Garret turtorial3 informational_interviews

COMM 202!

Tutorial #3 – INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS

Wednesday, February 11th

No cell phones, no laptops, Namecards… OUT!!!!!!!!!!!

AGENDA

1. Networking event recap

2. Informational interviews

3. Homework for next week

Networking recap

Networking recap

How did it go?• What went well?

• What didn’t go so well?

• Key takeaways?

• Who (or what) made a big impression on you? Why?

Informational interviews


• An informational interview is a meeting with someone you wish to learn from and get advice particular to/related to your intended career choice


“Ask for a job and you’ll get advice,ask for advice and you’ll get a job.”


“Ask for a job and you’ll get advice,ask for advice and you’ll get a job.”


• Question:

What is the difference between informational

interviews and employment interviews?


• Answer:

YOU ARE IN CHARGE!!!

Individual activityTime to brainstorm, is there…

• A job you want to learn more about?

• A company you are interested in?

• An industry you are curious about?

• Someone you want to get advice from?

Know your contact

Do your research• Know their major skill set/Work history;

• Accomplishments; and,• Associations

Where to find it• Internet search/LinkedIn/Twitter; or,

• Ask mutual contacts!

Know your contact

Find 5-6 commonalitiesand have a sense of what you can ask the person about.

Setting up the meeting

3 Main ways to connect

1. If you already know them, reach out;

2. Ask someone already in your network for a referral; or,

3. Contact them through cold call or cold email

Cold emailingThings to include

• You are a student!

• Why you are interested in meeting (commonalities)

• What you are (generally) looking to learn

• 20 minute meeting

• Choice between two positives

• Set an expectation (for follow up)

Cold emailingSubject: Informational interview request from BCom student

Dear Mr. Anderson,

I hope that you have been doing well! It was great meeting you last Thursday at the COMM 202 Networking Event and learn a bit about your experiences from UBC.

As we had discussed, I am currently a second year student and will be deciding on my specialization at the end of the term. I am particularly interested in Finance and understand that you currently work in the industry.

I am writing to ask if you would be able to meet for 20 minutes over coffee to answer a few questions I have about your career? I am available Monday, March 2nd or Wednesday, March 4th anytime after 2:00pm, however I can accommodate to meet at another time that may work for you. I look forward to following up with you next Tuesday via phone should I not hear from you. Thanks again and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Regards,Super Bcom Student

Be Professional! • Dress the part

• Pay attention to body language

• Respect their time

• Look an act in charge

• Take notes

Day of…

Be Professional! • Dress the part – Don’t be casual, know the setting

• Pay attention to body language – Eye contact, handshake, smile and be polite

• Respect their time – be aware of 20 minutes

• Look an act in charge

• Take notes – don’t transcribe

Day of…

What to ask about?

Have a plan

What to ask about?

• Why this industry?

• Philosophy at work

• Interesting experiences

• Advice

• Best part of work

• Biggest challenges

• Skill sets, and more!

Have a plan

What to ask about?




• Advice




Have a planHow do you respond?

What to ask about?




• Advice




Have a planHow do you respond?

• Relevant personal experiences

• Probe deeper into area of interest

• Why their insight matters

• Let them talk mostly

• Tell your story if probed

“I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”

-- Maya Angelou

Give for getThe Magic IOU

What it sounds like“Thank you for sitting down with me today, I just wanted to ask, is there anything that I could help you with or provide you? If not, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I really appreciate all of your valuable insights you’ve given me.”

• Set expectations for how to keep in touch!

• Touch base when you see fit!• Any new personal developments?

• Did their information help you make a decision?

• Did they pass you along to someone else? What did they teach you?

• Seasons/Holiday greetings!

Keep in touch

Any “aha” momentsFrom today?

Homework•Networking Reflection due tonight @ 11:59pm

•Job posting research assignment due •Friday @ 11:59pm

•Skills Matrix due Friday, February 27th @ 2:00pm

•Cover Letter e-module and quiz due before next tutorial

Education

Garret turtorial3 informational_interviews