Advice for Nailing your Next Informational Interview

Most informational interviews don't fail in the first 29 minutes.

They fail in the last sentence.

I had a really impressive informational interview recently.

Sharp questions. Good energy. I found myself genuinely thinking about how I could help her.

Then she closed with:

“So if you hear of any opportunities, please reach out to me.”

And just like that, the energy shifted.

Because now her job search became my responsibility, and the conversation turned transactional.

I’m a coach. This is what I do, so I gave her honest feedback.

I shared how that one sentence could quietly undo everything she had built. She was surprised, but she understood.

Here’s what I suggested instead:

“Would it be okay if I reach out again if I have additional questions?”

Same intention. Completely different energy.

One creates obligation. The other keeps the door open.

There was one more miss: no follow-up.

If you’re having informational interviews, send a thank-you within 24 hours. Every time.

Mention one thing that stuck with you and how you’ll use it. If natural, share a relevant article or insight.

Then stay in touch every 4–6 weeks. Not with asks. With value.

Networking isn’t about collecting favors.

It’s about building real relationships.

What's one networking mistake you learned the hard way?