by Angela Copeland | Dec 2, 2013 | Advice, Informational Interviewing, Networking, Newsletter
About 90% of the candidates I work with have not heard of informational interviewing. Of those who have heard of it, I’ve almost never come across anyone who’s tried it. Here’s what it is, and why it’s important in your job search.
Informational interviewing is defined as “a meeting in which a job seeker asks for career and industry advice rather than employment.” It’s an opportunity to sit down with someone who currently works in the field, or (even better) the company that you’re interested to work for in the future. It gives you the chance to learn more about the career path that you’re interested in. Its awesomeness as a networking opportunity should not be understated either.
Setting up an informational interview isn’t hard. If you know the person you’d like to talk to, simply give them a call or e-mail them with your request. If you don’t know them yet, ask a friend to introduce you or reach out via e-mail or LinkedIn. Explain that you’re trying to learn more about their industry, and they seem like a great person to learn from. Make it clear that you will only take up a predetermined amount of time. 30 minutes is fairly standard. Offer to take them for coffee or meet via phone at a time that is convenient to them.
The key in getting a meeting is to cater to the other person’s schedule. Realize that their time is valuable, and you’re getting something you need: information and face time. This is not the time to be rigid in your scheduling. If they only have availability that conflicts with something you had planned, consider reorganizing your own schedule.
When you do land the meeting, be prepared. Come with a list of ten questions that you can pull from as needed. Ask the person about their typical day, about challenges in the industry, and how they broke into the industry.
Do not ask the person if they will hire you. Do not ask how much they make. And certainly, do not ask them to find a job for you. None of these are the purpose of your meeting. You’re trying to learn more about the person, and their job. People don’t mind sharing about their own job. But, when you start to ask about a job for you, you’re really crossing the line and asking for a favor the person didn’t sign up for. On the flip side, if they voluntarily tell you about a position they’re hiring for, go for it!
I’d like to share a success story with you to demonstrate the power of informational interviewing. I recently set a job seeker, Brittany, up for an informational interview. She is interested in marketing, so I set her up for an informational interview with a friend who works at an advertising agency in Memphis.
What happened next blows me away. Not surprisingly, their meeting was successful. Then, my friend introduced Brittany to the entire advertising agency and gave her a tour of the office. Last, my friend promised to introduce Brittany to her contacts at 8 other organizations. That’s right, 8!
Can you imagine how your network might grow if you begin to reach out to professionals in your community this way? They will offer you advice that will be valuable in your search. They also may begin to introduce you to their network, or help you look for a job.
The level of success of an informational interview will be determined both by you, the other person, and honestly, how well you ‘click’ with them. Know that every informational interview will not turn out as great as Brittany’s, but you will gain something valuable from each one.
by Angela Copeland | Dec 2, 2013 | Job Posting
ALSAC, the fundraising arm of St. Jude, is seeking a Senior Director of Brand Strategy. If you haven’t heard of ALSAC before, they have been the exclusive fund-raising organization of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since 1957. ALSAC is also the third largest healthcare related charity in the United States. When a position comes open there, it’s a special opportunity. If you have a background in brand strategy and an interest in non-profit, you should check this out.
This person will be responsible for overseeing development of high level integrated, multi-channel brand strategies with the goal of promoting St. Jude’s brand awareness and fundraising efforts. This person works closely with Vice President of Brand Marketing to ensure strategy and of the St. Jude brand is aligned with organization’s Strategic Plan and is positioned to positively impact critical brand metrics.
They will also lead a team of brand strategists in the development and execution of hundreds of fundraising programs and thousands of individuals projects annually. They will use industry best practices to develop and refine multiple processes for work flow, systems analysis, process mapping and trouble shooting roadblocks in an effort to ensure a streamlined process for strategy development and execution while protecting and consistently promoting the St. Jude brand.
To learn more, and to apply online, visit the ALSAC website here.
by Angela Copeland | Dec 1, 2013 | Job Posting
The Crescent Club is looking for a Private Events Director. They’re looking for someone with sales experience who is high energy with knowledge of social etiquette and banquet revenue generation.
This position is responsible for the selling, planning and coordinating of all aspects of private event and meeting functions held within the club, including the anticipation of staffing levels necessary to service needs. External markets may encompass seminars, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, luncheons, high tea and golf tournament events. Member events may include holiday parties, special events and more.
