Quick Answer: Coffee chat templates: engage with content first (40-50% success vs 15% cold), outreach includes specific compliment + curiosity + time bound (20-30 min) + flexible scheduling. Preparation: research + questions + value adds. Follow 70/30 rule (they talk, you listen). Thank-you within 24 hours.
Coffee chat requests on LinkedIn face two failure modes: asking cold without relationship foundation (under 15% success rate), or poor execution that wastes both parties' time. Successful requests require pre-work—engaging with their content first increases success to 40-50%—and thoughtful outreach combining specific compliment showing genuine familiarity, authentic curiosity about their experience, clear time constraint (20-30 minutes respects their schedule), and flexible scheduling. Preparation transforms conversations: research background, prepare 3-5 thoughtful questions, identify ways to add value. Conversation framework follows 70/30 rule—they talk, you actively listen and ask follow-ups, avoid pitching services. Strategic follow-up within 24 hours includes specific conversation takeaway, delivers promised value, and suggests concrete next step—converting one-time chat into sustained professional relationship.
Emma sent 23 requests for informational interviews last month. 22 people ignored her. The one person who responded said "sorry, too busy." Her generic "I'd love to pick your brain" messages were landing with a thud.
If you need linkedin coffee chat template messages that actually get responses, you're in the right place. Informational interviews are one of the most powerful networking tools—if you ask correctly. Here are 12 templates that work.
Download All 12 Templates as TXTWhy Most Coffee Chat Requests Get Ignored
Before diving into templates, understand why most requests fail:
- "Pick your brain" language: This phrase makes people cringe—it's overused and vague
- No clear value prop: Why should they spend time with you?
- Too much time requested: "An hour of your time" feels like a huge commitment
- Generic and mass-sent: They can tell you copy-pasted the message
- Asking for too much: Want a job, introduction, mentorship, and advice all at once
Good coffee chat requests are specific, time-limited, flattering, and make saying yes easy.
The Coffee Chat Request Framework
Every successful request includes:
- Context: How you found them or why you're reaching out
- Specific ask: What exactly you want to learn (not generic "career advice")
- Time limit: 15-30 minutes maximum
- Flexibility: "Happy to work around your schedule"
- Opt-out: Make it easy for them to decline
Let's see how this works in practice.
Template 1: Alumni Coffee Chat (Highest Response Rate)
Use when: Reaching out to someone from your school
"Hi [Name], fellow [University] alum here! I'm currently [your situation: job searching/exploring career options/considering a move into X field] and came across your profile."
"I'd love to learn about your path from [University] to [their current role]—particularly your transition into [their industry/company]."
"Would you have 20-30 minutes for a virtual coffee chat in the next couple weeks? I'm happy to work around your schedule."
"Thanks for considering!"
Why this works: Alumni connections have 60-80% response rates. Shared school creates immediate trust. You're specific about what you want to learn and respectful of their time.
Template 2: Career Change Advice Request
Use when: Pivoting to a new industry or role
"Hi [Name], I've been following your career journey from [previous role/industry] to [current role] and have been really impressed by the transition you've made."
"I'm currently exploring a similar move from [your background] into [target field] and would love to hear about your experience—what surprised you most, what you wish you'd known earlier, and any advice for someone making a similar shift."
"Would you be open to a 20-minute call or coffee chat? I'm happy to work around your availability."
"Thanks so much for considering!"
Why this works: You're positioning them as the expert on something they know well (their own transition). People love being asked about their journey. Track these career-change conversations in ANDI for follow-up.
Template 3: Industry Insider Insights
Use when: You want to learn about their company or role
"Hi [Name], I've been researching [Company/Industry] and have been particularly interested in your work on [specific project or area]."
"I'm exploring opportunities in [field] and would love to hear your perspective on [specific topic: the industry, the role, working at Company X, etc.]."
"Would you have 15-20 minutes for a brief call in the next few weeks? I'm happy to work around your schedule and keep it focused on your time."
"Thanks for your consideration!"
Why this works: You've done your research (mentioning a specific project), you're asking for insights rather than a job, and 15-20 minutes feels manageable.
Template 4: Skill Development Guidance
Use when: You want advice on developing a specific skill they have
"Hi [Name], I came across your profile while researching [specific skill/technology/methodology] and was impressed by your expertise in this area."
"I'm working to develop my skills in [specific skill] and would love to hear about your learning journey—how you got started, what resources you found most valuable, and any advice for someone building this skillset."
"Would you be open to a 20-minute virtual coffee chat? I'm happy to accommodate your schedule."
"Thanks so much!"
Why this works: You're flattering their expertise and asking for learning advice, not job referrals. Most people are happy to share how they learned something.
Template 5: Company Culture Questions
Use when: Considering applying to their company
"Hi [Name], I'm exploring opportunities at [Company] and noticed you've been there for [time period]. I've been really drawn to [specific thing you admire about the company]."
"Would you be willing to share your experience working there? I'd love to hear about the culture, team dynamics, and what you enjoy most about working at [Company]."
"I'd be grateful for 15-20 minutes of your time for a quick call or coffee. Happy to work around your availability."
"Thanks for considering!"
Why this works: You're showing genuine interest in the company (not just using them to get a job), you're specific about what you want to know, and you're brief.
Template 6: Student Informational Interview
Use when: You're a student or recent graduate
"Hi [Name], I'm a [year] at [University] studying [major] and exploring career paths in [field]. I came across your profile and was really inspired by your work in [specific area]."
