10 Best Email Templates for Requesting an Informational Interview

10 Best Email Templates for Requesting an Informational Interview

Are you looking to switch to a new career? Or perhaps you want to learn more about your industry from a seasoned expert? In both cases, an informational interview can be a game-changer for your career. But, how do you request an informational interview in a professional manner that gets a response?

In this article, we will share the 10 best email templates for requesting an informational interview that will increase your chances of getting a positive response.

Template 1: Industry Insider

Subject: Seeking insights from a seasoned industry professional

Dear [Industry Insider Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Current Designation] in the [Your Industry or Company Name]. I have been following your work in the industry for some time, and I’m impressed by your accomplishments.

I am writing to request an informational interview with you to learn more about your experience and insights on [Insert Topic or Skill]. I’m confident that speaking with you will provide me with valuable information that I can use to progress in my career.

If it’s convenient for you, please let me know a date and time when we can chat. I’m flexible and can work with your schedule. Thank you for considering my request.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Template 2: University Alumni

Subject: [Your University Name] Graduate Seeking Career Advice

Dear [Alumni Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I graduated from [Your University Name] in [Graduation Year]. I found your details through the alumni database and noticed that you are currently working as a [Insert Profession or Industry].

I am reaching out to request an informational interview with you to get some insights into your profession and industry. I’m confident that talking with you will provide me with valuable information that I can use to build my career.

If it’s convenient for you, please let me know a date and time that works for you. I’m flexible and can work with your schedule. Thank you for considering my request.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Template 3: Connection Through LinkedIn

Subject: [Mutual Contact Name] Suggested We Connect

Dear [Recipient Name],

I was introduced to you through a mutual connection, [Mutual Contact Name], who suggested that I reach out to you regarding a brief discussion over industry experiences and insights.

My name is [Your Name], and I am working as [Your Designation] in [Your Company or Industry Name]. I’m interested in [Insert Topic or Skill], and I believe that speaking with you will give me an idea of the industry ground reality and make informed career decisions.

If it’s convenient for you, please let me know a date and time that works for you. Thank you for considering my request.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Template 4: Invitation to Coffee Chat

Subject: Invitation for a Coffee Chat and Industry Insights

Dear [Recipient Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Current Designation] in the [Your Industry or Company Name]. I noticed you are an expert in the industry and your accomplishments speak for themselves.

I would love the opportunity to meet you for a coffee chat. I would love to hear more about your professional journey and learn from your insights and experiences. If this sounds like something that would interest you, please let me know a date and time that works for you, and I’ll be happy to buy you a coffee.

Thank you in advance for considering my request.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Template 5: Request for Interview Through Email

Subject: Request for Informational Interview

Dear [Recipient Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am currently a [Your Current Designation] in [Your Industry or Company Name]. I have a keen interest in the [Insert Topic or Skill] industry and would love the opportunity to get insights from professionals in the field.

I am writing to request an informational interview with you. I am interested in hearing about your experience and thoughts on how to grow my career and knowledge in the field.

Please let me know if you would be available for an interview, and if so, what date and time would work best for you.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Template 6: Invitation to Speak with a Professional via Phone

Subject: Seeking a Quick Discussion Regarding Your Career Experience and Insights

Dear [Recipient Name],

I am a [Your Current Designation] at [Your Organization Name], and I am reaching out to request a brief call to speak about your career experience and insights.

Your extensive industry experience and insights would be beneficial in helping me move forward with my personal career goals and would be a great value addition for my future endeavours.

If you are available, please let me know a date, and time that works best for you, and I will be sure to make myself available.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Template 7: Requesting Informational Reference

Subject: Request for Informational Reference

Dear [Recipient Name],

I am writing to ask for an informational reference on the [Insert Topic or Skill] industry. I am a recent graduate, and I am extremely impressed with your professional accomplishments and successes.

I am hoping you could give me a brief call to chat with me about your experience, insights on the market, and any opportunities you might know of.

Please let me know if you can help with scheduling a phone call, and I will be happy to work with your time constraints.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Template 8: Invitation to Meet in Person

Subject: Invitation to Meet and Discuss Industry Insights

Dear [Recipient Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Current Designation] currently working in the [Your Industry/Company Name]. I am writing to you because I would be honored to meet you in person to discuss my professional journey and obtain some insights from your career experiences.

I have been following your work for some time now and have found your insights invaluable. I hope to gain more knowledge about the industry and seek your thoughts on how I can progress.

I would be grateful if you could let me know if you are available to meet in person. I am open to working around your busy schedule and don’t want to take up too much of your valuable time.

Thank you in advance for your willingness to help.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Template 9: Request for Industry Information Through Email

Subject: Request for Information on [Insert Topic or Skill]

Dear [Recipient Name],

I am a [Your Current Designation] in [Your Industry/Company Name]. I have been following your career for a while and have been impressed by your work in the industry.

I am reaching out to request some information or insights on the [Insert Topic or Skill] industry, and I believe your expertise would greatly help me.

If it is alright for you, please share your experience and thoughts on the matter. I am looking forward to getting a better understanding of the current and future trends of the industry.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Template 10: Request for a Job Shadowing Opportunity

Subject: Request for Job Shadow Opportunity

Dear [Recipient Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Current Designation] in the [Your Industry/Company Name]. I am reaching out to you to request a job shadow opportunity at your company.

I am extremely impressed with your success and experience in the industry, and I would love the chance to shadow you and gain firsthand insights into the industry. I am confident that the experience would be invaluable for me to further my career.

If there is an availability to shadow you for a day or two, please let me know. I would be happy to work around your schedule and come to your office at a mutually convenient time.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Conclusion

An informational interview can be an excellent opportunity to learn from professionals in the industry and help you progress in your career.

As you can see, there are various ways to request an informational interview through email. Remember to be professional, concise, and genuine with your request. Also, use the appropriate email template that suits your purpose.

Always include a clear subject line and well-written message to increase the chances of getting a positive response. Good luck with your requests!

Speech tips:

Please note that any statements involving politics will not be approved.