Networking and Informational Interviews

Networking Basics

Networking can be a valuable tool. The Career Network is one of the ways the Office of Career Services and the College of Business Career Development Center have made networking easier for you. Alumni, who have agreed to provide career advice in particular fields, can be accessed through the searchable database on CareerConnector under the Mentor tab. You can actually contact these alumni for networking purposes. Students who have networked with Alumni Mentors have found them to be especially helpful in opening doors at organizations that were once closed to them. Remember to ask for career advice and suggestions, not directly for a job.

Still hesitating to contact an Alumni Mentor?

Remember, this Alumni Mentor ASKED to participate in the Career Network because s/he WANTS to talk to you! Here are some ways to get started:

  • Writing/emailing: Write a brief letter explaining your interest in talking with the person about her/his career field. State in your letter how you got her/his name and that you will telephone in the next several days to arrange an appointment.
  • Telephoning: If you reach an assistant, s/he may try to screen your call.
  • Introduce yourself: "My name is _____ ______, and I'm a student at Belmont University. I'm very interested in talking with Mr./Ms. ___________ to learn more about careers in public administration."

When you reach your contact person, introduce yourself and explain the purpose of your call: "Hello, thanks for taking my call. My name is Robin Jones and I am a junior at Belmont University majoring in ______________. Your name is in Belmont University's Career Network. I understand you are working in the field of _______________. I am interested in learning more about your career and would appreciate any information you might be able to give. I realize that you might be busy now, so is there a more convenient time for me to call or (if appropriate) visit you?"


Sample Informational Interview Questions

Preparation:

  • What preparation is necessary for entry level jobs in this field?
  • How important is graduate school in this field?
  • Could you recommend some courses that I should be taking now in preparation for a career in this field?
  • How does your education and experience relate to what you are doing now?
  • How did you get into this field and into this position? What are some alternative routes into the field? What kind of background, training, special programs or other learning experience does one need to enter the field?
  • What professional journals, books, newspapers or publications do people in your field generally read? Are any professional associations particularly influential? Do they have student memberships?
  • Is there any advice you would give someone just entering the field, maybe something that you wish someone had mentioned when you were starting?

Lifestyle:

  • What kind of "lifestyle" choices have you had to make? How many hours do you work in a typical week? Do you take work home at night?
  • Is travel involved in your job and if so, how often are you traveling?
  • What is the typical salary range for an entry-, mid-, and upper-level position?
  • What is the appropriate work attire for someone in your position?
  • Has your work experience differed very much from what you imagined it would be? In what way?
     

Job Outlook:

  • Do you anticipate employment in this field to grow, decrease, or remain stable?
  • What are the opportunities for advancement? Is there a high turnover rate and if so, why?
  • What types of employers hire people in your line of work?
  • You mentioned that you made a transition into this field from another career path. How difficult was your transition?
  • What job choices are there within this field and to what types of other organizations can one move?
     

Job Routine:

  • Describe how you spend your time during a typical work day/week.
  • What major satisfactions do you derive from working in this field?
  • What are some of the issues/problems that you must deal with in your work?
  • (If you are interested in the company for which the Alumni Mentor is working) Could you tell me a little about the management style in your organization? How are promotions decided? What does one need to do to be successful in this field?


Job Search Techniques:

  • What strategies would you be using if you were in a job search for a position in this field?
  • Would you mind reviewing my resume and giving me feedback?
  • What types of questions should I expect when interviewing for a job in this field?
  • Could you give me the names of others who might tell me more about your field? May I say you suggested I contact them?