The Informational Interview

The key to networking is to express your interest and desire in a person or firm without being obnoxious or patronizing. One approach is to seek an informational interview, in which your goal is to speak with an individual who can help you without actually asking him or her to do anything specific for you.

In essence, you are picking the brain of your subject and, at the same time, impressing him or her with your serious interest and determination. Hopefully, your actions will convince him to take a chance and hire you, should an opening become available. What you don't say, is "hire me." Instead, you solicit ideas and opinions and then put that information to work, demonstrating by your actions that you're worthy of the help you're not asking for.

A Current Resume: Your Best Sales Tool

Resumes--I think we've all had a love-hate relationship with them. On the one hand, they are tough to assemble and keep current. On the other, a resume is your sales pitch for a very important product: you. It's important that it be concise, accurate, and intriguing. You want to pique the reader's interest so he or she will look closer and call you to come in for an interview.

More resume tips can be found in my book, Flight Guide For Success!