Following up after an informational interview is essential to building professional relationships and getting the most out of what you've learned.
Here's how to do thoughtful, effective follow-up:
Send a thank you note : Within 24 hours, send a personalized thank you email. Mention specific points in the conversation that were especially insightful or helpful to show true appreciation for their time and advice.
Reflect on key points : After the interview, jot down key ideas, skills you need to develop, and career paths that caught your eye. This will help you consolidate what you've learned and allow you to refer back to these points in the future.
Update your career strategy : Integrate relevant advice into your career plans. If the conversation has highlighted a skill gap or an area for potential development, add it to your career goals or learning objectives.
Schedule a meeting : If the conversation went well, consider scheduling a brief meeting in a few australia whatsapp number data months. Updating them on the steps you've taken following their advice shows that you're moving forward and keeps the (internet) connection going.
Organize and follow up : Keep track of everyone you've met with and the key takeaways from each conversation. Use simple tools, like a spreadsheet or task management app, to stay organized and make sure you're following up effectively. Take notes on each conversation, keep track of action items or next steps, and set reminders for when it's time to reconnect.
You can also use ClickUp Tasks to create a clear follow-up action plan. Set tasks for each step of the follow-up, such as sending thank-you notes or reflecting on key insights.
Custom statuses like “Writing Thank You” or “Updated Career Strategy” can help you stay organized and track your progress, ensuring you complete each step efficiently.
Common mistakes to avoid in informational interviews
To get the most out of your informational interviews, avoid these common mistakes:
Dominate the conversation : Avoid talking too much about yourself. It's your chance to learn from them, not to show off your resume.
Rushing through questions : Don't treat the session like a checklist. Take the time to dig into your answers and participate thoughtfully.
Ask easy questions to answer : Refrain from asking questions that could have been easily researched beforehand, as it may appear unprepared or a lack of genuine interest.
Not preparing enough questions : Arriving unprepared can lead to awkward silences. Plan a sufficient number of questions to keep the conversation flowing and insightful.
Misunderstanding the objective : Remember that an informational interview is about gaining information and making connections, not about directly asking for a job or a favor.
Post-interview follow-up
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