You just had a great conversation, now what? The real value of an informational interview isn’t just what you heard. It’s what you do next. This article walks you through how to reflect, follow up, and take action after your conversation, so you can get the most out of it.
1. Send a Quick Thank-You
Within 24 hours, send a short thank-you note. It shows professionalism and respect; plus, this keeps the connection open.
Example:
Hi [Name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today. I really appreciated your insights about [industry/major/topic] and your honest perspective on your experience. It gave me a lot to think about as I explore my next steps.
Wishing you the best, and thanks again!
[Your Name]
2. Reflect While It’s Fresh
- What did you learn that surprised you?
- What confirmed (or challenged) your assumptions?
- Did anything they said make you want to learn more or cross something off your list?
Write it down. Even a few quick notes can help you remember the most valuable takeaways later.
3. Look for Patterns Across Interviews
The more interviews you do, the more you’ll start noticing themes: what excites people in a field, what challenges they share, and how they ended up where they are. That’s why watching multiple interviews on MajorMentor is so powerful, you can start to build a picture of the field from many different angles.
How to Compare Informational Interviews to Spot Trends
4. Take the Next Step
Actions to take next:
- Want to learn more? Set up another interview in a related field, or watch interviews we’ve already done on MajorMentor.com.
- Want to shift focus? Research a new major that came up.
Action builds clarity. Use what you learned to make your next move.
How to Choose a College Major That Fits You
5. What If It Wasn’t Helpful?
Not every interview is amazing. Sometimes people are vague, distracted, or just not a great match. That’s okay. Even a so-so conversation teaches you something like, what doesn’t work for you.
Thank them anyway and move on. Your next one will be better.
Final Thought
Informational interviews aren’t just about hearing someone else’s story. They’re about helping you write your own, so reflect, follow up, and take action. That’s how this process starts to shape your future.
How to Use MajorMentor’s Library to Explore Majors and Careers