30-Day Informational Interview Plan
A structured approach to launching your informational interview strategy with daily actions that build momentum.
This 30-day plan breaks down the informational interview process into manageable daily activities. Each week focuses on a different phase of the process, from preparation to building long-term relationships. By following this plan, you'll establish a systematic approach to networking that will continue to yield opportunities well beyond the initial 30 days.
Focus Area:
Week:
Week 1: Preparation & Network Mapping
Day 1
Network Audit
- Create spreadsheet to track contacts
- List every professional contact you already know
- Categorize by industry, role, and relationship strength
- Identify 5-10 "warmest" connections to approach first
Day 2
Target Industry Research
- Define 2-3 target industries or roles
- Research major companies and key players
- Find industry-specific news and trends
- Note conversation topics relevant to these industries
Day 3
First-Degree Connections
- Identify 5 closest connections to contact first
- Prepare your brief introduction and purpose
- Create calendar reminders for follow-ups
- Draft personalized outreach messages
Day 4
LinkedIn Optimization
- Update LinkedIn profile with current information
- Add relevant skills and experience
- Follow target companies and thought leaders
- Join relevant industry groups
Day 5
Template Creation
- Create email templates for warm contacts
- Create email templates for cold contacts
- Create follow-up email templates
- Draft thank-you note templates
Days 6-7
Question Preparation
- Create a standard list of questions
- Develop industry-specific questions
- Practice introducing yourself concisely
- Review and refine your "elevator pitch"
- Prepare conversation starters for awkward silences
Week 2: Making Initial Contact
Day 8
First Contact Wave
- Send emails to your 5 closest connections
- Schedule calendar reminders for follow-ups
- Update tracking spreadsheet
- Connect with these contacts on LinkedIn
Day 9
Alumni Connections
- Research alumni from your school in target fields
- Identify 5-10 potential alumni connections
- Draft personalized outreach emails
- Find shared experiences or professors to mention
Day 10
Alumni Outreach
- Send emails to 3-5 alumni connections
- Connect with them on LinkedIn with personalized note
- Update your tracking spreadsheet
- Research any responses received
Day 11
Second-Degree Connections
- Identify 5 second-degree connections to target
- Request introductions from mutual connections
- Prepare for initial responses
- Review LinkedIn for potential introduction paths
Day 12
First Follow-Ups
- Send follow-up emails to non-responders (from Day 8)
- Respond promptly to any replies received
- Schedule upcoming interviews
- Update tracking spreadsheet with statuses
Days 13-14
Interview Preparation
- Research background of each scheduled interviewee
- Customize your question list for each person
- Practice active listening techniques
- Prepare your notebook with questions
- Review company news for each interviewee
Week 3: First Interviews & Expanding Reach
Day 15
Conduct First Interviews
- Conduct 1-2 scheduled informational interviews
- Take detailed notes during conversations
- Remember to ask the two magic questions
- Be punctual and professionally dressed
Day 16
Post-Interview Process
- Send same-day thank you emails
- Record key insights and advice received
- Add new referrals to your tracking spreadsheet
- Connect on LinkedIn if not already connected
Day 17
Industry Group Research
- Research professional organizations in your field
- Find networking events or meetups to attend
- Join relevant online communities or forums
- Follow industry thought leaders on social media
Day 18
New Contact Wave
- Reach out to referrals from first interviews
- Contact 3-5 new potential connections
- Join and introduce yourself in online communities
- Mention your referral source in outreach emails
Day 19
Content Engagement
- Engage with content from your network
- Comment on LinkedIn posts from target connections
- Share relevant industry articles with your network
- Ask thoughtful questions on industry forums
Days 20-21
More Interviews & Follow-Ups
- Conduct additional informational interviews
- Send follow-up emails to recent contacts
- Review progress and adjust strategy as needed
- Update tracking spreadsheet with all activity
- Practice the "two magic questions" if needed
Week 4: Momentum & Long-term Strategy
Day 22
Strategic Analysis
- Review notes from all interviews conducted
- Identify patterns and valuable insights
- Note potential opportunities mentioned
- Identify most promising connections to nurture
Day 23
Opportunity Follow-Up
- Follow up on any potential opportunities
- Send additional information requested by contacts
- Schedule second conversations where appropriate
- Update resume based on feedback received
Day 24
Cold Outreach
- Identify 5 "dream connections" in your field
- Research their background thoroughly
- Draft highly personalized outreach messages
- Find mutual connections or interests to mention
Day 25
Network Event
- Attend an industry event or meetup
- Set goal to meet 3-5 new connections
- Practice your elevator pitch in person
- Bring business cards or digital contact info
Day 26
Event Follow-Up
- Connect with new contacts from event
- Send personalized follow-up messages
- Request informational interviews where appropriate
- Add new contacts to your tracking spreadsheet
Day 27
Value-Add Strategy
- Identify ways to provide value to your network
- Share helpful resources with 3-5 connections
- Make mutually beneficial introductions
- Send articles or information of interest to contacts
Days 28-30
Ongoing Plan Development
- Conduct remaining scheduled interviews
- Review overall strategy effectiveness
- Create ongoing monthly networking plan
- Set specific goals for the next 60 days
- Identify 3-5 most valuable connections to maintain