Why Leverage LinkedIn and Contacts?

Instead of filling your days searching for job postings and applying (which is boring and frustrating), fill your days with finding people, outreaching, corresponding, exchange information, attending meetings and events.

More effective: builds your network, knowledge in the field, contacts, discover industry events and opportunities.

How is this job searching? -> You can be qualified for a position, but who is going to advocate for you? Who are your sponsors? Who knows you?

Powerful research tool to learn about companies, people and positions

Discover ways you can help others.

Introverts? No problem! Find ways that work for you. Search “networking for introverts”. Here’s a TED talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts

First, have a profile you’re proud of.

Profile

Professional photo

Headline – specific to industry

Detailed profile and experience

Skills and keywords

Recommendations

Projects, professional

development, awards

Activity Follow companies and industry leaders

(research)

Connect with professionals and alumni

Take conversations offline – meet

connections for coffee, conduct

informational interviews

Join groups

Participate in conversations, #tweetups,

comment on blog posts

Post status updates – link articles

Re-engage well established connections

Job search via LinkedIn – see who in

your network is connected to the

opportunity

Find more people in your network

Use advanced people

search.

Use keywords like

“marketing” and zip code

to get started. You can also

use school like “Florida

International University

Reconnect with 1st connections, like

Rachel.

And outreach to 2nd connections, like Jeremy.

See how you’re connected:

Identify a first contact to

introduce you to Jeremy.

Request an intro

You can send a message

through LinkedIn, but

not everyone checks

LinkedIn every day.

Take conversations off

of LinkedIn: (call, text,

email, or chat)

Next, do your research on Jeremy, and his

current and past companies/involvement.

Ultimately, you are requesting a meeting

with Jeremy for an informational interview.

What are the goals of an informational interview?

Meet a new contact in your industry

Gain career advice and invaluable “takeaways” – insider industry

information

Develop trust, rapport and the beginnings of a professional friendship

Discovering ways how you can assist the contact

Identifying additional contacts to outreach for informational

interviews

There are articles everywhere on info interviews. Search Google for

more!

Next: Request a meeting

1. Be specific about what you are seeking

2. Be professional

3. Be patient – you are asking for the favor/their time

4. Be considerate; do not request for an evening or Friday

afternoon time (unless specified).

5. Be creative. How can you help this contact as well?

Subject: Simone’s Referral - info interview

Hi Jeremy,

My name is Maria and I was referred to you by Simone Worsdale. I’m very interested in

digital marketing and would love the opportunity to meet with you for a 20 minute

informational interview. I am interested in learning about your current role at

Ademeus IT Group, how you got to where you are, and any advice you have for

pursuing a career in the marketing/advertising field.

I am available next Tuesday and Thursday from 2-4pm for a phone call or coffee chat.

Looking forward to connecting and thank you for your time and consideration.

Best,

Maria

Maria Tomaino

305-348-3334

mltomain@fiu.edu

Linkedin.com/in/mltomaino

Meet Jeremy

Schedule and meet Jeremy. Do your research on him and his

companies before your meeting. Be your own knowledge center. Use

your time wisely. Ask thoughtful, professional questions that you want

to know the answers to.

Just like a regular interview, clarify time, date, and location. Arrive

10 minutes early. Dress business professional, or “smart casual”

depending on the industry.

Always ask the contact what you can do for them. This is not a one-

way relationship. There are always ways that we can help one

another, even if the person is more experienced.

What questions to ask?

1. What’s a typical day like?

2. Why does this type of work interest you? How did you get started in the

industry?

3. What’s the best piece of advice that you received?

4. I’ve read that ___________ is a current trend/best practice in the industry.

Can you elaborate on it? How does your organization incorporate it?

5. What advice do you have for new professionals in the field?

6. ***(Google to find more informational interview questions. Create your own

and tailor them to the person you are speaking with. Ask questions that make

sense for your contact at the organization.)***

Next Steps

Send thank you email to Jeremy expressing gratitude

Add Jeremy on LinkedIn

See who Jeremy is connected with

Complete homework or follow up tasks the Jeremy recommended

Thank Simone again for the introduction, and let her know you met with

Jeremy

Outreach to contacts that he gave you to set up more informational

interviews.

You are not job searching. You are interview searching. You are finding

professionals to meet with in person.

Questions and Discussion

Thank you!

----

Maria Tomaino

Associate Director, Alumni Career Services

mltomain@fiu.edu |@mtomain |305-348-3334

To schedule an appointment: FIUalumni.com/career