How do you maximize informational interviews?

1 Choose your interviewees wisely

You don't want to waste your time or theirs by reaching out to people who are not relevant, responsive, or respectful. Do some research on LinkedIn, Google, or your network to find potential interviewees who have the experience, expertise, or position that you are interested in. Look for commonalities, such as shared contacts, alma mater, or interests, that can help you establish rapport and trust. Be selective and respectful when you send your request, and explain why you want to talk to them and what you hope to learn.

2 Prepare your questions and goals

Before the interview, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what you want to ask. Your questions should be specific, open-ended, and relevant to your interviewee's background, role, or industry. For example, you can ask about their career journey, their current challenges, their advice for someone like you, or their opinion on a trend or issue. You should also have some questions that can help you expand your network, such as asking for referrals, recommendations, or introductions to other people or resources.

3 Be respectful and professional

During the interview, you should be respectful and professional at all times. Dress appropriately, arrive on time, introduce yourself, and thank them for their time. Listen attentively, show interest and enthusiasm, and avoid interrupting or dominating the conversation. You can also take notes, but don't let them distract you from the interaction. You should also respect their time and keep the interview within the agreed duration, unless they offer to extend it.

4 Follow up and stay in touch

After the interview, you should follow up with a thank-you note within 24 hours. Express your appreciation, summarize the main points or insights you learned, and mention any action items or next steps you agreed on. You can also ask for their permission to connect on LinkedIn or other platforms. To maintain the relationship, you should stay in touch periodically, but not too frequently. You can update them on your progress, share relevant information or articles, or congratulate them on their achievements. You can also ask for their feedback, guidance, or support if you need it.

5 Evaluate and apply your learnings

The last step is to evaluate and apply what you learned from the informational interview. You should review your notes, reflect on your impressions, and identify the key takeaways or action steps. You should also assess how the interview helped you achieve your goals, whether they are clarifying your career direction, exploring new opportunities, or building your network. You should also apply what you learned to improve your resume, cover letter, portfolio, or interview skills.

6 Repeat and refine the process

Informational interviews are not a one-time event, but a continuous process of learning and networking. You should repeat and refine the process as you progress in your career development. You should seek out new interviewees, prepare new questions, and follow up with new insights. You should also keep track of your contacts, interactions, and outcomes, and measure your results. By doing so, you will maximize the value of informational interviews and advance your career.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?