Students

After

Informational Interviews

This is what you should do after an informational interview:

Send a thank-you note

  • Write and mail or email a thank-you note within one day of your interview.
  • Include a few points from the interview that you found helpful.
  • It is always beneficial to thank your contact. It is a small world and you never know when or where you might meet your contact again.

Reflect

  • What did you learn?
  • Is this the job you want? Is this a company you would like to work for? Do you like this industry?
  • How comfortable were you in this environment? Would you fit in?
  • What might you need to do to be successful in this career?
  • Do you still have unanswered questions? How might you get them answered?
  • Do you want to explore other jobs, industries, or companies?
  • Did you enjoy this experience? What might you do differently the next time?

Next steps

Need more information?

  • Schedule another informational interview.
  • Seek a job shadowing experience.
  • Look for an internship or career-related part-time job in the field.
  • Research similar career fields or industries.
  • Talk with faculty in your major.

Want to change directions?

  • Have you identified your interest, skills, strengths, and values? Ask about our career inventories and self-assessment activities.
  • Research and explore new careers or industries. Start with the Career Library resources.
  • Meet with a career peer educator.