Landing an informational interview is a big win—but it’s what you do after the conversation that builds sustainable momentum. By consistently and thoughtfully following up, you can transform a casual connection into a valuable professional relationship that supports your career growth.
Building trust takes time, so focus on genuine engagement instead of quick wins. Here’s how to follow up with intention and build a network that truly works for you.
BONUS: Feeling reluctant or never considered asking for an informational interview? Check out our post “The Introvert’s Guide to Informational Interviews.”
Your Follow-Up Timeline: A Simple Plan
The First 24 Hours: Send a Thank-You Email—This shows your appreciation for their time, reinforces your interest right away, and can spark further interactions with your connection.
Sample email that you can use within the first 24 hours:
Subject: Thank you – Informational Interview
Hi [Name],
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me [yesterday/on Tuesday] about your experience in [their industry/company/role]. I really enjoyed our conversation—especially your insights on [specific topic or challenge they mentioned].
What you shared about [insert key takeaway] really helped me think differently about [your goal or decision], and I’ll definitely keep your advice in mind as I [next step you're taking].
I appreciate your openness and generosity—it was a pleasure connecting, and I hope to stay in touch!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn Profile URL – optional]
1–2 Months Later: Light Check-In—Maintain momentum and keep the connection alive by sharing a brief update or something relevant you came across.
Sample check-in email (1-2 months):
Subject: Checking In – [Relevant Topic]
Hi [Name],
Hope your [week/month] is going well! I came across [article/event/post] about [topic], and it reminded me of our conversation about [shared interest/industry challenge]. Thought you might find it interesting: [link].
On my end, I’ve been [brief personal update—course, project, event], and it’s been a great learning experience so far.
Just wanted to say hello and keep in touch—wishing you continued success!
All the best,
[Your Name]
3–6 Months Later: Add Value or Ask for Insights—Here is your chance to reference past conversations, offer a resource, or ask a thoughtful question.
Sample value-add email (3-6 months):
Subject: Thought of You – [Topic/Resource]
Hi [Name],
I recently came across this [article/resource/tool] on [topic], and it brought to mind our conversation about [specific discussion point]. It might be helpful in your work around [insert brief reason it's relevant].
I’ve also been [share a quick update about your journey—new job, milestone, learning].
If you're open to reconnecting sometime, I’d love to catch up briefly and hear how things are going on your end, too.
Best,
[Your Name]
Ongoing Engagement—There’s no set timeframe here, just work at keeping the conversation organic and value-driven, or even personal if you’ve achieved that level of connection. Think small but steady—react to their LinkedIn posts, send congrats, or share insights related to their industry or shared interests.
Sample ongoing engagement email:
Subject: Catching Up – Thoughts on [Industry Trend]?
Hi [Name],
I’ve been following recent developments in [industry trend] and immediately thought of your perspective. I’d love to hear your take on how it’s impacting [your company/role/space], especially since you mentioned [refer back to past comment].
Things have been progressing on my end—[share update]—and I’m navigating some new decisions.
If you're open to a quick virtual chat, I'd value your input.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
BONUS: For more tips on engaging your connections on LinkedIn, read our post “How 15 Minutes a Day on LinkedIn Can Supercharge Your Career.”
What to Talk About in Your Follow-Ups
To avoid sounding repetitive or overly self-focused, vary your topics. Here are a few ideas to keep your outreach relevant and engaging:
Industry News & Trends—Share an article or ask their take on a recent industry development.
Your Progress—Let them know how you're applying their advice or growing your skills. This action shows you are listening and truly value their advice.
Shared Interests—Reference a mutual hobby, alma mater event, or professional passion to bring a personal touch to your connection.
Offer Help—Share a job posting, tool, article, industry insight, or contact they might find useful.
Company Milestones—Congratulate them on a promotion, company success, or career move.
Selectively Ask for Advice—If a situation genuinely aligns with their experience, ask a thoughtful, specific question. If you’ve done a good job of nurturing the connection, they’ll likely be happy to offer their perspective and help you out.
The Follow-Up Mindset: Build, Don’t Chase
You don’t need to constantly “wow” your contacts or ask for favors to stay relevant. Instead, adopt a mindset of mutual value and long-term growth. Here are a few key principles to guide you:
Be Genuine—Speak like a real person. Ditch overly formal language. Show curiosity and appreciation.
Offer Value—Think about what’s interesting or helpful for them, not just you.
Respect Their Time—Keep messages short and optional—no pressure to respond.
Make It Personal—Reference details from your first and previous conversations—it shows you're paying attention.
Be Patient—Not every check-in will spark a conversation. That’s okay. You’re playing the long game.
Stay Organized—Track your outreach in a simple spreadsheet or CRM so you remember when to follow up and what you last talked about.
Engage Socially—Like and comment on their LinkedIn posts—it’s an easy, low-key way to stay visible.
The real power of an informational interview isn’t the immediate answers—it’s the relationships you build along the way. By staying connected with authenticity and consistency, you’ll gradually grow a network that’s not just helpful but genuinely meaningful.
Small steps now can lead to big opportunities later. So write that follow-up. Stay in touch. Keep showing up.
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A Look Ahead to Our Next Newsletter…
Ready to make a career switch but don’t know where to start? Career assessments and expert guidance can chart a course for career success for you. In our next blog, we will look at career assessments that will help you align your goals and talents and put you on the course for success.
Change is good.
It can also be confusing if you’re not sure where to start.
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The Life Working® Writing Services and Career Coaching Team