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undergradccd@babson.edu
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Networking and Informational Interviews | 70-80% of jobs are acquired through networking. | In addition to helping you to acquire an internship or a job, networking has several other benefits. Networking provides an opportunity for you to explore a variety of career options, to solicit job search advice, to practice interviewing, and to get job search leads. Networking Basics
Networking Do's & Don'ts
Informational Interviews
Alumni Directory
Networking & Informational Interviewing Printable Guidelines
Networking BasicsIn the simplest form, networking is comprised of the following steps:
1. Compile a list of contacts.
You’ve heard the expression –“It’s not what you know, but who.” Who you know is at the core of networking. Think of the people you know –both personal and professional contacts, and compile a list. Your list of contacts may include family, relatives, friends, college roommates, co-workers, current and former supervisors, faculty, and alumni. As you talk with or meet with these individuals, your list of contacts will expand to include individuals whom your contacts know. As you compile the list of names, be sure to include business and personal (if available) contact information. 2. Conduct research.
Before contacting individuals in your network, it will be important for you to gather company information and to create a list of pertinent questions. Researching employers will help you to prepare questions that demonstrate your knowledge of the company. You will also want to ask questions about your contact’s career path. 3. Contact your network to schedule informational interviews.
You may contact members of your network via a letter, e-mail, or the phone. Regardless of the communication venue, it will be important for you to identify yourself, state the purpose of your contact, provide brief information about your background and interests, and express your thanks and appreciation. Sample Email Text:
Dear Ms. Jones,
I obtained your name and contact information from the Babson Alumni Directory. My name is Brad Smith and I am a junior at Babson College. I am interested in learning more about the real estate industry, your company, and about your career path.
I wonder if you could find 20-30 minutes in your schedule to meet with me to share your job experiences and to offer advice.
Thank you in advance for your time.
Sincerely,
Brad | | Sample Phone Script: Alum: Hello, this is John Riley. You: Hello, Mr. Riley. My name Aly Davis. I am a junior at Babson. I found your name and contact information in the Alumni Directory. I hope you don’t mind that I have called you. Is this a good time to talk?
Alum: I would be happy to chat with you. But actually, this is not a good time. Can we set something up for later this week? What specifically did you want to talk about?
You: I was wondering if you would be willing to share your job experiences with me. I am very interested in pharmaceutical sales and was interested in hearing your insights about the industry.
Alum: Oh yes, I remember what it was like to be in your shoes. Can we arrange a phone appointment for Wednesday at 10:30 am?
You: I have class until 10:45. Can I give you a call at 11?
Alum: That sounds fine.
You: Great! Thank you. I appreciate your time and look forward to talking with you.
Alum: Bye.
You: Good-bye.
| 4. Create a “networking log.”
As you network, you will gather a great deal of information. It will be helpful for you to maintain a “networking log” in order to accurately remember the information you receive from each source. A sample “networking log” might look like this: | Name | Title | Company | Phone | Email | Referral Source | Date of Contact | Notes/Comments | | | | | | | | | |
5. Maintain relationships.
It is good practice to send a “thank you” letter and to periodically follow-up with your contacts regarding your progress. Email is a great way to “stay in touch.”
Networking Do's & Don'ts | Do's | Don'ts | - Make a list of contacts, e.g. create a “networking tree.”
Network everywhere –grocery store, laundry mat, the gym, etc. - Prepare your “job talk,” (e.g. sales pitch).
- Prepare a list of questions.
- Bring multiple copies of your resume.
- Research the company where your contact is employed.
- Be professional.
- Be genuine.
- Make eye contact.
- Give a firm handshake.
- Introduce yourself.
- Ask for business cards.
- Ask for referrals.
- Send a “thank you” e-mail/letter.
- Maintain relationships.
- Keep a log of activity and follow-up.
| - Do not ask for an internship or job.
- Do not ask personal or compensation questions.
- Do not make negative statements about people or employers.
- Do not make negative statements about a job or industry.
- Do not just focus on your needs.
- Don't monopolize people's time – learn the cues about when a conversation is over, and move on graciously to another contact.
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Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are the most common and effective type of networking. Informational interviews provide an opportunity for you to ask general questions about a particular career field, about the employer and the company culture, about your contact’s job or career path, and about career advice and referrals. |
Informational interviews often lead to referrals -other contacts within a given industry, and sometimes these referrals result in job leads.
Informational interviews should ALWAYS be
conducted in order to obtain information, not jobs.
| Networking & Informational Interviewing Guidelines Informational Interviewing Tips Questions to Ask During an Informational Interview Babson Alumni Directory |
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