Networking is the formation and maintenance
of a network of contacts in your field. Networking is an ongoing process
of forming contacts and then maintaining a
relationship by keeping contacts aware of
your progress.
POTENTIAL CONTACTS can include:
• Friends and relatives
• Faculty
• Alumni—you can find alumni who are
involved in specific career fields through LUCAN
• Former employers and colleagues
• Professionals you know
• Customers or suppliers with whom you have
worked
• Members of professional organizations
• Members of your fraternity or sorority
• Contacts found in directories, registers and
professional magazines, newsletters and journals
While networking enables you to establish
relationships with people on the inside of your
field, these people are probably not in positions
where they can directly offer you a job. Don’t put
them on the spot by asking for a job. However,
you can ask them for advice on your job search
or even if they know of any job leads. The best way to ask for guidance and to make a connection is through an Informational Interview.
The Informational Interview
An Informational Interview is a meeting you arrange with someone in your field of interest. The purpose of the meeting is for you to ask questions and gather information and advice about the field.
To increase your awareness of professional
opportunities and career fields, consider the following suggestions for
devising strategies to speak with people whose jobs
seem appealing to you.
PREPARE A PLAN
• Define your field of interest. Consider work
environments, career areas, and positions in
particular organizations.
• Determine the kind of information you want
to obtain.
• Review the recruiting literature and other
resources in the Career Library to get
background information on a wide variety of
organizations.
• Clarify your own interests and skills; create
questions that can lead to information about
how they relate to the jobs and career paths you
are exploring. See sample Informational Interview Questions.
DEVELOP CONTACTS AND ARRANGE INTERVIEWS
• Introduce yourself to networking contacts
(through mail or phone) by stating a common
connection (like Lehigh, for example). See sample Informational Interview email.
• Set up a brief interview time (approx. 20 min).
• At the interview, ask questions which reflect
what is most important to you.
• Take notes during or after the interview so that
you can evaluate the information you receive.
• Respect the individual’s busy schedule and
don’t overstay your welcome.
FOLLOW-UP
• Create a positive impression through prompt
and effective communications.
• Write a letter expressing your appreciation for
the person’s time and consideration. Include
details from the informational interview which
you found especially interesting and useful.
EVALUATE AND ASSIMILATE
• Use the information you have gathered to help
develop and refine your career interests/objectives. Be sure to maintain contact with your network. You never know where the relationship may lead!
