Coffee chats remain one of the most effective networking tools in 2025. A 15-20 minute conversation can reveal unadvertised job opportunities, provide career guidance, and build professional relationships that cold applications cannot.
But most people struggle with the same question: What should I actually write when asking for a coffee chat?
The Three-Part Message Structure That Works
Successful coffee chat requests follow this pattern:
1. Personal Connection
Reference something specific about their profile. This proves you did your research and aren't sending mass messages.
- A recent post they wrote
- A shared alma mater or employer
- A specific project they worked on
- A mutual connection
Example: "I saw your recent post about transitioning from consulting to product management, and it aligned with my own career exploration."
2. Clear, Specific Ask
State your purpose directly and request a short timeframe. Research shows that 15-20 minute requests get higher acceptance rates than vague "pick your brain" messages.
Example: "I'd value your perspective on making a similar transition. Would you be open to a 15-minute call next week?"
3. Respectful Close
Acknowledge that they may be busy and express gratitude regardless of their response.
Example: "I understand if your schedule doesn't allow it, but I'd genuinely appreciate any insights you can share."
Before You Send: Do Your Research
Preparation determines success:
- Review their LinkedIn profile thoroughly - Understand their career path, current role, and recent activity
- Identify specific questions - Prepare 3-5 questions about their experience, not generic career advice
- Find commonalities - Alumni networks, shared interests, or mutual connections increase response rates
- Check their activity level - People who post regularly on LinkedIn are more likely to respond
Coffee Chat Message Examples
Here are 5 proven message templates for different LinkedIn networking scenarios:
1. The Career Changer
For those exploring a new industry or role:
"Hi Sarah,
I'm a marketing analyst at Salesforce exploring a transition into product management. I came across your post about moving from consulting to PM at Meta. Your point about leveraging customer research really resonated.
I'd love to learn more about how you approached that career shift. Would you be open to a brief 15-minute call sometime in the next two weeks? Happy to work around your schedule.
Completely understand if you're swamped, but I'd genuinely appreciate any guidance you can offer.
Thanks for considering, Alex"
Why it works: References specific content, shows clear research, respects their time with a 15-minute ask.
2. The Recent Graduate
For new grads seeking industry insights:
"Hi Michael,
I recently graduated from Stanford with a degree in Computer Science and noticed we're both alumni. I've been following your work at Google, especially your recent article on transitioning from academia to industry engineering.
I'm currently navigating my job search and would love to hear about your early career decisions. Would you have 15 minutes for a quick call in the next week or two?
I know you're busy, but any insights you could share would be incredibly valuable as I start my career.
Best regards, Jessica"
Why it works: Leverages alumni connection, shows genuine interest in their content, clear and modest time ask.
3. The Sales Professional
For B2B networking and business development:
"Hi David,
I saw your comment on the recent post about enterprise SaaS trends. Your perspective on customer success alignment was spot-on. I'm a sales director at Stripe, and we're focused on similar challenges in the fintech space.
I'd value learning more about your approach to scaling enterprise relationships. Would you be open to a brief 15-20 minute conversation? I'm happy to share what we've learned as well.
Totally understand if timing doesn't work, but I think we could have a valuable exchange.
Cheers, Ryan"
Why it works: Engages with their content, offers mutual value, professional peer-to-peer tone.
4. The Industry Switcher
For professionals changing industries:
"Hi Jennifer,
I came across your profile while researching professionals who've successfully transitioned from finance to tech. Your move from Goldman Sachs to a product role at Airbnb caught my attention, especially since I'm exploring a similar path.
I'd love to hear about the skills you found most transferable and any advice you'd give someone making this switch. Would you be open to a 15-minute call in the coming weeks?
I completely understand if your schedule is packed, but I'd be grateful for any guidance you can offer.
Thank you, Marcus"
Why it works: Shows targeted research, acknowledges specific career path, humble and respectful ask.
5. The Entrepreneur/Founder
For startup founders seeking advice:
"Hi Lisa,
I'm the founder of an early-stage B2B SaaS startup in the HR tech space. I recently read your post about scaling from 0 to 100 customers. Your insights on founder-led sales really resonated with where we are now.
I'd love to learn from your experience building Rippling's early go-to-market strategy. Would you have 15 minutes to chat sometime in the next couple of weeks? I'm happy to work around your schedule.
I know how valuable your time is, so no worries if you can't, but I'd genuinely appreciate any wisdom you can share.
Best, Ahmed"
Why it works: Demonstrates relevant context, references specific content, acknowledges their expertise without being presumptuous.
During the Coffee Chat
Once you've secured the meeting:
Preparation (30 minutes before)
- Confirm the meeting details 24 hours in advance
- Prepare your "elevator pitch" (1-2 minute background summary)
- Write down 5-7 specific questions
- Research recent company news if relevant
Structure (15-20 minutes)
- Start with gratitude (1 minute)
- Share your brief background (1-2 minutes)
- Ask about their career path (5 minutes)
- Discuss specific topics you prepared (8-10 minutes)
- Ask if they can recommend others to speak with (1 minute)
- Close by offering to help them in any way (1 minute)
Follow-up (within 24 hours)
- Send a thank-you note
- Mention 1-2 specific insights you gained
- Connect on LinkedIn if you haven't already
- Offer something of value (article, introduction, etc.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These approaches reduce response rates:
- Generic subject lines like "Can I pick your brain?"
- Not explaining why you chose to contact them specifically
- Requesting 30+ minute meetings upfront
- Asking them to review your resume in the first message
- Sending messages on weekends (unless they suggest it)
- Following up more than once if they don't respond
Reinforce the Value of Real Connection
The challenge with effective coffee chat requests is time. Researching each person's background, recent posts, and shared connections can take 20-30 minutes per message.
Hey Salesman helps you write thoughtful LinkedIn messages without spending hours on research. It brings all your conversations and a prospect's full context (work history, posts, comments, and shared content) into one simple view. The AI understands what matters to each person and to you. You can chat with it about a prospect, ask questions like "what have they been posting about lately," or let it help you refine what to say. You stay in control of the message; there's no automation, just smarter research and writing.
You can create reusable snippets for common prompts, set up personas that match how you communicate, and quickly personalize each message with the right context. It’s all about making outreach feel natural, not robotic. Try Hey Salesman - it’s the faster way to write personalized messages without the research.
FAQs
Q: How do I write a LinkedIn message for a coffee chat?
A: Start by mentioning something specific about the person (like a post or shared background), be clear about why you’re reaching out, and make it easy to say yes with a short, friendly ask for a 15-minute chat.
Q: How long should a LinkedIn coffee chat message be?
A: Keep it under 100 words. Short, specific messages are more likely to get responses than long, formal paragraphs.
Q: Should I send a LinkedIn message or InMail for a coffee chat?
A: If you’re connected, use a direct message. If not, a short InMail or connection request note with context (“Loved your post about [topic]”) works well.
Q: What do you say when following up on a coffee chat request?
A: Wait about a week. Then send a brief, polite note: “Hi [Name], just wanted to follow up in case my previous note got buried. Would love to connect when you have time.”
Q: When’s the best time to send a LinkedIn message?
A: Midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) during work hours tends to see higher engagement.
Q: What should I avoid saying in a coffee chat message?
A: Avoid overly formal intros, vague “pick your brain” requests, or messages that sound self-serving. Be direct, friendly, and curious.
Q: How can I personalize a LinkedIn message quickly?
A: Use insights from their recent activity (posts, comments, or shared articles) to mention something meaningful. Tools like Hey Salesman can help you surface that context instantly.