Here's how you can enhance your Relationship Building through informational interviews.

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." -Benjamin Franklin Research the Interviewee: Understand their background, career path, and current role to tailor your questions. Prepare Thoughtful Questions: Focus on topics that showcase your interest and eagerness to learn, such as their industry insights and career advice. Review Your Goals: Clarify what you hope to gain from the interview to stay focused and make the conversation productive. Bring Necessary Materials: Have a notebook or digital device for note-taking, and a resume if appropriate. Follow-Up: Send a thank-you note to express gratitude and reinforce the connection.

"Connection is the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued." –Brené Brown Personalize Your Approach: Start the conversation by mentioning a shared connection or interest to create rapport. Listen Actively: Show genuine interest by listening attentively and responding thoughtfully to what the interviewee shares. Share Your Story: Briefly talk about your background and career goals to help the interviewee understand your perspective. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage detailed responses by asking questions that allow for elaboration and deeper insights. Follow Up Thoughtfully: After the interview, send a personalized thank-you note and stay in touch to maintain the relationship.

Following up after the interview is important, but you likely also want to set yourself up for a long term relationship with that person. If it makes sense, ask during the interview if it would be okay for you to reach out at a specified time in the future (ex. One month, end of the year). Be realistic with your time ask. You can also ask this in your follow up email. By doing this, you’re making sure your request for a second conversation is not coming out of the blue. If they agree (or even if you didn’t ask or they didn’t reply), it’s crucial that you set a reminder for yourself to follow up with that person at that specified time. Even if you’re no longer looking for a job, it’s important to still maintain that connection.

Proactive Engagement & Follow-up: Enhancing relationship building through informational interviews involves demonstrating genuine interest and proactive engagement. For example, after an interview with a marketing professional, follow up with a personalized thank-you email, highlighting key insights from the conversation. Mention specific strategies discussed, and express interest in applying those insights to your own work. This shows attentiveness and respect for their expertise. Additionally, keep in touch periodically with updates on your progress or relevant industry news, fostering a sustained and meaningful connection.