LINKEDIN COFFEE CHAT REQUEST TEMPLATES Scripts That Actually Get Responses PURPOSE: These templates help you request informational interviews and coffee chats with professionals on LinkedIn, making it easy for them to say yes. HOW TO USE: - Choose the template that matches your relationship and goal - Customize with specific details about why you want to connect - Keep requests brief and respectful of their time - Suggest specific time blocks to make scheduling easy - Follow up once if no response within 7-10 days =================================================================== TEMPLATE 1: ALUMNI COFFEE CHAT (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! Best, [Your Name] Class of [Year] ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! Best, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! Best, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! Best, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! Best, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 6: INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW FOR STUDENTS (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! Best, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! Best, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 8: POST-CONFERENCE FOLLOW-UP (Use after meeting 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! Best, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! Best, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! Thanks, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 11: FOLLOW-UP AFTER NO RESPONSE (7-10 Days Later) (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! Best, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 12: THANK YOU + SCHEDULING (Send immediately after they agree to meet) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi [Name], 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! Best, [Your Name] ------------------------------------------------------------------- KEY TIPS FOR ALL TEMPLATES: - Be specific about why you want to meet with them (not generic) - Respect their time—suggest 15-30 minutes, not "pick your brain" - Make it easy to say yes (offer specific times or let them choose) - Lead with what you want to learn, not what you want from them - Don't ask for a job directly—focus on learning and advice - Proofread before sending - Follow up once if no response, then move on - Always send a thank-you note after the coffee chat - Use ANDI to track your coffee chat requests and follow-ups