Texas Christian University Career Services
Guide to Networking and Informational Interviewing
What is Networking?
Networking is the process of making connections with various people who can assist you in learning more about a certain career, meeting new people, and finding a job. Networking is important because it is estimated that the majority of jobs are never posted anywhere! Networking doesn’t mean that you’ll automatically get the job—you must shine in your interview and present yourself in a appealing manner—but employers are more interested in hiring people who are recommended by someone they respect. cause at first glance the candidate doesn’t have the right major, but if someone who the employer knows is vouching for the candidate’s strong work ethic or excellent team working abilities, that résumé may lead to an interview.
How do I build my network?
Well, the simple answer is...through everyone you meet! It is true, though not always that easy. It’s best to start off simple. You will be surprised at the number of people that you know. Start with your family, your friends and their families. Then expand your search to include people whose services you or your family use such as professors, doctors, lawyers, ministers, accountants, high school teachers, and coaches. Don’t forget members and alumni from your student organizations, such as fraternities and sororities, or your teammates from sports. Any one of these people could lead you to the contact that you need. You will be surprised who knows whom when you start asking. For example, the people that you know at your place of worship are a very diverse group. They may know the person that you are trying to locate personally or perhaps will know someone who knows them, or their family. Remember that the purpose of a network is to make connections, secure information and build bridges of mutual assistance. It is a process, not an end in itself to be abandoned once you get the information, contact or job that you are seeking. Networking is ongoing and it will be valuable throughout your life. However, it is easiest to get to talk to the people that you want to see while you are still a student. Professional associations are another valuable
Why is networking important?
As stated before, most jobs are never posted, therefore, networking gives you the opportunity to find out about openings you never knew existed. If a job does end up being posted, there’s a good chance that the company already has spread the word around that they are hiring and those people who hear about it first will have an advantage. Networking also provides the benefit of specifically knowing what qualifications the employer finds most important. If you know that, you have an edge because you can focus your cover letter and résumé to better fit the needs of the company or organization. Networking is especially important for people who are trying to enter a field where they don’t have previous experience or skills. For example, if a communication studies major wants to work in marketing, it is going to be much easier for that person to find a marketing position through a networking referral. If the résumé is sent in without a referral, it may get tossed aside be1
networking source. If there is not a student chapter of a professional association that covers your interests, start one. Also, get active in the local chapter so that you can meet the people and become familiar with the issues involved in that profession. Who knows, maybe the person you hope to speak with will be sitting next to you at lunch during one of these meetings. And be sure that when you go to the local chapter meetings, you do not sit with other students. Introduce yourself to the pros and sit with them. Other resources for networking may include your local college alumni club. Find out if there is a chapter in your city and attend events. Most university alumni are excited to help graduates from their alma mater. Contact the TCU alumni association to see what opportunities they provide for recent graduates in making networking connections. Chambers of Commerce often host networking events for the community and there are also networking organizations in several cities, such as national First Tuesday. If you are moving to a new city, tell the people you know that you’re moving and ask who they know in that new location. Try to get involved with organizations that are of interest to you or find places that you can volunteer. Not only may you meet the perfect business contact, you may also make some new friends!
•
Write thank you notes! If someone is taking time from their busy day to meet with you and assist you with your job search, acknowledge their kindness with a handwritten thank you note.
What’s an Informational Interview? Why should I do one?
People who are already working in the fields that interest you are your best sources of information. They know what it is really like, what you need to know and how to get started. The Informational Interview is an excellent tool to tap this resource. The Informational Interview is not a job interview. In fact, you should make it very clear when asking for an appointment that you are not seeking employment. You are exploring career options and seeking advice and information about occupations. It is very important that the persons you are contacting understand this because it will make a difference in scheduling a visit. You will benefit in several ways from Informational Interviews. The knowledge you gain from professionals in various occupations can be invaluable in helping you make choices about the career that is right for you. However, you will also be making contacts that can help you when you begin searching for internships and jobs. Most job seekers find work through people that they know. By developing relationships with professionals in your field now, you will be in a better position to find work in the future. This process of meeting people and gathering information is called networking.
Important Networking Tips
•
•
•
•
Like we learn in kindergarten, treat others as you want to be treated. In that sense, be courteous to your contacts and listen to their advice and suggestions. And when someone asks for your assistance in networking, help them out. Make networking a priority in your life. Networking doesn’t end once you’ve found a job, rather it is a lifelong process to create contacts and opportunities for yourself and others. Establish a detailed system of keeping track of your contacts and be sure to keep in touch. Always ask permission to use someone’s name in making a contact. 2
How do I find someone to interview?
