NETWORKING
INTERVIEWS
The
seasoned job hunter knows that the most important part of the
Job Search is the time they spend with their NETWORK, gathering
information, asking questions, and getting additional leads.
These contacts can be people that work for the company you want
to work for, people in the same industry, or just anyone you
know who might have a job lead or a contact So, what kind of
an agenda should you have when you talk with your contacts?
Here are a variety of questions you might want to consider when
you talk with them. Remember, what you ask depends upon what
information they can supply.
What
the Job is Like
1.
What parts of the job are most enjoyable, challenging, difficult?
2. What is a typical work day like?
3. What specific skills are needed to preform this job?
4. What are the working conditions like?
What
the Industry is Like
1. Is this field growing enough to create more positions?
2. What developments could affect future opportunities in this
industry?
3. Is there a high turn over rate of people in this field?
4. How often has this industry been affected by layoffs and
how long do they generally last?
5. Which companies are the best to work for?
Salary
and Advancement
1. What would be an entry level salary range in this field;
a range at my level of experience and/or education?
2. What is the advancement potential and the general career
path?
3. How did you get your job?
4. If you could start all over again, would you change your
career path, if so, why and what?
5. How long does it generally take to rise to top management?
6. What additional education would you recommend for individuals
who want to advance in this field?
Skills
and Experience
1. What do employers specifically look for in education, skills
and experience when they hire someone in this field?
2. How do most people generally enter this field?
3. What education, skills and experience that I have are relevant
to this field?
4. Is there any additional education you would recommend before
I start looking in this field?
5. What companies do you think I should target in my search? |
|
Fitting
In
1. Considering my background, how well do you think I would
fit in with your company?
2. How does your company compare with the others we already
discussed?
3. Considering all the people you've met in the line of work,
what personal attributes are essential to succeed in this field?
4. Looking at my education, skills and experiences what other
career paths or fields would you suggest I explore?
5. Would this field/career involve any changes in my life style?
Additional
Information
1. Where might I obtain additional information about this job/career
path including requirements, employers, salaries, and industry
issues?
2. Is there anything else you think I should know about this
job/field?
3. Who else would you recommend that I speak with to obtain
information? When I contact them may I use your name?
Since it is impossible to ask all these questions, pick and
choose the most relevant. Be sure not to waste their time so
you can contact them again in the future for additional assistance.
A good NETWORK is an invaluable asset.
WHERE
THE JOBS ARE
Springfield
is an interesting city as far as the job market goes. Here are
a few labor market statistics from the Illinois Department of
Employment Security.
| Industry |
Employees |
| Government
- Federal, State, Local |
30,000 |
| Health
Care - Hospitals, Clinics, etc |
16,000 |
| Retail
Trade – Shopping |
12,000 |
| Leisure/Hospitality
– Hotel |
10,500 |
The
State of IL is currently not doing much hiring but, the health
care field is constantly expanding. Each day the want ads have
openings for CNAs, LPNs, RNs, all kinds of health care technicians,
and support staff. Also, there is always a need for service/sales
people. For additional assistance be sure to come in and see
your Veteran Representatives: Rhonda or Jay.
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