EXTERNAL WAYS TO CONNECT • Organization’s webpage • Organization’s social media feeds, such as LinkedIn or Twitter • Informational Interviews • Networking
Connect with the Experts: Informational Interviews and Networking Informational Interviews: An informational interview is directed by your questions and presents opportunities for an intimate and flexible inside view of a job field with people directly involved in your areas of interest. This kind of information is not always available online or in print and communicates the first hand experiences and impressions of someone in the occupation. Here are some steps to help you get started: • Organize a Plan: Develop a strategy to speak with people whose jobs seem appealing to you. Be mindful of your own interests and skills; create questions inspired by the jobs and career paths you are exploring. • Develop Contacts and Arrange Interviews: Ask family, friends, and faculty where to find people to interview. If you have a personal referral, be sure to mention their name when making contact. If you invite a contact to a meal or coffee, proper etiquette suggests that you pay. • Interview Details: During the interview, ask three to four questions addressing what is most important to you. Take notes and review the information afterwards.
CAREER SERVICES’ RESOURCES • What Can I Do With a Major In…? • Where Do OU Grads Go? • Occupational Outlook Handbook – includes education requirements, projected job growth, salary potential, as well as the skills, interests, and tasks related to a particular occupation • Salary Information – find out what the median salary is for your areas of career interest and employment • Alumni Mentor Network
Listed below are some typical questions to ask in an informational interview: o What does a typical day include in your
line of work and what daily tasks are involved? o What steps did you take to get here? o What entry-level jobs are best for learning as much as possible? o What do you like most about your job? Least? How did you prepare yourself for what you are doing? o What educational background, experience, and skills are necessary for success in this career field? o On what types of projects do you work and what types of people do you work with? o Where can I find other people in this occupation and how should I contact them? • Follow-Up: Proper business etiquette requires you send a thank you note or letter expressing appreciation for the person’s time and consideration. The content should also include details from the informational interview you found especially interesting and useful. Send an additional letter to the person who recommended the professional to you.
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