This document provides guidance on conducting informational interviews and networking to help with career opportunities. It recommends informational interviews because job postings do not represent all openings, and networking can shorten hiring processes and reduce competition. The three steps are to research the contact thoroughly, plan questions to learn about the contact's career progression and expertise, and show professionalism in the interview. Questions should focus on understanding the contact's work history and identifying their pain points or challenges in the industry. The goal is to ask for referrals to other helpful contacts and agree on follow up protocols.

1. INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS
& NETWORKING
LIFE AFTER AMERICORPS – JUNE 8, 2012

3. Why Informational Interviews?
 Job Posting is currently down.
 Job openings are actually up.
 Referral potential.
 Shortens the hiring process.
 Reduces the competition.
 Builds your circle of influence.
 Helps you stay employable long-term.

4. Why (cont.)
YOU NEED CONTACTS TO
MAKE CONTACTS!
 EVERY JOB IS TEMPORARY!

5. Three Steps to Land a JOB

6. STEP #1: RESEARCH

7. KNOW YOUR CONTACT!
WHAT TO KNOW HOW TO FIND IT
Major Skill Sets Internet Search
Work History LINKEDIN
Accomplishments Twitter
Associations Ask Mutual
Contacts

11. GO BEYOND THE SURFACE!
 Find 3-5 points that JUMP out at you!
 Make the connection with the
person, NOT the company

12. STEP #2: Plan a Q & A

13. Be a Reporter!
WHAT TO FIND OUT HOW TO ASK IT
Professional History How did you get into this
industry?
Expertise What is your specialty?
Beliefs What do you think is most
important to consider in this
profession?
Missing Pieces What challenges do you see
and how should they be
resolved?

14. EXAMPLE:
 “I see you have been in the social work
industry for 20 years and have been
employed at X, Y, and Z. Could you
please tell me how you got into the
industry and share with me the
progression in your work history through
today?”

15. EXAMPLE #2
 “I see that in your 20 year history in
social work there seems to be a theme.
You’ve done a great deal of work with
disenfranchised families from urban
environments. Is that your specialty? If
so, how did you develop that specialty?”

16. Be the ASPIRIN to their PAIN!

17. QUESTIONS?

18. The Person May Ask About You!
“Tell me about yourself?”
“Why are you doing this?”

20. Tell Your Story WELL! Keep it SHORT!
WHAT TO SAY HOW TO SAY IT
What do you love to do for I love to…
companies
What problems have you I believe…
identified that you want to
work on in the industry
Why you feel it is important I think experts are important
to talk with experts in the sources for me because…
field

21. QUESTIONS?

22. STEP #3:
Show Your
Professionalism

23. Look & Act in CHARGE!
WHAT TO DO HOW TO DO IT
Dress the part Don’t be casual!
Pay attention to body language! Eye contact, smile, hand shake,
thank you
Offer your expertise How can I help you?
Ask for a referral Based on my goal to learn more,
who do you think would be an
exceptional person for me to
interview?
Request networking protocol How would you prefer I touch base
with you to keep posted on my
progress and share occasional info
I come across?

24. RECAP:
Research!
Plan Out Your Q&A!
Show Your Professionalism!