COMM 202 Tutorial 3 – Informational Interviews

Week 6, Tutorial 3 | TA: Jaime Reston | February 12th/13th

“Gosh, that networking event sure was swell, Jaime!”

-Nicki Minaj

Agenda

1 – Ne’twerkin ReCap2 – Informational Interviews3 – What’s happenin’ next, Jaime?

Week 6, Tutorial 3 | TA: Jaime Reston | February 12th/13th

• What went well?

• What didn’t go so well?

• Key takeaways?

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

What’s it like being Kanye?

Awesome.

What’s it like being Kanye?

Awesome.

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS!!

ASK FOR A JOB AND YOU’LL GET ADVICE

ASK FOR ADVICE, YOU’LL GET A JOB

ASK FOR ADVICE, YOU’LL GET A JOB

HowWhy

Who What

DO WE DO INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS?

Why

A meeting you arrange to learn from someone with more experience or insight

NOT a Job Interview

DO WE DO INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS?

Why

Do we do Informational Interviews with?

Who

Whomever you want to learn from & connect with!

Do we do Informational Interviews with?

Who

Interest

Industry

Individual

Idea

Wha

t do

you

thin

k is

coo

l?W

hat do you what to learn?

Know your contact

16

What to know

• Work history• Accomplishments• Associations• Interests

How to find it

• LinkedIn• Internet• Twitter• Mutual connections

Find 5-6 commonalities and a sense of what you can ask the person about.

Howdo you get an

Informational Interview?

do you get an Informational Interview?

Three Connections

Already know them?Reach out!

Ask someone in your

network for a referral!

Cold call or cold e-mail!

do you get an Informational Interview?

Three Concerns

I don’t have a Network?!

How do I get an

Introduction?!

Isn’t Cold Calling

creepy?!

Reach out with intentionMost people are happy to share what they know, as

long as they know why you’re asking

do you get an Informational Interview? 20

Who you are

Why them

When

What

Your background, goals, interests

How you know them and why they fit the bill

What you hope to learn from them

20 minutes, choice between 2 positives

Subject: 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

Whatdo you do once you

get there?

•Who pays for coffee?

•Bring Padfolio, Resume, Pen, & Paper

•Respectful of Time

•Conversational Questions

•Closing & Follow-Up

Whatdo you do once you

get there?

24

Plan out a roadmap to STEER the conversation, be prepared to STEER it back on track

What can you ask about?

• Why this industry?• Philosophy to work• Interesting

experiences• Advice • Day in the life• Skill sets• Many more!

How do you respond? Relevant personal

experiences Probe deeper into an

area of interest Why their insight matters Try to let them talk most

of the time Tell your story if probed!

Plan

25

Look the part Act the part Value their time

• Business casual• Padfolio with paper

and pen• Confidence• Smile, eye contact

• You are the host• Arrive early• Offer to pay• Lay out the plan for

the meeting• Take notes

• Keep an eye on the time

• Ask before going over time

• Say thank you

Professionalism

Give to get

26

“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

The Magic IOU

“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.”

What It Sounds Like

Have you had a new development?Did their information help you make a

decision? Did they pass you on to someone else? What

did you learn from that person?Season/Holiday Greetings!

Keep In Touch!Set Expectations for How You Intend To Touch Base!

“Plant a giant elm with a tiny seed. Or like, whatever.” – Jaime “Believe-in-Yourself” Reston

Touch Base When You See Fit

NEXT WEEK IS READING WEEK!

Networking ReflectionDue Yesterday

Company Research AssignmentDue Feb 13th

Skillz MatrixDue Feb 27th

Cover Letter E-Module & QuizDue Next Tutorial

Valentine’s DayDue Feb 14th