STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING / NETWORKING

1. Determine what fields you want to explore
   Think about the content of the work you want to do and the setting in which you would like to work. The Career Development Center offers career assessments to help you clarify your choices, as well as books and computerized information about specific careers.
   
   
2. Identify your contacts
   Browse through the Career Contacts Directory to find professionals you would like to interview. Don't forget to use the human resource contacts for information about careers in their company. Remember they know all the basic qualifications for positions they are hire for. Another way to find contacts is by asking people in your day-to-day life if they know anyone in your field of interest.
   
   
3. Prepare for the informational interview
   Prepare a list of questions focusing on topics such as: how to best prepare for the field, a typical day's activities, industry trends, typical career paths, and who else your contact recommends you meet. Identify what you want to share about your own goals and interests, when appropriate. Remember not to ask for a job.
   
   
4. Make Initial Contact
   Call or email your contact. If you're not sure what to say, view a sample phone script and/or sample email. State the reason for your contact and where you got their name. Be sure you ask them how they would prefer to answer your questions/perform an informational interview. Some may prefer to talk on the phone, others may be willing to provide you detailed answers to questions via email. If possible arrange an in person meeting, Indicate that you are seeking information, not a job. If meeting in person, do not send a resume before the meeting, do not offer one without it being requested, and bring a copy along in case interest is expressed.
   
   
5. Conduct the informational interview
   Always be respectful and accommodating during an informational interview. If meeting in person or talking on the phone, keep to the agreed upon timeframe for the interview (15-20 minutes). Sometimes the person will choose to extend the amount of time. Remember to thank the contact at the conclusion of the meeting/phone call/email.
   
   
6. Review & Recap
   Review the experience as soon as possible after the interview, while impressions are most vivid. Jot down any key information or suggestions, names and numbers of referrals, and any new questions raised. If you are emailing, save the messages that contain all this important information.
   
   
7. Follow up
   Send or email a thank you note within 24 hours of the interview. Mention if you found a particular piece of information especially helpful. Include your email address and phone number so your contact can easily reach you if he/she has additional information to share. If your contact has given you a referral or suggestion, state that you will be in touch regarding the outcome or results. This is a good way to establish an ongoing networking relationship and often results in additional referrals.
   
   
8. Keep track of your network
   As you expand your network, you will want to keep in touch with a number of the people you have met. Create a system to organize your contact information. Contact information such as name, title, company, address, phone number, and e-mail address, and dates and notes of meetings and calls are useful to include in your tracking system.
   
   Networking is a two-way street, meant to be mutually beneficial. There may be a time in the future when your contact will seek out your assistance.

Career Contacts Directory

What is "Career Contacts"?   | Steps To Successful Networking / Informational Interviewing
Sample Phone Script   | Sample Email   | Sample Questions

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