Informational Interview Invitation Letter

What a good one includes

• A compelling subject line that immediately establishes a mutual connection, shared alma mater, or specific point of admiration.
• A warm, personalized greeting that references a specific piece of their work, a recent post, or their career trajectory.
• A brief, two-sentence summary of your current professional background and the transition you are navigating.
• A clear explanation of why you are seeking their specific perspective rather than general industry advice.
• A low-pressure call to action requesting a brief, fifteen-minute phone call or virtual coffee at their convenience.
• A polite wrap-up that expresses gratitude for their time and proactively offers them an easy way to decline if they are too busy.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Treating the informational interview invite like a job application by attaching a resume or asking directly about open roles.
• Sending a generic, copy-and-pasted template that fails to mention any specific details about the recipient's career or achievements.
• Asking for too much time upfront, such as requesting an hour-long meeting or an in-person lunch right away.
• Writing a long, overwhelming narrative about your career history instead of keeping the focus on your curiosity about their journey.

Frequently asked questions