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| Network. Consider faculty, froends, family, fraternity/sorority contacts, co-workers, former co-workers, supervisors, and classmates -- if they themselves can't help you, maybe they know someone who can! Professional Associations. Become involved with professional associations in your field. Consider attending conferences, workshops or seminars. Publications. Journals or newsletters that relate to your interests may mention names of visible people in the field. Alumni. Look in the Rensselaer Alumni Directory found in the Career Resource Room. This has an index of alumni by major, by employer, and by career field. The Pathways Program. This is a shadowing program coordinated by the Career Development Center specifically to match current students with alumni volunteers for informational interviews. Ask a staff member for more details. The Interview Each time you have an interview, be sure to ask, "Is there any one else with whom you think I should speak?" Pre-Interview Preparation... Think about what you want to know about this field or organization. Conduct research prior to the meeting so you can use the interview for questions that can not be easily answered elsewhere. Develop a list of open-ended questions that will give the person a chance to talk about his or her job. Avoid "yes-no" questions such as, "Do you like this line of work?" Use the following list of possible questions as a guideline. Choose your questions carefully since you have limited time. How Do I Make Contact? If you already know the person, then it is acceptable to make first contact via telephone. For instance: "Hi Mr. Smith. As you know, I am a senior at Rensselaer and am considering looking for a posistion in finance. Would you have a half hour to speak to me about what you do and to give me some recommendations on how to begin my search?" If you do not know the person, it is best to send an introductory letter first, then follow up with a phone call. Use this simple letter as a guide:
If you make contact via e-mail, you can write a note similar to the sample letter. Because of the limitations of this type of communication, it would be best to introduce yourself via e-mail and then ask the contact person would be willing to talk by phone or in person. Possible Open-Ended Questions... Information About the Field: What do you like and dislike most about what you do? What are the essential skills for effectiveness in this job? Describe a typical work day, week, or year. What are some possible career paths in this field? What are the current issues in your field? Are the jobs in this field concentrated in certain geographic areas? How much work do you take home? How many hours do you work each week? How much do you travel? How often and for how long? What are some of the toughest situations you have encountered in your job? How much flexibility do you have in your dress, hours, vacation, place of residence, etc.? Information on Preparation: Are there certain courses that I should take if I plan on entering this type of work? How did you enter this field? What do you look for when making hiring decisions? What are the qualifications needed to enter this field? How well suited is my background for this type of work? Advice: What kinds of job hunting strategies would you suggest to enter this field? What do you wish you had known before you entered this field? Are there any professional organizations and journals you would recommend? Is there anyone else with whom I should speak for additional information? If I am unable to secure a position in this field, what related fields would you recommend? The Interview Itself... When interviewing in person, dressprofessionally, as you would for a job interview. If conducting the interview by phone, be sure to set a specific time to call. Present yourself on time. State why you requested the meeting/phone call. You are the person conducting the interview, so be prepared with your list of questions. Show your interest and enthusiasm. Communicate the importance of this meeting in both your verbal and non-verbal behavior. Remember that your purpose is to interview and learn from a professional. The information will help you investigate and explore careers. An informational interview is not an appropriate time to ask for a job. You may consider asking the professional to look at your resume to offer feedback. Take responsibilty to keep to the time you mentioned in your letter or over the phone. Stay longer only if invited by the person you are interviewing. Before leaving, ask if the professional knows someone else you might speak to about the field or job. Thank the person for his or her time. After The Interview...Ask yourself...
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