20 Davenport University Career Services Guide This type of interview allows you to learn more about a company, position or professional field by speaking with professionals who are already performing in those roles. Informational Interviews • Identify and research positions and the company (see page 66) • Identify prospective professionals to interview from your network of friends, family affiliations, alumni associations, LinkedIn and other social media • Send a request to interview the individuals identified and enclose a list of questions you’d like to ask (10–15 questions) • Be respectful of time and place Schedule the interview to meet the time, location and style of the professional you are interviewing: on-site, a neutral site, Skype, phone, FaceTime, or other electronic format • While conducting interview: Be prepared to describe your goals, ask clear questions and LISTEN • Be respectful of their time Ask about Job Shadowing Options • Seeing a day in the life of a professional already in the field helps affirm that a specific position is a viable option • Afterward, send a Thank You note to those you’ve met with and stay connected to them—this is great way to find a mentor and access a larger network of professionals in your field) INFORMATIONGATHERING EXPLORINGCAREERS& INFORMATIONALINTERVIEWING Always follow-up with a Thank You note. See page 46. It can be handwritten or emailed. It is more personal and more likely to be read if handwritten. Dear Ms. Sparrow, As a student at Davenport University, I am exploring careers to learn which would be best suited for me. I am very interested in the Biological Laboratory Science profession and would appreciate the opportunity to talk to you about your work. I found your information through Davenport’s Alumni Association. After reading about your company’s Biolife Reservation Initiative, I am confident that your insight could help me. If there is availability in your schedule over the next two weeks, please let me know. Ideally, we can meet for about half an hour. Sincerely, Pounce Panther 313 Prairie Pt. Lansing, MI 48933 (616) 698-7111 ppanther@email.davenport.edu Ask to shadow via email or LinkedIn message: 20 Davenport University Career Services Guide