They say unemployment is at 10.2%. That's bad enough, until you consider that the true number, especially when including the under-employed numbers, is potentially much higher. So maybe you're one of the unemployed or a recent graduate out there looking for a job. And maybe you're feeling the frustration because you're getting so few bites. Here's the thing. Most Jobs Aren't Advertised You aren't going to find most jobs in the ads or on the job boards.

In fact, even when the economy is good, as many as 70-80% of available positions are filled through referral. That's right. They're filled by networking. And that's when the economy is good. That number is probably much higher right now. But maybe you haven't built up your network, or if you're a new grad you haven't had time to do that yet. There's still something you can do that most people won't that can help you get noticed. The Tip It's the informational interview, or meetings with successful professionals to learn more about what they do, what their company does, how they do it, and ask for advice on how to move forward with your own career. You may think that people wouldn't have the time or would turn you down, but the truth is that most people like talking about themselves. And most people are happy to help when and how they can. The Trick (or How It's Done) To begin, identify companies who you'd like to work for, that do the work you want to do, and that have the reputation of offering the types of challenging work assignments and environment you're looking for. Don't worry about whether this company is hiring at the moment or not. That's not the point. Be resourceful seeking out companies and names of individuals you might speak to. Ask everyone you know. Use the internet, including Linked In. Next up, the introduction. Call, send an email, or yes...even an old-fashioned letter. Remember that this person's time is probably limited so make it as brief as possible. Give a bit of your background, your goals, interests and what you hope to gain from the interview. Be clear you're seeking information, or advice, and not a job. Ask for 20-30 minutes of the person's time, and if you can meet at their office. (Lunch or coffee is fine, but you'll learn even more about an organization if you can see the environment.) Prepare. Be sure you've done your due diligence and thoroughly researched the organization. Go with a list of open-ended questions prepared. Dress appropriately. Focus on keeping the 'interview' conversational. You're not asking for a job here. Don't be too stiff. Don't be nervous. You're just talking here. If the person you're interviewing goes 'off-script' from the questions you've prepared, let the conversation go there. After all, this is an informational interview and intended to build rapport. Let the conversation flow as naturally as possible. When wrapping up, ask if there are other professionals this person would recommend you talk to. After the interview, send an email thanking them for their time, and listing a couple of specific details about the information or advice you gained from the meeting. Then keep them updated on your progress in your career. You Never Know This person might have a job and consider you down the road. Or they may hear of something and think of you and make the referral. I've done informational interviews and the person ended up being a friend. I've done them and we've ended up working on projects together. And I've done them, and it led to a great opportunity. Regardless, an informational interview not only gives you the opportunity to expand your network, but to gain more inside industry knowledge, and to practice your presentation, interviewing, and relational skills. Plus, it's an underutilized approach so it makes you stand out from the crowd. If you're looking for a job, don't be passive. Start doing the research and set a goal for the number of informational interviews you'll have set up by the end of this week. All the best! deb