Hello [their name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I recently came across the job posting for the [title of position] position at [company] and am very excited about the prospect of exploring this opportunity further. As a [full stack software developer/web developer/software developer/engineer/data scientist/etc], I enjoy learning new technologies up and down the stack with an expertise in React, Node.js, and both SQL and NoSQL databases.
Are you in charge of recruiting for this role? If so, would you be open to a conversation this week or early next to discuss the position, company culture, and how my background could be a fit? Thank you for your time.
Best,
[your name]
Dear [their name],
I found your name and contact information on [LinkedIn/Company Site/etc wherever you found them]. I am a [job title], and hope to pursue a career in [whatever field they are in]. Given that you have [number of years experience] in this field, I would appreciate the chance to ask you a few questions about your career path and your experience in the [the field/industry].
I am hopeful that you would be willing to speak with me over the phone or via email at some point during the next 2 weeks. Please let me know if you are able to talk with me and if so what method of communication would be preferable.
Thank you very much in advance for your time and insight.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Hi [their first name],
Hope all is going well in your world!
I am considering a career change and exploring career alternatives. Working as a [what you do] at [where you work] for [number of years] has been great, but I'd like to grow my skill set and expand my horizons.
So, I’m exploring opportunities with new employers [or in a new field/industry -- name of field/industry, or working with customers you want], hoping to learn more about [skill set(s) you want, industry you want, customers you want, or whatever your goal is]. Given your wide experience and network, I would love to get your take on [whatever you specified earlier in this paragraph].
If you have some time to spare in the next 2 weeks, it would be great to get together for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, even lunch or dinner (my treat!) [include only what you feel comfortable with]. Give me a couple of date/time options that would work best for you, and we'll find a time to connect.
If you're too busy to get together now, a short (15 or 20 minutes) phone call would be a great, too. Just let me know the best time and phone number for you.
I'd love to catch up on what's happening in your world and also have an opportunity to pick your brain about this topic.
Thank you in advance, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
[Your name]
Dear [their name],
My name is [your name], and I’m a [title] who found your contact information via [LinkedIn / wherever you found their info]. I have had experience in [industry name] at [company name], and I am currently seeking roles in [industry you’re interested in] in [city name]. I see that you made a similar transition from another field into [industry you’re interested in], so I was hoping that you might be willing to speak with me for a few minutes to discuss how you made this move successfully. Thanks, and I look forward to connecting with you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Dear [their name],
My name is [your name] and I have recently graduated Galvanize’s [education program], with previous experience in [briefly describe background]. I’m currently seeking positions in [industry name], and I noticed you were an alumnus as well. I see that you have worked in [Background Industry Name] and that you graduated from Galvanize before me. I am sure you’re very busy, but if you had 15 minutes to speak with me about your experience in and [Industry Name] at your company I would greatly appreciate it. I am free between [Propose Specific Dates and Times].
Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Dear [his or her name],
I hope you’re having a great week! I wanted to follow up on my request for an informational interview. As I explained in my previous email, [reason why this person has impressed you] and I’d love to hear about [questions you’d like to ask]. I’m happy to meet whenever and wherever is convenient for you. However, if your schedule is too full, I completely understand.
Best,
[Your name]
I received a question about what to write in the subject line. Of course this depends on what you’re writing, who you’re writing to, and how you know the person, but here are some general tips.
- Be concise
- Make it informative
- If you were referred to this person, reference that in the subject line or better yet, have your mutual contact directly introduce you.
Here are some examples I came up with for each type of receiver but please make modifications to these based on what’s appropriate for your message. Remember, this document is shared with many people so you don’t want to look generic or use the same wording as other people. Use these as inspiration:
- Perfect/Great Candidate for [POSITION] and [COMPANY]
- Interested in [POSITION] and [COMPANY]
- Would like to discuss [POSITION] and [COMPANY]
- Request: Informational Interview about [COMPANY]
- Can I pick your brain about [COMPANY]?
- Can we speak about your experience at [COMPANY]?
- Interested in your thoughts about [COMPANY]
- Hoping to chat about your experience at [COMPANY]
- Hoping to make an impact on your engineering team
- I'd like to join your team
- Very interested in adding value to your team
Someone You Were Referred to by a Mutual Contact “Referred by [Name] to discuss [Topic]”
Someone Who Went to Your College “Fellow Alum From [College] Who Loves [Industry]”
Someone in Your (Desired) Industry “Aspiring [Industry] Professional Looking for Advice From the Best”
Someone at Your Desired Company “Aspiring [Position]—Would Love to Ask You a Few Questions”