Throw Away Your Resume (And other tidbits you need to know

about Informational Interviewing and Recessionary Networking)

Jodi R. R. Smith

Mannersmith.com

Good Manners: Having confidence in oneself and the ability to make others comfortable.

The Importance of Etiquette: Individuals generalize competence based upon observable behaviors.

Defining the Information Interview

The person requesting the informational interview runs the show.

Informational Interviews are like ballroom dancing, there is one person leading the conversation and the other person follows along.

So, why bother with Information Interviews?

•  New connections •  Insider information •  Additional leads •  Low stress •  Resume feedback •  Requests for interviews

Reality: Steps for Conducting Information Interviews

Step 1: Selecting Your Targets

•  Occupation •  Company •  Individual

Step 2: Targets for Those in the Working World

•  Personal •  Professional •  Philanthropic

Step 3: Targeting Social Media Targets

•  FaceBook and MySpace •  LinkedIn •  Twitter •  Others

Step 4: Contacting Your Target

•  Letter •  Telephone •  Email

Ms. Jennifer Lee 123 Ezra Street

Ithaca, NY 14850 607.555.7780

JSGM@Cornell.edu July 10, 2012 Ms.Jodi Smith Mannersmith P.O. Box 1344 Marblehead, MA 01945 Dear Ms. Smith: My aunt gave me a copy of your book, From Clueless to Class Act, as a graduation gift in June. While skeptical at first, I ended up reading the entire book in one sitting. Your wise and witty advice will surely aid me in my job search. I am a recent Cornell University graduate and am researching opportunities in the Boston area. I found your name and contact information in the Career Services' Alumni database. I so much appreciate your volunteering to help students and I hope that your schedule will permit you to provide me with some advice. I am particularly interested in civil society and understand that your firm does work in this area. I am also interested in learning how the consultants in your firm began their careers. My resume is enclosed simply to give you some information about my background and project work. I will call you next week to arrange a time to speak to you by telephone or perhaps visit your office if that would be convenient. I will be in the Boston area during the week of August 8th. I so appreciate your time and consideration of my request. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to talking with you.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Lee Jennifer Lee

Encl.

Step 5: Persistence versus Stalking versus Freezing

•  1st Call •  2nd Call •  3rd Call •  E-mail •  Continued Calls

“Mr. Smith, Hello, this is John Jones calling again. I truly would love to have 20 minutes of your time. If you are not able, please call me so that I know to stop calling you. And, if you are willing, do let me know so that we can arrange a time. My number is 212-555-1212. Again, my name is John Jones at 212-555-1212.”

“Mr. Smith, this is John Jones calling to follow up on the letter I sent last week. First, I wanted to be sure the letter reached you, and second I was hoping you would be willing to spend 20 minutes speaking with me. My number is 212-555-1212. Again, my name is John Jones at 212-555-1212.”

“Mr. Smith, this is John Jones again. I am sorry to have missed you. I will call again on Tuesday at 9:30. If that time is not good for you, please do let me know when you would prefer to speak. My number is 212-555-1212. Again, my name is John Jones at 212-555-1212.”

Step 6: Preparing for the Interview

•  Research – Company Website & Recent Reports –  Individual Web-hits, Articles &

Attributions

•  Questions – Prepare Your List of What You Want to

Know

Personal Favorites:

•  “What is the best piece of professional advice anyone ever gave you?”

•  “If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be and why?”

•  “Would you take a moment to scan my resume, what knowledge or experience am I missing?”

Step 7: The Day Prior

•  Confirm Meeting •  Pull Attire •  Accessories

– Resume – Folio – Paper & Pen – List of Questions

Step 8: The Interview

•  Arrive in Advance •  Give VERY Brief Background •  Begin Asking Questions •  Watch Your Watch •  Take Notes •  Wrap 3 Minutes Early •  Ask If There Are Questions For You •  Ask If There Is Anyone Else •  Take Your Leave

Step 9: Be Gracious

•  Your Thank You Note – Wizard

•  Handwritten versus email

Action Plan

•  Select one person •  Write a letter requesting an interview •  Follow up and follow through •  Join a club/group/professional

organization •  Commit to regular attendance

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