NETWORKING GOALS:
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Gain knowledge of a career field and what organizations are looking for in new hires.
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Improve your resume, qualifications and how you present yourself.
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Learn about opportunities in your career field.
PREPARATION TIPS
1.) Identify Your Network:
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Tell everyone you know what you are seeking. Some people in your circle (family, friends, faculty,
advisors, staff and supervisors) might have information about the career field you are investigating
or know someone whom they can refer you to.
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Utilize your online tools. LinkedIn, Twitter and websites of professional associations are just a few
of the resources that can be extremely helpful in establishing connections.
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Meet with a Career Advisor to create a networking and job search strategy.
2.) Research:
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Learn about the field and organization through resources provided by the Center for Career and
Experiential Education or on the internet.
3.) Connect. Connect. Connect.
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Get out there and meet people!
INTERVIEWING A PROFESSIONAL FOR INFORMATION
An informational interview is a structured meeting through which a person gathers career information
from a professional about a career field, an occupation or an organization. This information can be
used to help make a decision about a major or career or to help find out about opportunities and
qualifications required in particular fields.
SAMPLE SCRIPT:
Guidelines for Arranging Interviews
Introducing yourself:
“Hello, this is Kate Smith. Our mutual friend Ryan Jones suggested you would be a good person for
me to talk to about public relations. I am graduating this year from URI with a degree in communications. I am interested in learning more about issues and trends in the field, how you got to
where you are and what advice you would have for a new graduate trying to break into the field.”
Requesting the interview:
“I was hoping to briefly meet or speak with you over the phone or in person to ask a few questions. Would there be a convenient time to meet with me in the next two weeks?”
Setting up the interview:
Confirm the date and time of your meeting. Obtain directions and information on parking/
transportation.
Post interview:
Write a thank you note within 24hrs of your meeting. Connect with them on LinkedIn. Ask if there
are other people they may suggest you speak with and stay in touch. Share your success as you
make career decisions and land that professional job.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
Develop a list of questions that will help keep you on track during the interview.
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How did you enter this field? What preparation did you have (classes, activities, experience)?
What skills, abilities and personal qualities do you find most important in your work?
My research indicates that (name the trend or concern) is an issue in this field. How is this issue
affecting the work in this organization?
What do you like most about your job?
What do you see as disadvantages to working in your type of job?
Describe your major activities during a typical work week.
What advice do you have for someone entering this field?
Would you recommend any specific professional associations in this field?
How well does my resume work for this field? How could I improve it?
For what positions should I realistically apply? How might I improve my qualifications?
What advice do you have for applying at this organization?
Are there other organizations you would suggest I research?
Could you suggest the names of other persons in this career field with whom I might talk?
URI Center for
Career and
Experiential
Education
uri.edu/career
URI CCEE
CENTER FOR CAREER AND EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION
Roosevelt Hall, 90 Lower College Road, Kingston, RI 02881
p: 401.874.2311 f: 401.874.4320
uri_ccee