Back
how to ask for informational interviews politely
Informational interview: a brief, informal conversation where you learn about a role, company, or industry from someone who is already inside it. When done politely, it opens doors, builds relationships, and can fast‑track your job search. This guide walks you through every stage – from research to follow‑up – with templates, checklists, and real‑world examples.
Why informational interviews matter
- 70% of professionals land their next job through networking, according to a LinkedIn survey (2023).
- A well‑crafted informational interview request can increase your response rate by up to 45% compared with a generic email.
These numbers show that mastering the art of asking for informational interviews politely isn’t just good manners – it’s a measurable career accelerator.
Preparing before you reach out
1. Identify the right person
- Target alumni, former colleagues, or industry leaders whose background aligns with your goals.
- Use LinkedIn, company websites, or the Resumly networking co‑pilot (https://www.resumly.ai/networking-co-pilot) to discover mutual connections.
2. Do your homework
| Task | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Review the person’s recent posts or articles | Shows genuine interest and gives you conversation starters |
| Study the company’s latest news | Allows you to ask informed, timely questions |
| Map your own goals to their expertise | Helps you frame a clear, concise request |
3. Create a quick reference sheet
- Name & title
- Company
- Common connections
- Key projects or achievements
- Your specific question(s)
Checklist before you hit send
- Confirm correct spelling of name and title
- Personalize the opening line
- State your purpose in one sentence
- Propose a 15‑20 minute window
- Offer flexible scheduling options
- Include a polite thank‑you
- Add a professional signature with LinkedIn link
Do / Don’t list
Do keep the email under 150 words. Do use a clear subject line like “Request for a 15‑minute informational interview – [Your Name]”. Don’t attach a resume unless asked. Don’t use vague language such as “I’d like to learn more about your field.”
Crafting the perfect polite request
Subject line examples
- Request for a 15‑minute informational interview – Alex Rivera
- Quick chat about your experience at XYZ Corp?
- Seeking advice on breaking into data science – Your Name
Email template (plain text)
Hi [First Name],
I hope you’re doing well. My name is [Your Name] and I’m a recent graduate/marketing professional looking to transition into [Target Role]. I was impressed by your recent article on [Topic] and your work at [Company].
Would you be open to a brief 15‑20 minute call next week to share insights about your career path and the day‑to‑day realities of [Specific Role]? I’m flexible and can work around your schedule.
Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate any time you can spare.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]
[Phone – optional]
Why this works:
- Personalization in the first two sentences shows you’ve done research.
- The ask is specific (15‑20 minutes) and time‑boxed, respecting their schedule.
- Offering flexibility signals professionalism.
Step‑by‑step walkthrough
- Open with a warm greeting – “Hi [First Name],”.
- Introduce yourself in one line – include current role or study field.
- Reference a recent achievement or content – demonstrates relevance.
- State the ask clearly – “Would you be open to a brief 15‑minute call…”.
- Provide scheduling flexibility – “I’m available Mon‑Fri between 9 am‑5 pm EST, but happy to adjust.”
- Close with gratitude – simple “Thank you for considering my request.”
- Signature – include LinkedIn profile for quick reference.
Choosing the right communication channel
| Channel | When to use | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal outreach, first contact | Easy to track, can include links | May get lost in inbox | |
| LinkedIn InMail | When you have a LinkedIn connection or premium access | Direct, shows professional context | Limited characters for free accounts |
| Twitter DM | For industry influencers who are active on Twitter | Quick, informal | Not suitable for all professions |
| Referral introduction | When a mutual contact can vouch for you | Higher response rate | Requires a willing intermediary |
If you have a mutual connection, ask for an introduction first – it boosts credibility and often eliminates the need for a cold ask.
Follow‑up etiquette
- Send a thank‑you email within 24 hours – recap a key insight and express appreciation.
- Add a LinkedIn connection request with a short note referencing the conversation.
- Share a brief update after you act on their advice (e.g., “I applied to the role you suggested”).
- Offer to reciprocate – “If there’s ever anything I can help you with, please let me know.”
A well‑timed follow‑up reinforces the relationship and keeps you top‑of‑mind for future opportunities.
Leveraging Resumly tools for interview prep
Even after you secure the informational interview, you’ll want to be ready to ask insightful questions and showcase your value. Resumly’s interview practice feature (https://www.resumly.ai/features/interview-practice) lets you simulate common industry questions and receive AI‑generated feedback. Pair it with the career guide (https://www.resumly.ai/career-guide) to fine‑tune your personal pitch.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
| Mistake | Impact | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using a generic subject line | Low open rate | Personalize with name and purpose |
| Asking for a long meeting | Perceived disrespect of time | Keep it 15‑20 minutes |
| Not researching the contact | Appears insincere | Spend at least 10 minutes on LinkedIn/profile |
| Forgetting to follow up | Relationship fizzles | Send thank‑you within 24 hrs |
| Over‑selling yourself | Turns conversation into a pitch | Focus on learning, not selling |
Mini case study: From cold email to mentorship
Background: Maya, a junior data analyst, wanted to break into product analytics at a tech startup.
Step 1 – She identified a senior product analyst on LinkedIn, noted a recent webinar they hosted, and used the Resumly networking co‑pilot to find a mutual connection.
Step 2 – Maya asked the mutual connection for a brief intro. The connection sent a warm email introducing Maya.
Step 3 – Maya sent a personalized request (template above) and proposed a 15‑minute call.
Result – The senior analyst responded within hours, scheduled a call, and later invited Maya to a virtual coffee chat. Maya gained insider knowledge, updated her resume using Resumly’s AI resume builder (https://www.resumly.ai/features/ai-resume-builder), and landed an interview for a product analyst role.
Key takeaway: Polite, well‑researched outreach combined with a warm referral can turn a cold ask into a mentorship opportunity.
Frequently asked questions
1. How long should my informational interview request be? Keep the email under 150 words and the meeting to 15‑20 minutes.
2. Should I attach my resume? Only if the recipient explicitly asks. Otherwise, a LinkedIn profile link is sufficient.
3. What if I don’t get a response? Wait 5‑7 business days, then send a brief, courteous follow‑up reminder.
4. Is it okay to ask for a job referral in the same email? No. First focus on learning; once a relationship is built, you can discuss referrals later.
5. How many questions should I prepare? Aim for 3‑5 thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your research.
6. Can I use a phone call instead of video? Yes, but ask the interviewee which format they prefer.
7. What if the person declines? Thank them for their time and ask if they can recommend someone else.
8. How do I track my outreach? Use Resumly’s application tracker (https://www.resumly.ai/features/application-tracker) or a simple spreadsheet to log dates, responses, and follow‑up actions.
Conclusion
Asking for informational interviews politely is a blend of research, concise communication, and respectful follow‑up. By personalizing each request, keeping the ask brief, and using tools like Resumly’s interview practice and networking co‑pilot, you can turn a simple question into a lasting professional connection. Remember: politeness + preparation = higher response rates and stronger networks.
