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 Networking & Informational Interviewing
Networking is one of the most powerful job search tools. Each year thousands of positions are never posted, yet filled, because someone knew somebody who was looking for a job!
Informational interviewing is not job interviewing, but a form of network building and a way to explore careers and discover job opportunities. READ MORE ...
 How To Network
- Develop a list of contacts:
- Talk to the obvious people (your family, former co-workers, faculty, advisors) as well as people you wouldn't normally include in your job search (your doctor and dentist, clergy, your beautician or barber, etc.) Use the Building a Network worksheet to get started.
- Many professional associations have student chapters or allow students to join at a discounted rate. Association meetings are an excellent way to mingle with professionals in the field.
- The KSU Alumni Association provides resources to connect you with professionals in your career field.
- Always be aware of how you act and what you say – you never know when there is a potential contact right in front of you. If a conversation lends itself, speak up and let the person with whom you are speaking know that you are in the job market.
- Don't let fear or discomfort stop you from making contacts. Instead of thinking, “I don't want to impose or ask others to help me,” think, “Every contact I make brings me closer to my job.”
- Get in touch with your contacts and solicit their assistance:
- When contacting someone you don't know, be professional in your approach, explain your purpose, and remember to respect their schedule. You must formally get permission to use a person's name, and other contact information, if you wish to have them assist you in your job search.
- Emails and phone calls are common ways to connect with potential contacts. Always proofread emails for spelling and grammar mistakes and use a "subject" line with concise and informative language. Avoid slang, long sentences, and consider using your kent.edu email address to maintain a high level of professionalism. Be sure to include a signature that includes your full name and appropriate contact information.
- Give your contacts a copy of your resume and explain the type of career you are seeking. The better they understand your interests and goals, the more effectively they can assist you.
- Never ask a contact for a job. Instead of asking “Can you get me a job at your law firm?” you should say: “Do you know if there are any openings at your firm?” The latter question is less likely to put your contact in a position where he or she feels a direct obligation to you.
- Don't ask inappropriate personal questions. Remember, this is a professional interaction and the impression you leave will determine how hard that contact will work on your behalf.
- If you schedule an Informational Interview – which involves actually meeting with people in your chosen field and interviewing them to gather information about what they do – be certain to thoroughly prepare by getting clear directions to the location, dressing professionally, and preparing questions to ask at the informational interview.
- Nurture relationships through periodic contact -- phone calls, correspondence, etc. ALWAYS send a thank you to let your contact(s) know the results of your job search.
Sample Email for Networking:
Dear Ms. Jones,
I am a junior at Kent State University majoring in psychology and was given your name by Professor Smith as someone who could provide me with some career guidance. I have been considering a career in research and am intrigued by your study results. I have read many of your articles in Psychology Today and find your field of research fascinating. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you to learn more about how you entered the field of research as well as gain some insight into the profession. Additionally, I am considering an internship this summer and would be grateful for any advice and/or leads that you could provide.
I am hopeful that you might have a half an hour to speak with me either in person or on the phone about your career and background. I will call you within the next three days to arrange a meeting or a time for a phone conversation.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely-
Kent Student
Sample Phone Script for Networking:
"Hi Mr. Johnson.
My name is Kent Student and I am a senior at Kent State University majoring in Marketing.
I picked up your business card at your table at the Fall Career Expo and am interested in learning more about your industry.
I am considering an internship and career in marketing for a non-profit organization and I noticed that your organization has had a great deal of success in public relations over the past five years.
Would you be available to meet with me so I can learn more about how you found your position and your opinions about the future of non-profit organizations?
I'd be happy to come to your office to meet, or to speak on the phone if that is more convenient.
Is there a time in the next two weeks that works for you?"
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