They will act as ambassador within the club, fostering relationships with Members, individuals and corporations who book events so as to maintain a catalogue of repeat business while prospecting for new events. The role of ambassador extends eternally from the club to bridal shows and other public events, which heighten awareness within the community. This position works closely with the Executive Chef when designing custom menus and the entire management team to communicate upcoming events.
To learn more, or to apply, visit the Crescent Club website here.
by Angela Copeland | Dec 1, 2013 | Networking
Shelby Farms has a monthly volunteer activity that’s held on the first Saturday of every month. The next Whistle While You Work volunteer opportunity is coming up on Saturday, December 7th from 9 AM to NOON. This is a great, FREE opportunity to network.
Volunteers help repair trails around Shelby Farms Park and perform maintenance projects including mulch spreading, gardening, removing dead tree limbs, and removing privet. Most trail areas are open and wide. Shelby Farms Park Conservancy will provide tools such as wheelbarrows, rakes, and shovels. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work gloves and water bottles.
Space is limited, so you must RSVP in advance. To learn more, or to RSVP, visit the Shelby Farms website here.
by Angela Copeland | Nov 30, 2013 | Job Posting
New Memphis Institute is also looking for a Program & Events Coordinator. They’re looking for someone with a bachelor’s degree who has excellent communication skills.
This person will be responsible to plan and coordinate logistics, including preparing materials, for over 70 classes, meetings and events annually, and provide on-site support as needed. They will also maintain communication updates with past, present and future program participants.
The person will also work with New Memphis team to produce content for regular e-newsletters and social media platforms. They will develop and maintain status list for team, will follow up with team members to ensure timely completion.
To learn more, or to apply, visit the New Memphis website here. Note that this link is a PDF file.
by Angela Copeland | Nov 30, 2013 | Networking
The Memphis Heritage organization is hosting a book signing. It will be held on Saturday, December 7th. The format is an open house from 10 AM to 5 PM at Howard Hall. Howard Hall is located at 2282 Madison Avenue at Edgewood.
The book is called Memphis Movie Theatres by Vincent Astor. Signed copies will be available at the event.
If you haven’t heard of Memphis Heritage, their mission is to educate and coordinate individuals and groups to save, improve, reuse, and maintain
architecturally and historically significant buildings, neighborhoods, parks, and cultural artifacts of Shelby County, Tennessee.
To learn more, check out the Memphis Heritage site here.
by Angela Copeland | Nov 29, 2013 | Newsletter
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving! If you haven’t had a chance yet, it’s not too late to sign up for the Copeland Coaching newsletter. Look for my first newsletter to go out on Monday!
To sign-up to receive yours, click here: http://eepurl.com/IqZHH. It’s quick & easy!
by Angela Copeland | Nov 27, 2013 | Networking
The Visible Music College will present their Rock ‘N Roll Christmas Show on Friday, December 6th at 7:30p at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts.
The event will feature Visible Music College Students with special guests Sarah Simmons (from NBC’s The Voice) and the Neighborhood Christian Center Children’s Choir.
There is no cost to attend, so admission is FREE. For more information, visit the Visible Music College website here.
by Angela Copeland | Nov 27, 2013 | Job Posting
The New Memphis Institute has a a great opportunity you should check out. They’re looking for a Marketing and Communications Director.
The Marketing and Communications Director creates and executes on the strategy for all communications, brand, public relations messages and collateral to grow the New Memphis brand and consistently articulate New Memphis’ mission and outcomes.
The Marketing and Communications Director is responsible for New Memphis’ varied brand, marketing and communications products and services including, but not limited to: newsletters, brochures and other print publications, events, giveaways, web, E-news and other online communications; social media; media and public relations.
by Angela Copeland | Nov 26, 2013 | Job Posting
This is one of the coolest technology positions that I’ve seen in a while, so I had to share with you. The Memphis Grizzlies are looking for a web designer / developer.
They are responsible for creating intuitive interfaces, maintaining and enhancing Grizzlies.com, FedExForum.com and related team web properties to help meet overall business objectives. They’re looking for a well-rounded team member that can balance creativity, design theory, usability, and conversions to design as well as execute those designs on our current platforms.
The person will work with the Director, Internet Marketing and Web Development to ensure strong online presence, ensure that front-end design, functionality and content structure of web sites and web applications facilitate an excellent user experience and enhance SEO.
To learn more, and to apply online, visit the Grizzlies website here.
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