Informational Interview allow you to explore and utilize the "power of networking." To
give you an idea of what networking can do, pretend that you can only hire one of the
candidates below. Based only on the information give, who would you select?
Jason - B.A. in Political Science, 3.1 average; 4 years of varsity sports; Community
Service Fraternity for 2 years; internship in Albany conducting research for lobbyists.
You've never met Jason. He sent his resume to you along with a well written cover letter
defining his skills and abilities.
Shanelle - B.A. in Political Science, 3.1 average; 3 years varisty sports; Student
Government for 4 years; internship in Albany assisting in the office of the Lieutenant
Governor. Shanelle talked with you at the Career Expo when she was a freshman and
expressed her interest in working for an organization like yours. When she was a
sophmore she contacted you to set up an informational interview. During the informational
interview you were impressed with her professional demeanor and dress. She asked
intelligent questions and sent you a thoughtful thank-you note. When she was a junior she
contacted you for an internship. Although you had no internship openings at that time,
you referred her to the Lieutenant Governor's Office where she was hired as an intern for
the summer. In her senior year, she faxed you her resume and asked for your comments
and feedback. She took a number for your suggestions, as you can see on the finalized
resume she has sent to you along with a well written cover letter.