Networking through informational interviews

What is networking?

"Networking" is a means of utilizing people to learn about organizations, career fields and to share knowledge. It's not new or unusual. Chances are you do it everyday! How did you find out about your car mechanic or your favorite restaurant? Most likely, someone referred you to them. This process is what employers use to fill positions. Their "contacts" refer job candidates to them. The key is for you to be the one referred when openings are available.

Who is my "Network"?

Believe it or not, your network to some extent is already established. You will want to start with the contacts who already know you well and extend your network to include some of their contacts.

Network Contacts

• Friends and relatives.
• Former and current employers/employees
• Faculty and administration
• Fairfield Alumni Network (blue and yellow binders in the CPC)
• Community contacts (bankers, lawyers, CPA's, Chamber of Commerce, politicians, clergy)
• Political representatives
• Professional association members and officers
• People mentioned in local newspapers, alumni magazines, trade journals
• People mentioned in directories of companies and associations
• People working in a field or in an organization which interests you
• People who would know any of the above
• Anyone you meet!

How to Approach the Informational "Networking" Interview

Since networking is sharing advice and information, you need to take charge of the conversation. You're the one who called for the meeting after all. Book research is a must. Minimally, this gives you the background to ask constructive questions. Prepared questions also assure you of getting the information you set out to learn. Also, be sure to tell the contact why you are seeking their advice. It could be because of the years of experience they have had in the field that compelled you to contact them. Letting your contact understand why you chose them will also help start the meeting off on the right track. Remember, your goal is to obtain and share information. You want to make a good impression so that your contact will feel comfortable referring you to their network contacts.

The Informational Interview Purpose

• To gather information about what types of job opportunities/career paths exist in a given field.
• To learn firsthand what it is like to perform a particular type of work in a particular organization.
• To develop contacts with key people who either do the hiring or who act as resources for those who do the hiring.
• To seek out "problem areas" where you can provide solutions.
• To learn to sell your skills and abilities in a non-threatening, open-ended situation.

How does this new information help me?

You may have garnered some unknown job leads and you may have made a favorable enough impression so that the person with whom you spoke will remember you when a position becomes available. This favorable impression may cause the person to refer you to other employers seeking candidates with your abilities. This is how you find out about job openings before they are announced.