Great Job Listing Site

Check out Mary Wasmuth's blog with links to many Massachusetts Niche Job Listings. It is a wonderful resource for anyone looking for a job in Massachusetts!

What NOT to do on your resume

My latest and greatest YouTube video!

What NOT to do on Your Resume

Changing Careers Challenge - Week of 7/7/10

Changing Careers Challenge - Week of 7/7/10



Last week your challenge was to research the job titles that you were interested in.

This week your challenge is to find one person in the job or industry that you are interested in to do an informational interview with.

An informational interview is a meeting where you will be asking a professional in the field or industry that you are interested in about their career. You are looking for advice, not employment, at this meeting. The biggest difference between a job interview and an informational interview is that you are the one asking the questions. For most job seekers, this makes the process a bit less stressful.

Where can you find someone to do an informational interview with?

1. ask people you know if they know anyone who does what you are interested in learning about
2. use LinkedIn to find a connection through someone you know
3. ask current or former professors who they know working in that field
4. contact the local chapter of the professional organization for that industry
5. attend job fairs in your area
6. check out your local one-stop career center
7. contact someone who has written an article about the industry

How should you ask for the informational interview?

You can ask for the interview either via email or phone. Some ideas for what to write or say during your request:

• ___________ gave me your name as someone who knows the ins and outs of working in the _________ filed.
• I'm doing some research on working in the ____________ field and I am looking for some candid advice on the pros and cons of working in this field.
• I have been doing research on the _________ field, but there is only so much one can learn from the Internet and books. I'd love to talk with someone who is actually doing _________ to get a real feel for what it is like day to day.
• I am considering going back to school to become a ___________. I was hoping to speak with someone who could give me a realistic view of what a career in _________ is like.
• _________ said that you are the best in the _________ business. I am hoping to break into the field and was wondering if you had 10 minutes to speak to me about it.
• ___________ is a real interest of mine. Your company has an outstanding reputation and I would love to hear your opinion on where you think the field is going.
• I am really intrigued by the _______ field. Before I make the leap to change careers, I would appreciate speaking with someone like yourself, who is considered an expert in the field.

A few things to keep in mind:

• most people like to talk about themselves and will be more than willing to do this!
• if you were referred by someone, be sure to mention their name in the ask
• ask for a set amount of time to talk; 15 minutes is a good starting point
• be polite and professional