How to Write an Informational Interview Email
You might be wondering how to write an informational interview email. In this post, I’ll outline some steps and provide an example of an email script that you can follow. It takes some time, but it’s often well worth the effort.
If you haven’t already, you might want to read more on what informational interviews are and how you can benefit from them. Although the goal of an information interview is not to ask for a job, consider these estimates: 1 out of every 200 resume applications will get a person a job offer, whereas 1 out of 12 people who conduct an informational interview will receive a job offer (Randell Handsen, Career Expert).
I’m providing you with 6 steps to writing an informational interview email below. You will need to customize this and tailor it based on your authentic voice and self. Tweak it again and again until you feel confident about your informational interview request.
Key Components to Writing an Informational Interview Email
There are a few key components that you can include in your email, and they don’t necessarily need to go in this order.
- Introduction: State your name and any relevant credentials, and right away tell them the purpose of your email. For instance, you’re considering embarking upon a career change, transition, or educational program. Let them know that you are seeking their feedback as they already have experience in this area.
- Brief blurb on your background: Share what role and industry you currently work in, or were previously working in.
- An accomplishment: You might even add in a notable accomplishment or state some of your key responsibilities. You can summarize this as well. Keep it short and to the point.
- Your Credibility: Show them you’ve already done your research and that you now want to clarify questions with a person who is currently working in the role/industry. This indicates that you are serious about the learning process and that you aren’t wasting anyone’s time asking basic questions that you could easily find online.
- Ask for a conversation: Ask if you can meet them in-person or on the phone from anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes. Depending on your personality you might make your language tentative in nature to show respect of the demand that you are making on their time as well.
- Show gratitude: Make it clear that you appreciate their consideration and time.
Informational Interview Sample Script
You can use this email script as a guideline to request an informational interview.
Hi there,
My name is Sally Sunshine, and the reason I am contacting you is because I am in the midst of exploring a career change and was hoping to seek your input. I was recently working as an Aviation Inspector for Fly High Sky Inc., where I oversaw all the quality control of structural and mechanical aircraft systems to ensure they met safety regulations and Transport Canada guidelines.
During the COVID downturn, my organization went through some downsizing. As a result, I am eagerly exploring how my aviation skills and experience might be an asset within the growing field of drone and unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). I have always been interested in this growing field and have experience inspecting propellers, helicopters and hydraulic systems; as well as I have a valid Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s (AME) licence (M & S). I have done extensive research online, and am now hoping to connect with people like yourself who are already working in this exciting field.
Would you be willing to offer about 15-20 minutes of your time for a brief conversation in which I could ask some questions to learn a bit more about your career experiences? I really appreciate any insights whatsoever that you might be able to share.
I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience.
Respectfully,
Sally Sunshine,
PS: Do NOT send your resume along with this email. Remember that the purpose of an informational interview is not to get a job with this person or company.
It’s to gain feedback, education and it is a way to expand your knowledge, so that you can make more informed career decisions. Click here to read examples of the types of questions that you might ask in an informational interview.
Having said that, obviously people know you are looking for work or to make a career transition. If they like you, and if they have opportunities available now or in the future, they may be likely to inform you.
As you consider the above informational interview sample script, remember to write using your own voice and style, and to take into consideration the types of people working in your field.
Remember you don’t need to have a perfect script to email it out. You do need to make sure it’s clearly written, professional and reviewed at least a few times.
There is an unwritten rule that possible compensation negotiations begin the moment you or your written correspondence reaches another person. So while you don’t need to get it perfect, you do need to make sure you’re making a good first impression.
Even though it takes some time upfront to put together an email introduction, it’s something that you can clearly recycle, edit and revise each time you request an informational interview.
Save your own template on your computer, and you have a template that you can work with for life should you need it!
If you haven’t read my post on job search strategies please click here to get an overview on the statistics of what is most effective.
Author: Dr. Allison Foskett, Registered Counselling Psychologist, Edmonton, Alberta
To learn more about my background and training as a registered psychologist, please visit my About Me page
If you’re interested in exploring career counselling services, career assessments, or individual therapy for a range of mental health concerns, please contact me for a free 15-minute phone consultation.
