How do you follow up and maintain contact with your informational interviewees?

1 Send a thank-you note

The first thing you should do after an informational interview is to send a thank-you note to your interviewee. This is a courteous and professional gesture that shows your appreciation and interest. You can send an email, a handwritten card, or a LinkedIn message, depending on your preference and the tone of the conversation. In your note, you should restate your main takeaways, express your gratitude, and mention any action items or next steps that you agreed on.

2 Keep them updated

One of the goals of an informational interview is to build a relationship with your interviewee. Therefore, you should not let the communication die after the thank-you note. You should keep them updated on your progress, achievements, or challenges related to your career goals. For example, you can share a relevant article, a project you completed, or a question you have. You can also ask for their feedback, advice, or referrals. However, be respectful of their time and avoid spamming them with too many messages. A good rule of thumb is to reach out once every few weeks or months, depending on the level of rapport you established.

3 Add value to them

Another way to maintain contact with your informational interviewees is to add value to them. This means finding ways to help them with their own goals, challenges, or interests. For example, you can offer to introduce them to someone in your network, share a resource that might benefit them, or congratulate them on their achievements. By adding value to them, you show that you are not only interested in what they can do for you, but also what you can do for them. This can strengthen your relationship and make them more likely to reciprocate.

4 Stay in touch on social media

Social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook, can be useful tools to stay in touch with your informational interviewees. You can follow them, like, comment, or share their posts, and join their groups or communities. This can help you stay updated on their activities, interests, and opinions, and also show your engagement and support. However, be mindful of the etiquette and boundaries of each platform, and avoid being intrusive or inappropriate. You should also customize your messages and comments to reflect your genuine interest and connection.

5 Reconnect periodically

Even if you have been following up and maintaining contact with your informational interviewees, it is still a good idea to reconnect with them periodically. This means reaching out to them with a specific purpose, such as asking for a second informational interview, requesting a referral, or seeking guidance on a career decision. You should remind them of who you are, how you met, and why you are contacting them. You should also be clear, concise, and respectful in your communication. Reconnecting periodically can help you refresh your relationship, demonstrate your initiative, and create new opportunities.

6 Keep track of your contacts

Finally, to follow up and maintain contact with your informational interviewees effectively, you need to keep track of your contacts. You can use a spreadsheet, a CRM tool, or a notebook to record their names, contact details, roles, companies, interests, and dates of communication. You should also note any action items, feedback, or referrals that they gave you or that you promised them. Keeping track of your contacts can help you organize your network, remember important details, and plan your follow-up strategies.

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?