The summary provides career center programs and services to all individuals regardless of personal characteristics such as race, religion, gender, etc. Reasonable accommodations are available for those with disabilities when requested in advance by contacting the phone number provided.

1. Career Center programs are provided without regard to race, color, religion, origin, sex,
sexual orientation, marital status, age and/or disability. Reasonable accommodations for
persons with disabilities available with prior notice. Call for assistance: 408.924.6031
Your
• How did this type of work interest you and how did you get started?
• If I were looking for a job in this field or organization, what types of positions are available? What would
be the best way to get started?
• What is a typical career path in your organization?
• What skills are valued in your organization?
• What advice do you have for a student seeking to be successful in this field?
• What might be a typical entry level position? What type of work does this position do?
• What are the skills that are most important for a position in this field?
• What kinds of experience, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?
• What degrees or majors do you often see come to work for your organization? What kinds of positions
to these people typically have?
• What types of training does your organization offer those who enter this field?
• These are my strongest assets (skills, areas of knowledge, personality traits and values): ______________.
Where would they fit in this field? Where would they be helpful in this organization?
• If you were graduating today, what would you do to get started in your career field?
• What experiences have you had that have helped you to be most successful in your career?
Great Questions To Ask
As you are talking to different organizations, you have an opportunity to ask questions to help you learn
how to move forward in your job or internship search, or in exploring different career paths. Here are
some great questions to ask as you speak to employers.
A Word About Etiquette
Etiquette is a protocol for how we conduct ourselves in different situations. It is part of your professional
presentation as you speak with employers.
Here are a few quick tips to set you up for success:
When your conversation
is done, exit gracefully
by summarizing your
conversation, thanking
the person for his or her
time and moving on.
Always shake hands,
make eye contact
and smile!
Mirror Image
RIGHTLEFT
Your name tag goes on your
right side, so the person you are
meeting can see your name as
you shake hands.
If you are carrying food or a
beverage, be certain to keep it in
your left hand so that your right
hand is free to shake hands.

2. Your
NETWORKING
101:
AN INFOGRAPHIC
GUIDE TO SUCCESS
Networking is all about building relationships. It’s a simple conversation,
a two way exchange of information and an opportunity to get to know
someone. What are your biggest concerns about attending a networking
event? Is it shyness? Not sure what to say? Preparation can take some of
the nerves out of attending a networking event and set you up for success!
Here are some tips to get the most
out of your networking experience.
Prepare And Practice
Your Self-Introduction:
Hi, my name is…I am a psychology
major graduating in June. I would
really like to work with children when
I graduate.
Hello, I’m… I am interested in gaining
more experience working on environ-
mental regulation issues. I would really
like to learn how to get my foot in the
door in local government so I can make
a difference in my community.
Be An Active Listener:
Part of being a good conversationalist is being a good
listener! Pay attention to the person that you are speaking
with, make eye contact and respond verbally or nonverbally
to their feedback. Ask follow up questions and reflect what
you’re hearing.
“That’s really interesting information. It sounds like you do a lot of outreach
to the community to advertise your organization’s services. Are there skills
you think a student could work on building during their time in school that
would help them be successful doing that kind of work?”
Know Your Strengths:
When talking to people at different organizations, the question “What are your strengths?” or “What are you good at?”
may come up. Not sure what your strengths are? Think back to roles you have had that were meaningful for you (e.g.
student, club member, group leader, intern, employee, friend, volunteer, brother/sister, daughter/son). List 5 responsibilities
or outcomes that you achieved in these roles. What skills or qualities did you use in these roles to help you achieve those
outcomes or meet those responsibilities? *
“I am really organized and manage my time well. While I have been a student here at SJSU, I have been active in HSUSA, my student organization, I
have worked part time as a student assistant at the Career Center, and I have kept my grades high. I am really proud of how hard I have worked to
balance everything successfully.”
Wrap It Up And Follow Up:
Did you make a good connection with some-
one at the event? Be certain to ask if you can
follow up with them after the event.
“I really enjoyed speaking with you today! I would like
to follow up with you about the volunteer opportunity
you mentioned. Would it be possible to have your
business card?”
Once you’ve obtained someone’s business
card, be certain to follow up with an email
or a thank you note:
“Thank you for your time at the Nonprofit and Public
Service Forum. I enjoyed speaking with you and would
be very interested in volunteering for your organization!
I am enclosing my resume for your review and would
welcome the opportunity to speak with you further.”
“Thank you for speaking with me at the Nonprofit and
Public Service Forum. I enjoyed learning about your
organization and the types of services it provides. I would
be interested in learning more about your role as I begin
to think about my career path. Would you be open to a
20 minute informational interview in the future?”
*Copyright © 2006 The Gallup Organization, Princeton, NJ.