The document provides tips for conducting informational interviews, including selecting targets, contacting them, preparing questions, conducting the interview, and following up with a thank you note. Informational interviews allow job seekers to gain insider information and advice while networking. It is important to research the company and individual ahead of time, arrive prepared with questions, and follow proper etiquette when requesting and conducting the informational interview.

1. Throw Away Your Resume (And other tidbits you need to know about and Recessionary Networking) Jodi R. R. Smith Mannersmith.com

2. Good Manners: Having confidence in oneself and the ability to make others comfortable.

3. The Importance of Etiquette: Individuals generalize competence based upon observable behaviors.

4. Why Information Interviews The person requesting the informational interview runs the show.

5. Informational Interviews are like ballroom dancing, there is one person leading the conversation and the other person follows along.

8. Q & A

9. Reality: Steps for Conducting Information Interviews

12. Side Note: The time to fix the hole in the roof is when the sun is shining.

15. Ms. Jennifer Lee 123 Ezra Street Ithaca, NY 14850 607.555.7780 [email_address] July 10, 2009 Ms.Jodi Smith Mannersmith P.O. Box 1344 Marblehead, MA 01945 Dear Ms. Smith: My aunt gave me a copy of your book, From Clueless to Class Act , as a graduation gift in June. While skeptical at first, I ended up reading the entire book in one sitting. Your wise and witty advice will surely aid me in my job search. I am a recent Cornell University graduate and am researching opportunities in the Boston area. I found your name and contact information in the Career Services' Alumni database. I so much appreciate your volunteering to help students and I hope that your schedule will permit you to provide me with some advice. I am particularly interested in civil society and understand that your firm does work in this area. I am also interested in learning how the consultants in your firm began their careers. My resume is enclosed simply to give you some information about my background and project work. I will call you next week to arrange a time to speak to you by telephone or perhaps visit your office if that would be convenient. I will be in the Boston area during the week of August 8th. I so appreciate your time and consideration of my request. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to talking with you. Sincerely, Jennifer Lee Jennifer Lee Encl.

17. “ Mr. Smith, Hello, this is Jen Jones calling again. I truly would love to have 20 minutes of your time. If you are not able, please call me so that I know to stop calling you. And, if you are willing, do let me know so that we can arrange a time. My number is 617-555-1212. Again, my name is Jen Jones at 617-555-1212.” “ Mr. Smith, this is Jen Jones calling to follow up on the letter I sent last week. First, I wanted to be sure the letter reached you, and second I was hoping you would be willing to spend 20 minutes speaking with me. My number is 617-555-1212. Again, my name is Jen Jones at 617-555-1212.” “ Mr. Smith, this is Jen Jones again. I am sorry to have missed you. I will call again on Tuesday at 9:30. If that time is not good for you, please do let me know when you would prefer to speak. My number is 617-555-1212. Again, my name is Jen Jones at 617-555-1212.”

25. Q & A

26. www.Mannersmith.com Twitter: Mannersmith