Informational Interviews

Creating Professional Connections

Why Would I Use These? Exploring new job options/different

work environments

Learn strategies of how to get to where I want to go

Assist in decision making about next steps in education/career

Networking—getting to know people in my industry of interest

When Would I Use These?

While in undergrad or graduate school

While job searching

When looking for a graduate program that is a good fit or thinking of going back to school

When I already have a job to continue to explore options and make connections—explore other specializations

Informational Interview:

Its not an interview for a job – just information.

You are in charge of the meeting…you set it up.

Fact: Most individuals enjoy talking about themselves and their experiences.

How to find people Create an target list of companies

and/or types of jobs you are interested in learning more about

Email the list to everyone you know and ask if people have suggestions.

Look for WSU alumni in those positions – search for those people on Linkedin www.linkedin.com/alumni

How to find people cont.

Join a professional association related to your field of interest.

Find the local state chapter of a professional association and review their website – there is often contact info of the board and you can approach them asking for suggestions.

How to find people Attend or volunteer at networking

events, professional development days and conferences and speak to new people at these events. Follow up!

Review websites of companies you are interested in and reach out if there is contact info (more likely to work with smaller organizations).

Making Contact Make a phone call or email. I prefer email first

then follow-up phone call if I don’t hear from them.

If you are calling—think about and practice how you are going to ask them for the info interview.

Let them know you are a student and that you are exploring careers. Tell them your area of interest.

If you send an email you would not typically include your resume

Making Contact

While meeting in person is always ideal, some people may be too busy.

If you are emailing or calling make sure you still have thoughtful interesting questions to ask.

Be specific – don’t just email “what is your job like”

Prepare before your meeting Know what skills you have to offer and

why you are interested in their field,etc

Do your research about the job, company, and industry

Identify what it is that you want to learn

Create a list of questions to ask Dress for the environment

During your meeting:

Remember you are in charge since you called the meeting

Take brief notes

Honor the time commitment

If appropriate have a Resume ready in case they ask, but don’t offer it blindly

Follow-up:

Ask for their business card.

Send or email a Thank you note.

Contact the people they suggest.

Creating A Professional Impression

Dress AppropriatelyStay Calm

Give yourself the opportunity to do what ever relaxes before you start your interview

Arrive Early Give yourself time to get lost - but check

in no more than 10 minutes early

Greet well Firm, dry handshake (be sure to stand) Good breath (no gum) Always stand when introduced

Don’t: Monopolize the conversation

Say negative things about a person, company, product, etc

Use profanity

Tell lots of jokes or use sarcasm

Talk about controversial issues