1 Networking & Interviewing April 29, 2013

16 Education NetworkingExperience Employers like to see 3 things when hiring: 1) academic knowledge of industry 2) some on the job exposure 3) an active network with people inside the industry. The combination of education, network, and experience is critical to securing work in the field that interests you.

315 Marketing You You need to market yourself throughout your working life. Your message should be consistent, articulate, unique and confident. Networking is one way to market yourself. Informational interviews and 30-second elevator pitches help to both gather information and network. Learning these skills now will help you when you seek out internships and full-time employment. Marketing yourself is a lifelong skill. Promoting yourself for your various careers will continue throughout your lifetime. 3

Networking There are two types of networking: Informational and Strategic Informational networking helps you understand something from the insider’s point of view. (e.g.: asking a current college student questions about his/her university and student life) Strategic networking is actively seeking a valuable connection to promote an end result. (e.g.: asking a professor for an introduction to the admissions director at the college you wish to attend) Below are two questions that might be helpful to ask yourself before you begin your conversations around networking. What do you want to come away with from a networking conversation? How do you want people to perceive you in your networking?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________Tab 12, Page 11 You Who is in your network?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________Tab 12, Page 11 Volunteer Activities Sports Clubs Churches or Synagogues Community Leaders Local Biz Contacts Family Parent’s College Connections Customers, Competitors, Vendors Churches & Synagogues You Teachers, Counselors Friends & their Families Past & Present Schoolmates Social Media Facebook, etc. Industry Thought Leaders, Writers of Blogs Professional Associations like Rotary or Aspen Institute People currently at your target company or college Sports and Clubs Parents’ college connections Camp Connections

Informational Interviewing What is it: A brief interview with a person who is attending the school or working in the industry that you are interested in. Why do it: To gather information and build a network. An informational interview is low risk, low pressure and typically lasts 20 minutes or less. It is a short learning opportunity and most business people are happy to take a few minutes for a prepared individual. Your goal is to find out if you might want to enter that field of work. It is also to understand the best strategies to prepare yourself for a job in that industry. Sometimes the outcome is a realization that this is not the right field for you. It is much better to find this out before you invest time and money in your schooling. How to: Research the school or industry beforehand so you are prepared with informed questions. Direct the conversation by asking questions that you want answered about the work, industry or school. Be polite, respectful, and gracious. Try to generate more networking opportunities by asking the contact for any additional people he/she may know who could also help you. What is it and why do it?

8 General Tips for Interviewing Talk with several people to get perspective. Chances are good you’ll run across a few of the “Seven Dwarfs” along the way—talking with Happy and Doc will help balance any conversations with Grumpy and Dopey. Listen. Ask a question, then be silent and take notes. If the contact rambles, ask another question. Resist the temptation to chat. Be pleasant, but remember that you’re on a mission. Stick to it. Watch the clock. If you’ve requested 20 minutes of someone’s time, and the conversation is going over, consider something like this: “I want to respect your time. Are we still okay?” You show respect and improve your chances of the contact speaking with you again should you need to reach out again. Give Back. Approach networking with the mindset of giving something back. Send the person a relevant article you found from a Google Alert. It should relate to something discussed in the interview. 14

Sample Requesting Informational Interview Consider this brief as a template to request an informational interview. Dear ________: [First/Last name of networking contact] suggested I contact you. I am a junior at Aspen High School. In this class we are learning how to network and research various industries/careers we might be interested in. I have identified …. as a field I might want to study in college. I’d like a few minutes of your time to ask you some questions about [your field]. My goal is to learn about your experience with [company name], as well as to hear about what this field is really like. I would also like to understand any strengths, talents, and skills that are helpful and to hear your perspective on the education recommended, and your thoughts on the future outlook for this industry. I will call to check on your availability. Feel free also to reply or call my cell (also text ‐ friendly) at 559 ‐ 555 ‐ Thank you for your time and consideration. If you are unable to meet with me, could you suggest another person I could contact? Sincerely,

10 Sample Questions · How did you get started in this career? · What does your typical day look like? · What do you like best (and least) about your career? · What did you learn on the job that can’t be taught in school? · If you had to name five or six skills that make people successful in this field, what would they be? How are those skills put to use? How do your bosses measure your performance? · Would you say that a particular personality type (social and gregarious, analytical and quiet, etc.) is better suited for this profession? · Who makes it to the top fastest in this career, and why? · Why do people leave the field? · Where do you (or others) go from here what would be your next step? And then where?

11 Continued Questions What would I need to study to succeed in this field? · What changes or trends are happening in the industry? · How might I combine my interest in ___________ with this profession?. What do you now know about this career that you wish someone had told you at the outset? · Do you have any book recommendations or training recommendations for me? · Do you have any literature about your company beyond what’s available at your web site? · What have I not asked that I should have? · Who else can you think of that I should talk with?

12 After the Interview Send a thank you note. Some people include a link to an article from a Google Alert that references something that was discussed in the meeting. This shows authentic interest in the career field and initiative and listening. If given an additional networking contact, explain when you plan to contact that person.

30-second elevator pitch. What is it and why have one? A great introduction and conversation starter. Can be used in spontaneous or planned situations to generate networking connections. Spontaneous situations might include gondola, airplane, hiking, coffee shop, bus ride. Planned situations might include parties and events. The process of developing your pitch helps you discover who you are and what you really want. Developing your pitch focuses your thinking on what is most important about you.

14 What do you want your 30-second elevator pitch to get for you? College connections? Summer Internships? Job shadow opportunities? Travel around the world? New networking connections?

15 To create your pitch you need to answer five questions. Who are you? What do you do? What do you want and why are you unique? What action do you want this person to ultimately do for you?

16 Sample elevator pitch if looking for summer internship Introduce yourself using your full name. Hello, I am… Be specific as possible as to what you are doing. For example, I am a student at Aspen High School. Currently, I’m studying……. working….. love….. I’m very interested in … I’m hoping that you can help me find an internship opportunity this summer in ….. An internship might help me begin to understand the field and get a better sense of what I should study in college.