This document provides guidance on networking and informational interviews for job searching. It begins by introducing Alyson Weiss as the contact person and outlines an icebreaker activity. It then defines networking as a two-way process to build connections and learn about opportunities, rather than a one-way asking for jobs. The document discusses finding networking events through personal and online contacts and provides tips for introducing oneself, following up, and requesting informational interviews. It includes examples of questions to ask during informational interviews and emphasizes practicing networking skills.

1. Alyson Weiss
Young Professional Outreach Coordinator & Social Media Specialist
Career Moves—a division of JVS
aweiss@jvs-boston.org
617-399-3186
Linkedin.com/in/alysonweiss
IT’S ALL ABOUT WHO
YOU KNOW
Networking for the Job Search

2. First, let’s know each other!
 Name
 Professional place in life (student at x
university majoring in y, x job title at y
company, really good dancer, etc)
 Professional goals/why you’re here
 Your favorite ice breaker question (the person
after you will answer your favorite icebreaker
before asking theirs to the next person)

3. We’ve all heard that networking is
the most magical tool since the
Shamwow
But what does networking really mean?!

4. What IS networking anyways?
Networking Is Networking Is NOT
 The #1 way jobs are  The time/place to
found
ask for a job
 Two-way
 A chance to learn  One-way
 A chance to hear  Soul sucking
about opportunities
 A chance to build
connections
 A chance to market
yourself

5. Two Main Types: Events &
Informational Interviews
(we’ll get to the informational interviews in a
moment)

6. How do I find networking
events?
 Your OWN network:
family, friends, professors, coworkers, LinkedIn
connections/groups
 Listservs such as Young Nonprofit Network
Boston (YNPN) and Mission-Based
Massachussets
 Meetup.com—search by interest (Socializing for
Justice is a great one)
 Alumni associations
 Online calendars—
Idealist, Boston.com, cityofboston.com, etc
 Career Moves’ Careers & Beers! April 11

7. Networking Cheat Sheet
 Do your homework
 Know your audience
 Set specific goals for yourself
 Ask questions!
 ―People will forget what you say but they will never
forget how you made them feel‖ –Maya Angelou
 Be ready to nail your pitch
 Honor yourself
 Know and own your networking style
 Know and honor your networking threshold

8. Quick Tip: Have a Business
Card
 Moo.com or Vistaprint
 Pertinent static
information:
name, email
address, cell
phone, linkedin URL.
Optional: a headline
with skills
 consider an unusual
shape or size or
printing it vertically to
stand out
 When receive a
business card, write
your relationship to that
person on the back of

9. Here Comes the (Elevator)
Pitch!
Imagine you’re taking an elevator with an important person and you
only have 20-30 seconds to make a good impression…
 Who you are
 Give a quick summary of your experience
 Key strengths
 What do you have to offer?
 What unique contributions can you make?
 Why you are special
 How are you different than other people with similar backgrounds?
 Call to action
 How the listener can help you achieve your goals

10. Practice Makes Perfect
 Take the next 5 minutes to fill out ―Build Your
Pitch‖ handout
 Then, practice your elevator pitch with a
neighbor you do not know yet

11. Follow Up
 1-2 days after the event (preferably next
morning)
 Refer to particular conversation point
 Connect on LinkedIn (add connection note so
you won’t forget who they are)
 Ask for a 1:1 meeting if applicable
(informational interview)
 Occasionally check in/send industry-related
articles

12. Informational Interviews

13. What is an informational
interview?
 What it sounds like!
 An opportunity for job seekers to set up an
interview and get more information about a job
 A chance to connect 1:1—better for introverts
 A chance to ask for application
advice, network referrals, resource lists, but
NOT jobs

14. Where can I find informational
interviews?
 Your own network—family, friends, professors,
coworkers, internship managers, etc
 Your university/alma mater’s career advisory
network
 Career Moves’ career advisory network
 LinkedIn
 2nddegrees
 Groups
 Advanced search results

15. Informational Interview Cheat
Sheet
 Do your homework
 Ask for 15-20 minutes of their time for coffee
 Scope out the place in advance to make sure it
is quiet enough for an interview
 Dress to impress
 Breathe.
 Prepare questions in advance

16. How do I ask for an informational
interview?

17. What do I ask at an informational
interview?
 What is your average workday like?
 How would you describe the culture of your
organization and industry?
 What’s the best place to find out about jobs in
your field?
 How do you stay on top of industry trends?
Which websites, publications, professional
associations or industry experts do you follow?
 Is there anyone else in your field I should I
speak with? Could you put me in contact with
that person?

18. Follow-Up
 Thank you note the SAME DAY as the
interview
 Update them on any other contacts/leads they
gave you
 Same as follow up for networking event

19. Practice Makes Perfect!
 Spend the next 10-15 minutes doing a mock
informational interview of a different person
than the one you practiced your elevator pitch
with. I will tell you when to switch.

20. QUESTIONS?