How can you use informational interviews to build your professional network in technical support?

2 How to find potential interviewees?

There are many ways to find potential interviewees for your informational interviews. You can start by tapping into your existing network, such as your classmates, instructors, colleagues, friends, or family members who work or have connections in technical support. You can also use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Meetup, to search for and reach out to technical support professionals who share your interests, goals, or backgrounds. Additionally, you can attend events, workshops, webinars, or podcasts that feature or attract technical support experts, and ask for their contact information or permission to follow up.

3 How to prepare for informational interviews?

Before you conduct an informational interview, you should do some research on the person you are going to interview and the organization or industry they work in. You should also prepare a list of specific and relevant questions that you want to ask them, such as their career path, their current role and responsibilities, their challenges and achievements, their advice and tips, and their recommendations and referrals. You should also prepare a brief introduction of yourself, your background, your interests, and your goals in technical support. Finally, you should confirm the date, time, and mode of the interview, and send a reminder and an agenda a day before.

4 How to conduct informational interviews?

During the informational interview, you should be respectful, courteous, and professional. You should thank the person for their time and interest, and introduce yourself briefly. You should then ask your questions in a conversational and engaging manner, and listen actively and attentively to their answers. You should also take notes, ask for clarifications, and provide feedback or comments when appropriate. You should avoid asking for a job or being too pushy or intrusive. You should also keep track of the time and wrap up the interview within the agreed duration. You should end the interview by thanking the person again, asking for their preferred way of staying in touch, and requesting their permission to follow up or introduce you to other contacts.

5 How to follow up after informational interviews?

After the informational interview, you should send a thank-you note to the person you interviewed within 24 hours. You should express your appreciation and gratitude, and highlight the key points or insights that you learned from them. You should also mention any action steps that you plan to take based on their advice or suggestions, and ask for their feedback or input if needed. You should also keep them updated on your progress and achievements, and share any relevant information or resources that might interest them. You should also maintain regular contact with them, and look for ways to add value to them, such as endorsing their skills, commenting on their posts, or inviting them to events.