Sure. Soft close is a vague way of saying "don't go begging for a job". When you make this approach somewhat cold or perhaps slightly warm, your objective is to

Sure. Soft close is a vague way of saying "don't go begging for a job". When you make this approach somewhat cold or perhaps slightly warm, your objective is to get a conversation started - that doesn't need to be a formal interview. Of the examples you provide, I'd think the latter might be more effective (possibly including "or a quick call" to make it even less of a commitment).