Where do you want to go…and who is already there?

In my own career as a career counsellor and coach, I often work with people to help them define what their ideal role or job would be.  When they have done this, my client may sometimes struggle with detailed specific information about their desired role, beyond the superficial, which can be gleaned from doing some web research or reviewing job guides.  What would be valuable is to know what a typical “day in the life of” would be like, how present incumbents of a particular job or position got there (although not always a prescription for how you would get there yourself) and what is good, bad and indifferent about the role.  Also, it’s useful to discover nuances of employers/ industry / locale which can vary widely but give clues as to suitability for the prospective job seeker. 

A conclusion that my clients eventually come to (sometimes with some gentle prodding or questioning on my part!) is that it would be wonderful to actually talk with one or more persons who perform the actual role that they are seeking or contemplating. 

Much ado is made of the concept of networking. And, certainly many roles are found through this means…he who is known is often a safer bet than the completely unknown, even after due diligence including reference checks (better the devil you know?)   Yet, much is to be said for simply contacting and requesting to meet with people who perform the role that you are interested in. I have at times met with incredulous looks from clients at this suggestion– yet it is so rare for people be asked for a favour such as showing someone around and having a chat about themselves and their role, that very few people, when asked, decline. I have done it a number of times myself both as a seeker of information and as a provider of.  Personally, I am only too happy to help prospective career practitioners, as I recall the early challenging days of getting established in a new career myself!   

In career services, we call such approaches or visits an “informational interview”.  You don’t have to be too formal about it though.  A nice way to make a new contact and find out some information is to ask if you can buy the person a coffee, or perhaps lunch.  If they are particularly busy, agreeing to keep the meeting to 15 minutes or half an hour may make it more agreeable to them – just ensure that you keep to this time.  Do as much research about the person, company, industry etc. beforehand. Not only is this complimentary and respectful to the person you are visiting; it demonstrates that you are not a time waster and will also allow you to have researched and prepared questions to items you are curious about. 

After the meeting, send a thank you note, card or email (personal written notes are particularly nice, as they are rare these days!) and if the person is amenable, keep in touch and ensure that you follow up on any leads or contacts they offer. 

The other often overlooked avenue is to visit a professional networking or industry group in your interest area.  Even though such associations or organisations are made up of common interest members, most do welcome guests.  This is a great way to meet a number of people and get to know who’s who and what’s what in a short space of time.  You will find that you naturally gravitate towards certain individuals, who can in turn introduce you to other contacts, and answer questions that you may have.  

You would be surprised at just how many of these associations actually exist.  Do some searching, ask around, and see if you can attend a meeting or event.  Some associations allow members without qualifications to join ie as a student or “friend”, which is a great way to learn more and meet the members.   You could even offer to help out, as these associations are often run on a shoe-string with volunteer helpers. This will give you more opportunity to get to know other members and office bearers better and to learn a lot more about the organisation / industry in question, in return for your contribution. 

Don’t overlook people who have already walked the path. In fact, those closer to retirement, who may have worked in a different era, have many good insights and long term contacts and may enjoy offering you their insights and hard-fought knowledge, as a mentor or advocate. Such people will likely enjoy remaining connected to the industry that they have ties to and will find it rewarding to give someone an entrée into their field. 

Connect…contribute, and reap the rewards, from those who have walked the path and are willing to show you the way.  And don’t forget to thank them! 

About the author

Lois Keay-Smith is a mum, career consultant, counsellor, writer and speaker, living in Perth, Western Australia.   Lois is the Principal of Career Wisdom and helps people create a satisfying work life and discover their life’s work. Visit Career Wisdom at www.careerwisdom.com.au

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