How to ask for an informational interview (with email templates)

Quick answer: An informational interview is a 20-30 minute conversation where you ask someone about their career path and company -- not a job interview. To request one: identify someone in a role or company you're researching, send a short LinkedIn message or email, and ask for a brief call. The response rate for specific, flattering, low-time-ask requests is 20-40%. Most people are willing to talk about their own career when asked sincerely.

Informational interviews are one of the most underused networking tools, especially early in a career. They build relationships before you need them, generate insider information about companies and industries, and sometimes lead directly to referrals.

Who to ask

Alumni from your college or MBA program: The highest acceptance rate for informational interviews. Shared experience creates an immediate reason to help. Most LinkedIn profiles show school affiliations -- filter alumni by company or role.

Former colleagues or managers: Easy asks with high response rates. Even a loose professional connection is enough.

People doing the job you want to do in 3-5 years: Understanding their path is genuinely useful research.

People at companies you're considering joining: Informational conversations before applying give you insider knowledge of culture, the hiring process, and what's actually valued in the role.

Second-degree LinkedIn connections: Someone who knows someone you know. A warm introduction from the mutual connection dramatically increases acceptance rates.

The cold outreach message (LinkedIn)

Keep it short. People are more likely to respond to a specific, low-commitment ask than a long explanation.

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Hi [Name],

I'm [your name], a [brief title/background -- 1 phrase]. I came across your profile and am genuinely interested in your experience at [company] as a [role] -- particularly [specific aspect of their background that's relevant].

I'd love to hear about your path to this role and any advice you have for someone moving in that direction. Would you be open to a 20-minute call at your convenience? I'm fully flexible on timing.

Thanks for considering it, [Your name]

---

Why this works:

• It's specific (you mentioned something concrete about their background)
• It's flattering without being obsequious
• It asks for a small time commitment (20 minutes, flexible)
• It makes clear this is not a job application

What not to write:

• "I'm looking for a new job and wanted to learn more" -- too transactional
• Anything longer than 5 sentences for a cold message
• A request for a job or referral -- that comes later, if at all

Cold email template (for direct email)

Use this when you have the person's email address:

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Subject: Quick career question -- [Your Name]

Hi [Name],

I hope you don't mind the cold email -- I found your contact information through [how you found them].

I'm researching [industry/function/company] as I consider my next career step. Your background at [company] stood out, particularly [specific aspect]. I'd be grateful for 20 minutes of your time to ask a few questions about your experience.

Happy to work around your schedule entirely.

Thank you for considering, [Your name] [LinkedIn profile link]

---

Running the informational interview

If they agree, prepare 5-7 questions in advance and keep the conversation focused on them, not on you.

Good questions:

• How did you get to this role? What was your path?
• What does a typical week look like in this position?
• What's been the most challenging part of the role you didn't expect?
• What skills or experiences have been most valuable that you wish you'd developed earlier?
• What do you look for when you think about who would do well on your team?
• Is there anyone else you'd recommend I speak with?

What to avoid:

• Asking for a job referral directly in the conversation (wait until they offer, or in a follow-up if the conversation was warm)
• Monopolizing with your own story -- you're here to listen and learn
• Going over the agreed time without asking if they have more time

After the conversation

Send a thank-you email within 24 hours. A specific reference to one thing they said shows you listened:

"Thank you for your time today. Your point about [specific insight] was genuinely helpful -- I hadn't considered [that angle]. I'll definitely follow up on your suggestion to [specific recommendation they made]."

Add them to your network on LinkedIn if you haven't already.

Following up for a referral

If the conversation was warm and you later see a relevant opening at their company, it's appropriate to reconnect:

"Hi [Name], I really enjoyed our conversation in [month]. I noticed [company] has an opening for [role] -- given what you shared about the team's priorities, I think it could be a great fit. Would you be comfortable sharing my resume with the hiring team, or do you have a recommendation for the best way to apply?"

Most people who gave you 20 minutes and found the conversation worthwhile will be willing to forward a resume or provide a referral link. A direct referral from an insider dramatically increases your application visibility at most companies.

For preparing your resume to back up the impression you make in an informational interview, see how to tailor your resume to a job description and how to write resume bullets.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between an informational interview and a job interview?

An informational interview is initiated by you to learn, not by the employer to evaluate. There's no pressure to sell yourself, and the company isn't necessarily hiring. The power dynamic is different -- you're the curious learner, they're the helpful experienced person. That said, everything you do in the conversation is an impression, so being professional and prepared still matters.

How many informational interviews should I aim for?

For active job searching: 3-5 per week across target companies and roles. This seems high but 20-minute calls are relatively low-commitment once you have the requests working. For career exploration or a long-range networking investment: 2-4 per month over time builds a network without feeling burdensome.

What if they don't respond?

Don't take it personally. Busy professionals ignore many messages. Wait 5-7 business days and send one follow-up message. If no response after two attempts, move on. Response rates for cold informational interview requests are typically 20-40% -- expect most requests to go unanswered.

Can informational interviews lead to job offers?

Yes, and this is a documented pathway in hiring. Many roles are filled through informal referral pipelines before ever being posted. A hiring manager who has a good 20-minute conversation with a candidate and later has an opening is more likely to think of that person than of a random application in the ATS. Stay in touch with people you had good informational conversations with.

Should I bring my resume to an informational interview?

Not to the conversation itself -- it makes it feel like a covert job interview. Have it ready to send if they ask ("If you'd like, I'm happy to send over my resume for your reference"), and make sure it's current and polished before any informational conversations.

Use ResumeWin to make sure your resume is in top shape before reconnecting with informational interview contacts about actual opportunities.