Networking and Info Interviews

1. COMM 202
TUTORIAL #6
w/ Michelle Sieklucki
T05 & T11

2. AGENDA

3. Agenda
• Course Timeline
• Skills Matrix Debrief
• Info Interviews
• Networking 101 pt. 2
• Action Items

4. Course Timeline
Week 9 Week 13Week 10 Week 12
• tutorial:
networking/
information
interviews
• networking
event (Nov
3rd 6-8PM)
• lecture:
interview
prep
• tutorial:
interview
questions
• interview
stream due
(Nov 25th
11:59PM)
Week 11
• lecture:
informatio
nal
interview
• networking
reflection
due
(Nov 8th
11:59PM)
• lecture:
when you’ve
got the
job!
• employment
interviews
(Nov 28-Dec
1)
• information
al
interview
(Dec 2nd
11:59PM)

6. SKILLS MATRIX

7. Where does networking
happen?

8. Networking
Chance Meetings
Facilitated Events
Direct Request

9. Why Bother?
• get your foot in the door (faster)
• gain insight about a company,
industry, or career path
• practice your interview and
networking skills
• find a potential mentor
• show them who you are beyond your
resume and cover letter

10. INFORMATIONAL
INTERVIEW

11. Info Interview Assignment
• contact details (name, company, title,
phone, email)
• list of questions asked
• major insights gained – what did you
learn during your informational
interview? **This is the most important
part, should be 40% of final paper**
• did you request/receive any information
regarding additional connections?
• follow up action – What will you do to
maintain this connection? *Screen shot
of thank you email required
• what are your next steps having
conducted this information interview?

12. Info Interview Assignment
• Due Friday, December 9th
• Minimum 2 pages
• In-person and NOT a current
UBC student/staff/faculty
or family member
• Look at potential questions
on the course blog

13. HOW TO GET YOUR INFO
ON!

14. Land an Info Interview
1. Find 4 or 5 potential contacts
2. Research them (Google, LinkedIn) and
reach out to contacts you have in
common
3. Decide what you want to talk to them
about and brainstorm questions and
points of commonality
4. Send out your invites! Don’t be
offended if they don’t immediately
reply

15. Timeline
Wk.9
• Determine potential informational interview candidates
• Compose and send first round email
Wk.10
• Compose and send second round email
Wk.11
• Have interview date/time confirmed
Wk.12
• Brainstorm questions for interview
Wk.13
• Go for coffee!
• Assignment due Dec 9th 11:59PM

16. Example “Ask” Email

17. Example “Thanks” Email

18. NETWORKING 101 PT.2

19. #GOALS

20. Networking Event
• SAVE THE DATE!
• Thursday, November 3rd from 6:00pm-
8:00pm @ CPA Hall
• Alumni, senior students, and local
professionals convening for an
evening of networking with this
semester’s COMM 202 students
• Excellent opportunity to practice
and refine your networking skills
and learn more about how to make the
most of your time at Sauder!

21. Networking Reflection
• Your goals in attending the event (what
was your purpose in going, define SMART
goals beforehand)
• How you researched the contacts before
the event?
• What was it about these people that
motivated you wanting to talk to them?
• A brief summary of who you spoke with
and what you learned in the
conversations
• A reflection on the lessons you have
learned about the networking process
• Next steps you will take to continue
building a relationship with your new
contact (if you plan to)

22. Networking Reflection
Due November 8th at 11:59PM

23. How to Succeed
web to web eye colour comfy shoes
smile!name tag
on right

24. Assess the Room
• Look for
singles or
doubles!
• You want to be
memorable - the
less people in
your circle the
easier that
becomes!

25. The Approach
• don’t interrupt –
when joining a
networking circle,
wait for a lull in
the conversation
• never have food
and a drink, you
need a free hand
to shake!
• go with a wingman,
but not a Siamese
twin

26. Start the Convo
http://www.bampowlife.com/blog/2015/7/14/1
0-networking-hacks-for-the-terrified-
socialite?rq=networking

27. Keep it Simple!
• just simply say hi!
– Hi, my name’s Michelle.
– Hi Michelle, it’s nice to meet you. My name’s
Andy.
• show you’re interested in talking to them
– Hi Andy it’s great to meet you as well. I was
actually hoping to chat with you this evening
as I noticed on your LinkedIn profile that
you…and I would love to hear more about your
experience.
• start the conversation. ask a question /
have them talk about themselves / stay
positive
– Do you have any advice for students…looking to
make the most of their time at Sauder? …looking
for a career in your field?

28. Continuing the Convo
• be careful not to monopolize
peoples’ time
• listen for facts, feelings,
free information and implied
statements
• introduce others, tying them
into the conversation
• identify commonalities
• ask open ended questions

29. LISTEN
LISTEN
LISTEN

30. The Exit
• spend 5 to 10 minutes with one person;
wait for a lull
• excuse yourself kindly and assertively:
– “It was nice to meet you”
– “I’m glad you were here today. It’s been
great chatting with you. Thanks so much.”
– “I don’t want to monopolize all your time
today. Thank you for taking time to speak
with me and I hope you enjoy the rest of
the event.”
• shake hands and exchange cards or ask
to connect (if the conversation was
meaningful)

31. The Follow-up
Hi Andy,
It was so great to get the chance to speak with you at last night’s networking
event. I was really inspired by what you said about “building your personal
brand”, and I am looking forward to putting your advice into practice.
I would love to continue our conversation about your experience at KPMG. I
understand that you are very busy, but it would be great to meet for about 20
minutes. Would you be available to meet on Monday or Tuesday next week?
Coffee is on me!
Thank you,
Michelle
after great conversations, send a
personalized email or LinkedIn request (or
maybe an informational interview request?)

32. QUESTIONS?

33. The Event IRL

34. Event Pet-Peeves
• asking questions and not
listening to the answer
• asking rapid-fire questions so
no one else can speak
• when a person’s outfit is
distractingly unprofessional
• when students only talk about
their option choices or career
path!
– try connecting over a common
interest beyond work and school

35. Event Pro-Tips
• eat dinner beforehand
• do some research on the delegates,
but don’t get consumed in stalking
every LinkedIn profile
• dress classy and comfortably
• have a few interesting questions /
topics to chat about ready to go.
how do you want to be remembered?
• when all else fails, find a 202 TA
and we’ll help you join a circle
• head to an area that is less packed
• manage your energy – take a breather
if you need it

36. QUESTIONS?

37. Business Casual

38. Business Casual

39. ACTION ITEMS

40. Action Items
• Resume and Cover Letter
Assignment due November 1st 1:59PM
• Networking Event is on November
3rd form 6-8pm
• Networking Reflection Due Nov.8th
11:59PM
• Lecture Next Week