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Information Interviewing
Researching Employers
Job Search Strategies

A deliberate process of establishing a network of connections in order to find career-related information. Estimates locate the amount of unadvertised jobs at around 80%. These are positions that are filled not be advertising, but by employers using their one "networks".

What you will need:

Self-knowledge:

What kinds of positions, industries, companies are you looking for?
What are the skills/assets that you offer?

Research on the particular industry.
A list of contacts to begin with.
A short introduction of yourself:

Background
Career and academic interests

Tracking method.
Résumé (and cover letter if you are writing to initiate contact).

What you will do:

Develop a list of contacts.

Friends of family
Family of friends
Former supervisors
Faculty
Recruiters from on-campus information sessions
Professional organizations

Review list and prioritize.
Conduct information interviews to explore career areas, expand the list, start developing the list.
Make contacts with members of your list. Be honest about your reason for contacting them. Typical reasons:

You are beginning your job search and need some advice.
You need some information about a specific job.
You want to discuss the profession, industry, or future areas of opportunity.
Could they please look at your résumé?
Do they know of someone to contact to discover more information?

If you are telephoning, be sensitive to their time - ask if they have a minute to talk with you.
Always say how you got their name.
State clearly how you want them to assist you.
Send a thank-you letter!!!
Don't forget this part: Make sure they know how to contact you.