharing feedback from a junior candidate’s perspective or spreading the word about an opening on your team—please don’t hesitate to ask.

All the best,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of how to sound professional and friendly without being stiff.

Thank you email when you want to gently signal interest in future roles

You should not turn an informational interview into a hard sell. But it’s perfectly fine to show interest.

Subject: Thank you and next steps

Email:
Hi [Name],

Thank you again for meeting with me yesterday and sharing more about [team/department] at [Company]. I learned a lot from your explanation of how your team is tackling [specific challenge or project], and it made me even more interested in the work you’re doing.

As I continue building skills in [relevant skills, e.g., “SQL and data storytelling”], I’ll keep an eye on [Company]’s careers page. If you ever hear of an entry‑level or early‑career role where my background in [your background] could be helpful, I’d be grateful if you kept me in mind.

Thanks again for your time and insight—it was incredibly helpful as I map out my next steps.
Best regards,
[Your Name]

Among the best examples of thank you email templates for informational interviews, this one balances gratitude with a light, respectful nudge about opportunities.

Thank you email after a virtual informational interview (Zoom, Teams, etc.)

Remote networking is normal now. This version nods to the virtual setting.

Subject: Thank you for the virtual coffee chat

Email:
Hi [Name],

Thank you for taking the time to connect with me over Zoom today. I really appreciated your walking me through a typical day in your role as [job title] and explaining how your team is structured at [Company].

Your suggestions about [specific advice, e.g., “joining local meetups and contributing to open‑source projects”] gave me some concrete next steps, and I’m planning to start with [one step you’ll take].

I know it’s not always easy to fit these conversations into a packed calendar, so I’m grateful you were willing to share your experience and answer my questions. I’ll follow up in a few months to let you know how things are going.

Thank you again,
[Your Name]

This example of a thank you email template for an informational interview keeps things short but still shows you were paying attention.

Thank you email when someone introduced you (CC the connector)

When a mutual contact set up the meeting, you’re really thanking two people.

Subject: Thank you for the introduction and conversation

Email:
Hi [Name],

Thank you so much for taking time to speak with me today about your experience in [industry/field]. I especially valued your perspective on [specific topic, e.g., “how the field is evolving with AI tools”] and your advice about [second topic].

[Connector’s Name], I appreciate you making this connection. Your introduction opened a door I wouldn’t have been able to open on my own.

I’ll keep you both posted as I explore [next step, e.g., “certificate programs” or “entry‑level roles”] and put your suggestions into action.

Gratefully,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of thank you email templates for informational interviews when networking through referrals.

Thank you email when you need to send it late

Life happens. If it’s been a week or more, acknowledge the delay briefly and move on.

Subject: Belated thank you

Email:
Hi [Name],

I’ve been meaning to thank you for speaking with me on [date] about your work at [Company]. I apologize for the delayed note—[short, honest reason if appropriate, e.g., “I’ve been traveling for family reasons”]—but I didn’t want to miss the chance to tell you how helpful our conversation was.

Your insights on [specific detail] and your suggestion to [action you’ll take, e.g., “connect with people in professional associations”] gave me a much clearer picture of how to move forward.

Thank you again for your time and generosity. I hope our paths cross again.
Best,
[Your Name]

This is a good example of keeping it honest, brief, and gracious.

Thank you email with a quick value‑add (sharing a resource)

This is great when you want to show you’re not just asking—you’re also offering.

Subject: Thank you + a resource you might like

Email:
Hi [Name],

Thank you again for taking the time to talk with me about [topic/field] earlier this week. I really appreciated your candid thoughts on [specific topic, e.g., “how your team is navigating remote collaboration”].

You mentioned you were exploring tools to help with [their challenge, e.g., “onboarding new hires remotely”]. After our call, I came across this article from [reputable source] that seemed aligned with what you described: [link]. I thought I’d pass it along in case it’s helpful.

I’m grateful for your advice about [one key piece of advice]. I’ve already started [action you’re taking].

Thanks again for your time and insight,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of how a thank you email template can subtly shift the relationship toward a more equal, long‑term connection.

How to customize these examples of thank you email templates for informational interviews

Templates are a starting point, not a script you must follow word‑for‑word. The strongest emails share three traits: they’re specific, they’re timely, and they sound like a real person.

