Quick guide to building connections through informational interviews
1. Foster Experience Presents
A quick guide to building connections
S a m p l e I n tr o d u c t i o n
I’m Sally and I’ve been recently
admitted into the Business School.
I’m interested in pursuing marketing
and information systems. I’m very
passionate about helping people
understand the value of social
media and hope to study the
expansion of social media
marketing in Fortune 500
companies. How has your
company addressed the
emergence of social media
marketing in the past few years?
K E E P I T S H O R T & S I M P L E
Approx. 30 seconds; you want to START a dialogue
i.e. Name, intended major, passions/interests, & something unique about you
T H A N K Y O U
Grab their contact information and send a
thank you email 24-48 hours after the event
S T A Y I N T O U C H
Send connection requests to
professionals you previously met
K E E P T H E
C O N V ER S AT I O N G O I N G
Request an informational interview with
2-3 of your connections
E N G A G I N G I N
C O N V E R S A T I O N
Possible Questions to Ask
What support systems did you have/build as you pursued this
career? How did you get started? What was your major?
How does your education help you in your career?
What advice would you give to someone just starting in the
business school? Are there any types of experiences that
would be beneficial? Any classes you might suggest?
What do you enjoy/love about what you do?
What activities and organizations were most helpful for you
as you transitioned out of school and into your industry?
Foster Career Services Undergraduate & Specialty Masters
DEM 212 | 206.221.6858 | bzcareer@uw.edu | http://foster.uw.edu/careers/career-services/
THE ICEBREAKER: Get the Conversation Started
B O D Y L A N G U A G E
Smile, shake their hand, & maintain good eye contact
B E A W A R E
Keep it interesting & use the 50/50 talking/listening rule of thumb
Be aware of the persons’ time, body language, & conversation.
It is important to be conscientious of the other persons’ time.
Ask yourself, are they in a rush or trying to close the conversation?
AFTER: Stay Connected
