Career
Center Resources
1. List contacts who might be helpful. Remember,
virtually everyone you meet is a part of your network.
2. Organize your search. (Yes, we know only a
few of you compulsive types will do this, but it's really worth
it.) Get a spiral notebook, for example, and use it exclusively
to keep track of who you've contacted, their contact information,
your interview questions, what you've learned, what you want to
do next. Index cards, computer journal, etc., will all work as well,
so use whatever system works best for you. Just use a system. 3. Have a goal in mind. Why are you planning
to speak with this contact? 4. Develop a set of questions to ask your
contacts which will help you achieve your goal. Click
here if you'd like a list of suggested questions which may
work for you.
5. Use the Dickinson Works database to locate alumni who
might be able to answer your questions. For instance,
if you're thinking of a law career, you might want to start by searching
for the lawyers who participate in Dickinson works. As you look
over this list, consider the geographic area in which you want to
work. Are you thinking of moving to DC? Then narrow your list to
lawyers in the DC area. On the other, be careful that you don't
narrow your list too greatly at first. You don't know what advice
or assistance someone in a different location or practicing a different
type of law might be able to offer. It seldom hurts to ask. 6. Once you have the name and contact information, prepare
to get in touch with them. If you're using Dickinson Works,
note their preferred method of contact and use that. Otherwise,
e-mail or phone your contact. Contact the individual at his/her
business phone number (unless otherwise specified). The individual may or may not be able to talk to you the first
time you call, so be prepared with your questions, but don't be
surprised if you have to schedule another phone call. Click here
for tips on phone contacts and sample scripts. 7. The Five Most Important Things to Know About Informational
Interviews. 1. The purpose of the interview is information, not
a job! Do not ask for a job immediately. The purpose
of your meeting is to obtain information and advice about a field
of work and possible entry methods. If a job interview results
from the contact, that will be an unexpected benefit. 2. Be professional. Know why you're
contacting them. Be prepared with questions and strive for a concrete
result: contacts, information, assistance on your resume, etc. Respect
your contact's time; do your research ahead of time so you don't
ask questions which could be easily answered through the organization's
website. LISTEN. 3. Widen your circle of contacts.
You never know who can help you in this process. Be polite to
everyone and follow up, even if the lead doesn't seem promising. 4. It's your job search- don't make it someone else's
responsibility. Your network can help you, but
you must do the bulk of the work. 5. Follow up. Express your gratitude
in writing. If you take action based on something they suggested,
let them know. If you want to continue the relationship, ask if
it's OK to contact them again when you're further along in your
job search process. When you finally find a job (and, yes, you
will) it would be nice for you to contact the individuals who
helped you and let them know that you've found something. Keep
in touch. So what is my strategy for developing a network?
