I’m in a job search to find a “real job”. I graduated in May and want to get in the publishing or advertising industry. I’m aware that I’d probably have to start as an Editorial Assistant for low pay, etc.
But to make this OP shorter, I’m meeting weekly with the head of Career Services at my uni. This week my task is to research some of the companies I have found and try to get an informational interview or two set up.
(I assume most people know, but just in case: an informational interview is where I, the job seeker, interview the person doing a job I’d like to do. I’d ask them why they picked that job, what they do, what they like about it, etc. It isn’t to try to get a job where they work but instead to get insider info about the industry and begin networking)
So how do I go about doing this? I mean, how do I find the specific contact info for employees, especially if it’s a smaller business? And once I do find this info, what do I say to ask?
I would start with company Web sites and either look for an email address or phone # for the HR department, or if a small company just the general “info@thecompany.com”.
I run a small business and you’d probably find me easiest by emailing info@mycompany.com which is found on my Web site. We also have a form.
Just be honest in your email or phone call. Tell them you would like to do an informational interview with a professional from your field of interest. Worst they can say is “no.”
Start with who you know. Tell friends and family members that you are doing research in publishing and advertising and you would like to talk with ANYONE they know, are who knows anyone they know, in either of those industries. Explain that you are not looking for a job, you are just looking for advice, and that you promise that you only need 15 minutes for your informational interview.
Second, get connected with your alumni directory. I’m surprised that the career counsellor hasn’t already suggested this. Your university undoubtedly has a database where you can search for alumni in the advertising or publishing industry.
Third, get on google and find trade organizations in your area. Look for any organization for either advertising or publishing. Call up the director, or anybody else there, and introduce yourself, and say you want to learn more about the industry.
Fourth, you can contact companies directly. But it’s best to do that by finding specific individuals. Look for trade publications where people have written articles. These days an author usually lists his or her email address at the end of the article. Email the author and say, I really enjoyed your article. I am interested in learning more about your industry and I’d be very grateful if you would spend a few minutes talking with me.
Thanks, both of you. Sorry I was gone the weekend, but I’m back and I didn’t ignore the advice.
So, ZipperJJ, if the company is small and has no individual contact information, I should just contact HR or the contact info and go from there (I like how you worded it, too). Thanks!
constantine, I am working with my uni’s career services, but I went to a very small uni (about 3,500 undergrad students) which is known for their architecture and engineering colleges. The rest of the stuff there is good but overlooked, and naturally most things are aimed towards the eng. and archies. The career services guy is doing a good job, though; he has some contacts and we’re working on it.
I like the other suggestions, too. I might have an unpaid internship at a magazine my friend works at. I’d prefer, yknow, a paying job, but it’s one where I’d learn a lot and I plan to have that with a part time job while still looking for a full time paying job.
Sorry I was gone the weekend, but I’m back and I didn’t ignore the advice.