"Would you be open to a brief informational interview? I'd love to learn about your career path, what a typical day looks like in your role, and any advice you have for someone just starting out in [industry]."
"I know your time is valuable, so I'd keep it to 20 minutes. I'm happy to work around your schedule!"
"Thanks so much for considering!"
Why this works: Most professionals remember being students and want to help. You're respectful of their time and clear about what you want to learn.
Template 7: Shared Interest or Hobby Connection
Use when: You have a non-work connection point
"Hi [Name], I noticed we both [share common interest: live in City X, are interested in Topic Y, are part of Group Z]. I've also been following your work in [their field] and would love to learn more about your career path."
"Would you be open to grabbing a coffee (virtual or in-person if you're in [City])? I'd love to hear about your experience in [industry/role] and share notes on [shared interest]."
"Let me know if you have 30 minutes in the next few weeks!"
Why this works: Shared interests create immediate rapport. You're offering a two-way conversation (share notes) rather than just extracting information.
Template 8: Post-Conference Follow-Up
Use when: You met someone briefly at an event
"Hi [Name], it was great meeting you at [Event Name] last [week/month]! I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic you discussed]."
"I'd love to continue that conversation and learn more about your work in [their area]. Would you be open to a 20-30 minute coffee chat (virtual or in-person if you're local)?"
"I'm happy to work around your schedule. Thanks for taking the time to connect at the event!"
Why this works: You already have context from meeting in person. You're specific about what you discussed, which jogs their memory.
Template 9: Content Appreciation + Coffee Chat
Use when: You've been following their LinkedIn content
"Hi [Name], I've been following your posts on [topic] for the past few months, and your recent piece on [specific post] really resonated with me."
"I'm currently [your situation] and would love to learn from your experience in [their expertise area]. Would you be open to a 20-minute virtual coffee chat?"
"I know your time is valuable, so I'd come prepared with specific questions and keep it focused."
"Thanks for considering!"
Why this works: You've established familiarity through engagement, you're flattering their content, and you promise to make it worth their time (prepared questions).
Template 10: Mutual Connection Introduction
Use when: Someone introduced you or suggested you connect
"Hi [Name], [Mutual Connection] suggested I reach out to you! I'm [your situation: exploring opportunities in X, building skills in Y, considering a move to Z] and they thought you'd be a great person to learn from."
"Would you be open to a brief 20-minute coffee chat? I'd love to hear about your experience in [their area] and get your perspective on [specific topic]."
"Happy to work around your schedule!"
Why this works: Mutual connection provides social proof and context. You're specific about what you want to discuss.
Template 11: Follow-Up (7-10 Days After No Response)
Use when: Someone hasn't responded to your initial request
"Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on my message from last week about scheduling a brief call."
"I completely understand if you're swamped right now—no pressure at all! If now isn't a good time, I'd be happy to reach out again in a few months."
"Either way, I really appreciate you considering it!"
Why this works: You're polite, give them an easy out, and show respect for their time. Sometimes people just miss messages—this gentle nudge often works.
What to Do After They Say Yes
If someone agrees to a coffee chat, make scheduling seamless:
- Respond immediately with thanks
- Offer 3-4 specific time slots (or share your Calendly link)
- Suggest the format: Phone, Zoom, in-person if local
- Send calendar invite once confirmed
- Come prepared with 5-7 thoughtful questions
- Keep it to the time limit you promised
- Send thank-you message within 24 hours
Thank-you + scheduling template:
"Thank you so much for being willing to chat! I really appreciate you taking the time."
"Here are a few time slots that work for me—let me know what's easiest for you:"
- [Date/Time Option 1]
- [Date/Time Option 2]
- [Date/Time Option 3]
"I'll send a calendar invite once we confirm. Looking forward to connecting!"
Common Coffee Chat Request Mistakes
Avoid these errors that kill response rates:
- Using "pick your brain": This phrase is cringey and overused
- Asking for "any time you have": Be specific—15, 20, or 30 minutes
- Requesting an hour: That's too long for a first conversation
- Being vague: "Learn about your career" is too broad—be specific
- Not doing research: Generic requests show you didn't look at their profile
- Asking for multiple things: Coffee chat, job referral, AND introduction is too much
- Not following up: One polite follow-up after 7-10 days is fine
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the response rate for coffee chat requests?
Expect 30-50% response rates with good templates and targeted outreach. Alumni requests can hit 60-80%. If your response rate is below 30%, you're either targeting the wrong people or your message needs work. Track response rates by template type in ANDI to optimize your approach.
Should I offer to buy them actual coffee?
For virtual chats, no need. For in-person meetings, yes—always offer to buy. But most coffee chats happen virtually now, so "coffee chat" just means "casual informational interview." The term sets a friendly, low-pressure tone.
What if they say yes but then ghost when I try to schedule?
Follow up once after 5-7 days with 2-3 specific time slots. If still no response, let it go. They likely got busy or changed their mind. Don't take it personally—move on to other connections. About 20-30% of people who initially say yes never actually schedule. That's normal.
Your next step: Download the template collection and identify 5-10 people you'd like to have coffee chats with. Choose the template that matches your relationship with each person and customize it with specific details. Send 2-3 requests this week, track responses in ANDI, and adjust your approach based on what works. Remember: every successful networker has had plenty of requests ignored. It's a numbers game—keep going.
Informational interviews are how you build genuine relationships, learn insider knowledge, and uncover hidden opportunities. Don't let fear of asking hold you back. Use these templates, personalize them, and start requesting coffee chats today.
