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Coffee Chat Strategist

Request and conduct a high-impact informational interview

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Coffee Chat Playbook
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How to Ask for a Coffee Chat: Informational Interview Etiquette

Reaching out to strangers can feel daunting, but most professionals are happy to share their wisdom if approached respectfully. A well-conducted informational interview is a powerful networking tool that can lead to referrals, mentorship, and career insights.

The Perfect Coffee Chat Request

  • •Keep it short: State who you are, why you are reaching out, and ask for only 15 minutes of their time.
  • •Establish a connection: Mention mutual groups, similar backgrounds, or specific articles or posts they wrote that resonated with you.
  • •Offer flexibility: Give them choices for video calls, phone calls, or physical meetings at their convenience.

Etiquette and Best Practices

  • •Always send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours of your meeting, mentioning a specific piece of advice they shared.
  • •Prepare 5 high-quality questions; never ask for a job directly during the conversation. Use the chat to gather insights and learn.
  • •Keep strictly to the agreed time limit unless they explicitly choose to extend the conversation. Respect their calendar.
Curated & Built by SungGeun Kim