Sample messages: 

Sample 1: 

Email request for informational interview: 

Dear John,

I am a senior, psychology major at Mississippi College and member of the MC LinkedIn Group. I came across your LinkedIn profile and wanted to reach out to you as I have a passion for community service and a desire to pursue a career in the non-profit industry.

Would you be willing to meet briefly with me or spend 15-20 minutes over coffee/tea for a quick informational interview? I would be really interested in finding out about your experiences as the Marketing Manager for the American Lung Association and would appreciate any insight and advice regarding careers in the non-profit field.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

(signature) 

Sample 2:

LinkedIn email request for an informational interview:

Dear Mrs. Cox,

I am an undergraduate business student at Mississippi College, interested in entering the financial services industry when I graduate in the Spring of 20XX. I came across your LinkedIn profile in the Memphis Financial Services Professionals group we are both members of and wanted to reach out to introduce myself.

Looking over your current and past positions within the finance industry, I thought you would be an excellent person to ask questions about XYZ Firm and the industry in general.

Having interned at ABC Firm as an analyst, I am now wanting to take my career in a different direction, and work on the business end within the biotech industry.

I would very much like to set up a time to speak with you, either over the phone or in person. Please let me know if this is possible. I can be reached at XX@mc.edu.

Thank you for your time,

Tom A. Hawk 

After connecting, take some time to get to know more about their profession by asking these questions: 

• Please describe your career path into your current role?
• Why did you choose this career? This position?
• What does a typical day look like?
• What do you like most/least about your job?
• What type of advancement opportunities exist in your field?
• How did you prepare for entry into this field?