Networking
How Can Networking Help You?
- Provides you with information about potential employers.
- Helps you identify additional people who can provide you with more information and contacts.
- Educates others and points out your potential value to an employer.
Who Can I Network With?
- Personal Friends
- Acquaintances
- Friends of Relatives
- Lawyers
- Meetings at Social Functions
- Meetings at Professional Outings
- Accountants
- Alumni
- Ex Co-Workers
- Vendors from past employment
- Contacts from same industries
- Contacts from Professional Organizations
- Professors/Teachers/Instructors
What Is An Informational Interview?
An Informational Interview is used to first identify and then contact people who are in the position to hire you or serve as a source for additional contacts. Use the Informational Interview when you are looking for information about a new field/career. Request to set up a 20-30 minute interview to get their input/perspective. Don't be surprised if a job offer is made to you, alot of Informational Interviews lead to employment opportunities. DON'T EVER ASK FOR A JOB.
Some questions that may be helpful to ask are listed below. 
- What do you like best about your work?
- What do you like least?
- What is it really like to do your work?
- How did you get to where you are now?
- What organizations do you belong to?
- What do you read related to your work?
- What qualifications/training/education are required to do your work?
- What do you see as the future of this business?
- How do you define success?
- What obstacles have you met along the way?
- How have you overcome the obstacles?
- Who else should I talk to?
- What advice do you have for me?
- What opportunities for growth and advancement do you see ahead for you?
- Anything else you think would be helpful?
|
