Networking and Informational Interviewing Templates
By Susan Lauzac
What is networking? Taking the time to build sincere business relationships with others so information and referrals can be given and received.
You conduct networking and informational interviews in order to meet interesting people working in a field or job of your interest. You are not begging for a job or trying to sell yourself, but building a network of contacts. You can do this across departments within your current company. The questions you ask should be ones that you genuinely want to know such as: How did you get your current job? What's your typical day like? How did this company grow so fast? Below are scripts, emails and phrases actually used by clients to build their professional networks.
Part 1: Get Accurate Contact Information
Receptionist: Glasgow and Associates
Clara: Hello. Can you give me the name of your purchasing
manager?
Personnel: I think you want James Townsend.
Clara: What is his title?
Personnel: He is Manager of Operations
Clara: Yes, that is who I want. Is his current phone
number still 206-555-5678?
Personnel: No, it is now 206-555-9870.
Clara: Thank you.
~from Tom Washington's book, The Job Hunt
Part 2: Example Introduction Phone Script
"Hi. My name is Clara Miller and I am interested in
learning more about public relations, but I would like to learn
more about it through someone who has a lot of experience and
wisdom. I chose your company because I know you do a
lot of work for environmental groups and I am interested
specifically in this type of PR. I am NOT looking for a job at
this time. I am only gathering information. I know you
are extremely busy, but would you be able to talk to me for about
15-20 minutes? What would be a good time for you?"
~from Elon University's Creating a Job Guide
Part 3: Email Contacts From Organizations, Internet or Newspapers
If you have no connections to your contacts, then I have learned from experience that you can expect two responses for every ten emails you send.
Dear Mr. Farrell,
I found your email address on the Parks and Recs web page for
Magnuson Park.
I am working on a career change and am interested in a urban
planning career. Would you be willing to spend 20 minutes with me
on the phone where I can ask you general questions about what it is
like to work in urban planning, what qualities a person must have
to do this work well, and also the educational path?
Hi Jessica,
I read the article in the Sunday paper about your job at
Starbucks. Food scientist work sounds interesting to me and
I would like the opportunity to learn more about the industry. I am
not seeking a job since I don't have the credentials right
now; however, I am interested in having a chance to talk with you
about what you do in an informational interview. I just need
about 15 minutes of your time either on the phone or I can buy you
a cup of coffee.
If you are not interested in discussing life as a food scientist,
please let me know if there is someone else in your field that
would be interested in sharing their experiences.
Thank you and hope to talk with you soon.
~both emails written and used by Virginia Thomas
Part 4: Ask People You Know For Contacts
The third option is to build a network through friends, family and former coworkers/classmates/professors, etc. Make a list of job titles or companies that interest you and then send an email asking for a contact in these fields/companies who would be willing to give you a 15-20 min. session.
"Hi, (contact name). This is Clara Miller. I know we haven't seen each other since ( ), but I wanted to catch you up on what I'm doing and ask for some advice if you don't mind. I'm interested in finding a job doing ( ). I was wondering if you know of anyone in this field that I could talk to in order to get some more information about it."
~from Elon University's Creating a Job Guide
Part 5: Follow-through Letters
There is another option. Yes, even more options! It is called a follow-through letter. You send an email to the person you want to talk to and include this sentence, "Next week, I will call to arrange a time to meet. I know the best way to learn about careers is to talk with successful people and I look forward to meeting with you." You are warning the person that you intend to call.
Later, once the email is sent you would follow up with: "Hi, this is Clara Miller. I wanted to confirm that you received my email I sent a few days ago."
Part 6: Keep in Touch
To stay in touch with contacts, you can use online networking services, such as LinkedIn or Networking for Professionals. LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) keeps track of your contacts and the "friends of your friends." You then have access to all the people in your extended network and this gives you a pool of professionals to interview for information. One low-tech networking tool for staying in contact with people is the postcard or e-card:
Dear Sally, As you know I have left the Seattle Symphony and recently started a contract with King County as a loan manager. My responsibilities include….
When this opportunity ends in Feb., I would like to secure a permanent position in corporate contributions or volunteer management. I know there aren't many openings in these areas, but I would appreciate hearing of any for which you think I might be qualified. I can be reached at…
Thanks again for helping me with my pursuits! I look forward to seeing you at the next BTU meeting. Sincerely, Clara Miller
~Example from Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
Additional tips:
If you can, always give back to your contact, by sending along information, such as an online article, that might interest them.
Always set up your next informational or networking interview by asking your contact to recommend someone else in the industry or company. If you can, get a personal introduction from your contact.
Send a thank you note after an informational or networking interview!
