Finding a Job Going to Grad School Life After Clark International Students		Jobs and Grad Schools Graduation brings with it big changes. Whether you plan to join the workforce or head to graduate school, these pages will help you transition to life after Clark.

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Finding a Job: Networking & informational interviewing

Networking is by far the best way to land a job or internship so it's important to develop some skills in this area. Networking will take place continually over the course of your career, not only when you need to search for a new job but when you want a promotion or you want to find peers in your field for continued professional development. Career Services staff will be happy to meet with you to discuss your individual circumstances and recommend specific networking and informational interviewing strategies. Among the job search resources in the Career Services library is The Networking Survival Guide by Diane C. Darling who visited campus last year to present a workshop on "Getting the Success You Want by Tapping into the People You Know."

Networking defined: Creating a group of contacts who provide you with helpful information related to your career, your job search, and/or the industry or profession you plan to enter. It's not "using" people, although it may feel like you are the only one benefiting at first. Your goal is really to create a relationship, rather than to get something. Most people are eager to help others and over time you will realize that you too have much to offer those with whom you network. Think of it as a way to meet interesting people - some of whom will become friends, lunch partners, or future bosses. Even if the person you talk to doesn't have any information that is helpful to you, if he likes you he will think of you when he hears of openings in the future and may pass that information along to you or even put in a good word for you with the person who is hiring.

Informational Interviewing is a very effective way to gain information on a career field while developing your network of professional contacts.  A conversation with an experienced professional in your network can provide insight into the pros and cons of a career and help you determine whether this is an area for you to pursue.  It also allows you to practice skills you will need for employment interviewing including presenting yourself professionally, asking appropriate questions and listening for answers, and articulating your strengths and career goals.

During an informational interview you are the interviewer and as such you should come prepared with information about yourself and your goals, a clear idea of what you hope to obtain from the person, and a list of questions.  Meetings usually last 15 - 30 minutes, unless the person invites you to stay longer.

It is not appropriate to ask for a job during an informational interview; you are there seeking advice only as a researcher.  However, informational interviews can put you in touch with the "hidden job market": people who are not advertising a position but may nevertheless have a job available, who may know of jobs, or who will keep you in mind for future job openings.

At the end of the meeting, be sure to ask for names of others in the field:  "You mentioned a friend who does X...do you think it would be helpful if I talked to her?"  "Do you know of other people with X experience who might be open to talking to me?"

After the meeting send a thank you note promptly.  Tell the person specifically how she helped you and how you followed through on suggestions or contacts you received.  Promise to check back to let her know how things went and offer to return the favor for her whenever possible.  Remember, establishing a network means maintaining contact with others, not just meeting them once.

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Tools and Resources

Career Exploration Events Calendar Web Resources Graduate School Links Interfolio Career Services Library What Can I Do with This Major? Tutorial: Cover Letter (PDF) Tutorial: Resume (PDF) Tutorial: CV (PDF) Tutorial: Interviewing (PDF)