Learn the coffee chat.

Short, practical guides to each step of a coffee chat, from finding the right person to following up. Each one stands on its own.

4 free guides, about 28 minutes in all.

Start the first guide →

Six steps, one conversation.

Pick a step to see what its guide covers and where to start reading.

What is a coffee chat?

A coffee chat is a short, informal talk with someone whose job or path you want to learn about. What it is, what it is not, and how students use one.

  1. 1 minWhat happens in a coffee chat
  2. 1 minCoffee chat, informational interview, or job interview?
  3. 1 minWho to have coffee chats withStart here
  4. 2 minWhy people you barely know can help
  5. 2 minWhat a coffee chat can and cannot do
  6. 1 minThe four steps
Read the guide, 7 min →

Rate my cold email

One request, before and after. An illustrative example using placeholders, with a template you can make your own.

Before
Hi [First name],

I'm interested in working at [Company]. I'd love to pick your brain. Let me know when you're free.

Thanks,
[Your name]
After

Subject: [School] [major] student with a question about your work at [Company]

Hi [First name],

I'm a [year] at [School] studying [major], and I found you through [the alumni directory / LinkedIn]. I noticed you went from [earlier role] to [current role] at [Company], and that's the path I'm trying to understand.

Would you be open to a 20-minute call in the next few weeks? I'd love to hear how you made that move. I know you're busy, so I'm happy to work around your schedule.

Thank you,
[Your name]
[School] '[YY] | [LinkedIn URL]
Show the fixes
  1. Lead with your shared school so the reader knows why you are writing.
  2. Name one specific detail about their path, instead of asking to pick their brain.
  3. Ask a direct question with a time limit.
  4. Leave room for their schedule and an easy way to decline.
Use the email templates →

For students

  • What is a coffee chat?

    A coffee chat is a short, informal talk with someone whose job or path you want to learn about. What it is, what it is not, and how students use one.

    7 min read

  • How to ask for a coffee chat, with email templates

    Who to ask, where to find them, what to say, and copy-ready coffee chat email templates: a first email, an intro, a LinkedIn note, a nudge, a thank-you.

    10 min read

  • Questions to ask in a coffee chat

    Coffee chat questions grouped by what you want to learn: their path, the work, the team, breaking in, and closing. Plus how to prepare and what to skip.

    5 min read

  • How to follow up after a coffee chat

    What to send after a coffee chat: a same-day thank-you, an update when you act on their advice, and when it is right to ask about a referral.

    6 min read

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