Think of these examples of thank you email templates for informational interviews as “lego blocks” you can rearrange:

• Start with a clear, simple subject line: “Thank you for your time,” “Great talking today,” or “Thank you for the career advice.” No need to get clever.
• In the first sentence, say thank you and name the context: “for speaking with me about UX design,” “for our conversation about public health careers,” and so on.
• Include at least one concrete detail from your conversation. This proves you were engaged and makes your email feel personal.
• Mention one action you’ll take based on their advice. This shows that their time had an impact.
• Close with a gentle invitation to stay in touch—nothing pushy, just a door that’s left slightly open.

Career centers at universities like Harvard College emphasize personalization in follow‑ups because generic messages are easy to forget. Your goal is to sound like you, not like a robot.

Timing, tone, and trends: what matters in 2024–2025

Career data from organizations such as NACE and surveys reported by major universities show a consistent pattern: networking conversations, including informational interviews, often lead indirectly to interviews and offers. A thoughtful thank you email helps you stand out in a world where inboxes are overflowing.

A few up‑to‑date points to keep in mind when you use these examples of thank you email templates for informational interviews:

Send your email within 24 hours when possible. Same‑day is ideal, next‑day is still fine. Beyond that, you can use the “belated thank you” example above.

Match their tone. If they were very formal, lean a bit more formal. If they were relaxed and joked around, you can be warmer—within professional bounds.

Acknowledge remote reality. Many informational interviews now happen over Zoom or phone, especially across cities or countries. A simple line like “Thank you for hopping on a video call” signals that you’re comfortable in that environment.

Use AI tools carefully. It’s tempting to have a tool write the whole email for you, but most professionals can spot generic language. Use these best examples of thank you email templates for informational interviews as a guide, then tweak the wording so it sounds like how you actually speak.

Protect their time going forward. Unless they explicitly invite it, don’t send a stream of follow‑up questions. A quick update a few months later, especially if you acted on their advice, is usually welcome.

Common mistakes to avoid when using these templates

Even strong examples of thank you email templates for informational interviews can backfire if they’re used awkwardly. Watch out for:

Turning the thank you into a sales pitch. If you spend half the email asking them to forward your resume or recommend you for a job, it stops being a thank you. You can signal interest in roles, but do it subtly.

Sending a wall of text. Aim for 150–250 words. Long enough to be thoughtful, short enough to skim.

Copy‑pasting without editing. If you forget to change the name, company, or field, it’s memorable—but not in a good way. Edit line by line.

Being too vague. “Thanks for your time, it was helpful” doesn’t say much. Referencing one or two specific takeaways makes your note stand out.

Forgetting contact details. Add a simple email signature: your name, phone (if appropriate), LinkedIn URL, and maybe your city. Career services offices, like those at many U.S. universities, consistently recommend making it easy for contacts to find you again.

How to follow up after the thank you email

Your thank you email is step one. Step two is what you do with their advice.

Here’s a simple approach:

• Act on at least one suggestion they gave you: a course, a book, a professional association, a project idea.
• Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect any new direction you’re taking. Many career offices, such as those at public universities highlighted by the U.S. Department of Education (ed.gov), encourage students and job seekers to keep profiles current.
• In 2–3 months, send a short update email. Mention one concrete action you took and one outcome (even if it’s small). Thank them again for pointing you in that direction.

That second email is where a lot of relationships really start. The first message says, “Thank you.” The follow‑up says, “I listened.”

FAQ about thank you emails for informational interviews

How long should a thank you email be after an informational interview?
Most of the best examples of thank you email templates for informational interviews fall between 150 and 250 words. That’s enough space to say thank you, reference specific points from your conversation, and mention one or two next steps—without overwhelming the reader.

When should I send my thank you email?
Aim to send it the same day or within 24 hours. If you’re writing later than that, use a version similar to the “belated thank you” example of a template above and briefly acknowledge the delay.

Do I need different examples of templates for phone vs. video vs. in‑person meetings?
The structure is the same, but you can tweak one or two lines to match the setting (for example, “Thank you for meeting me for coffee” vs. “Thank you for hopping on a call”). The examples of thank you email templates for informational interviews in this article include wording you can adapt for each situation.

Can I mention that I’m job hunting in my thank you email?
Yes, but lightly. It’s fine to say you’re exploring opportunities in their field and will watch their company’s careers page. Just avoid turning your note into a direct request for a referral unless they invited that conversation.

Where can I find more guidance on informational interviews and networking?
Many university career centers and professional organizations publish helpful resources. For instance, Harvard’s Office of Career Services offers advice on networking conversations, and the U.S. government’s career site CareerOneStop.org provides a clear overview of informational interviews and sample questions.

Using these real‑world examples of thank you email templates for informational interviews, you can send a message that feels confident, respectful, and memorable—without staring at a blank screen for half an hour.