Use the networking contacts that you learned about in the first section! Utilize the resources available to you, like the advisors in UCS and the TCU Alumni Association.
How do I begin?
Investigate all of the different settings where
people work in the careers that interest you. For example, if you are considering nursing, examine positions in hospitals, doctor’s offices and clinics, community health centers, rehabilitation centers, schools and colleges, and research facilities. Or if you are studying physical education, also look into community recreation or corporate wellness. It is also desirable to obtain more than one perspective on the careers of interest to you. Interview individuals who hold these position and their supervisors or department heads. Talk to people in more than one organization because jobs can differ greatly depending on the work environment of individual employers. Try to conduct your first interviews with people whom you know so that you can become polished at the process before you venture out into the unknown. At the end of an informational interview, always ask the interviewee for a referral to another person or two in the field from which you may obtain further information. In this way, you will develop your own network of contacts.
• •
• •
•
Try to keep the interview focused on your informational needs and not strictly on their job or particular organization. Keep an open mind and LISTEN closely to what is being said. Objectively evaluate your sources in considering the information you have obtained. Ask if the person would mind if you kept in touch with them. In ending the interview, express your sincere appreciation for the time spent with you and the information that they have provided. ALWAYS follow up the interview with a personal thank you letter.
Whenever possible, talk to secretaries, receptionists or other employees while visiting. They can give you great information. Also, be observant of information on bulletin boards. In addition to conducting Informational Interviews with individuals in their own office settings, also take advantage of programs that are organized for you for just this purpose: seminars sponsored by your academic department; guest speakers in your clubs or classes; or job fairs and career days. Whenever possible, attend the meetings of professional associations in the field that you are considering, both the local and student chapters. Often people who are active in these professional organizations know professionals in others parts of the country through such associations, should you be considering relocating after graduation. You will want to keep track of the people in your network with either a card file or database on your computer. You need to keep their correctly spelled name, title, address, telephone number, fax number and email address, plus the date and a brief note about your visit. In this way, you will be able to update your contacts, make sure you are staying in touch and keep straight in your mind who is who. DO NOT TRUST YOUR MEMORY!
Tips on Informational Interviewing
• • Dress and act as if this were an actual job interview. You are making a first impression and your professional image is important. Be thoroughly prepared. This is your show. You are conducting the interview, so be aware of the type of information that you need to obtain, and know the kinds of questions to ask. Research the field and the organization for which this person works so that you can ask “intelligent” questions. You may wish to write your questions down prior to the interview, but do not treat them as a script to be read or recited. Listen to the answers and ask follow-up questions to clarify points. Feel free to take notes. Ask open-ended questions. These questions elicit broader and more comprehensive responses than a simple “yes” or “no.” For example ask, “What types of organizations hire math majors?” rather than “Do insurance companies hire math majors?” 3
•
Sample Questions for Informational Interviewing
• • • •
•
•
• •
•
•
•
•
•
• • •
•
•
How did you get into this occupation? What entry-level jobs might qualify a person for this occupational field? What responsibilities and duties do you have in your work? What skills, aptitudes, or personal qualifications do people need for this occupation (or to work in this organization)? What preparation, education, training, or background is required for entrance into this field? What is the guiding philosophy of the organization realistically? What personal traits, values, and interests are necessary or helpful to succeed and advance in this occupation/organization? What personal qualities do administrators and supervisors look for in their employees here? What do you like best about your occupation/organization? What do you wish you could change? How would you describe the working conditions in this occupation/organization: hours, dress, morale of your fellow workers, work styles, management styles? What is the beginning, average, and top salaries in this occupation? What are the fringe benefits offered? (DO NOT ASK “What is your salary?”) What are the opportunities for advancement, promotion or job changes in the occupation/organization? What is a typical day at work like in your occupation/organization? What other occupations are closely related to this one? What college major or courses outside of the major would be especially helpful in entering this occupation? What types of extracurricular activities or work experience would help me prepare for your occupation? What changes do you foresee coming in your occupation/organization over the next few years? What will be the demand for people in this occupation? 4
•
•
Would it be all right if I stayed in touch with you if I need more information or advice in the future? Could you suggest the names of other people in this occupation who work for other organizations that would be valuable advisors for me? May I mention your name as the person who referred me? Are there professional organizations for people in your occupation that would be helpful to me in meeting other people and learning more about the field?
TCU Career Services
Jarvis Hall 1st Floor 817-257-2222 www.careers.tcu.edu Office Hours: 8:00-5:00, M-F