A personal pitch allows you to answer the following questions in 30 seconds or less:
- Who are you?
- What do you do best?
- How have you made an impact?
- What sets you apart?
- What are you seeking?
Practice interviewing interactively online with
A networking contact is someone who you can connect with to learn more about a career field, resume best practices, an organization's culture, job search advice, and more. Your network is probably bigger than you think.
To help you identify people to network with, think of the five Fs- Friends, Fellow Peers and Alumni, Faculty, Family, Foundations and Professional Associations. In addition to the five Fs, you can find networking contacts online through LinkedIn or in Mason Career Link which is located in HireMason.
For more details and other ways to network, visit the Networking section of Moving On.
An informational interview is a structured meeting to gather information from a professional about a career field, an occupation, or an organization.
Sample Script (setting up an Informational Interview):
Introducing Yourself
Hello, this is [your first and last name]. I obtained your name through Mason Career Link at George Mason University or our mutual friend suggested that you would be a good person to talk with regarding…. I am a [indicate your year in school], and your career field is one I am considering or I am graduating this year from Mason with a degree in…. I am trying to learn more about issues and trends in your field and what skills employers seek in the persons they hire.
Requesting the Interview
I would appreciate meeting with you for a half-hour to see your work environment and ask a few questions. Would that be possible in the near future? or Would there be a convenient time to meet for a half-hour in the next two weeks?
Sample questions to ask:
- How did you enter this field? What preparation did you have (classes, activities, experience)?
- What skills, abilities and personal qualities do you find most important in your work?
- How would you advise me to get started in building experience in this field?
- What's your perspective for the next few years in terms of job prospects in this field?
- What are typical career paths in this field?
Find out more about Informational Interviewing under Networking.
As a Mason student you have access to employers for a wide variety of industries through Career Panels, Career Fairs, Resume Clinics, and Interview practice day. Make sure you make the most of their time on campus by participating in career events.
Did you now there are more than 100 million members and 2 million companies on LinkedIn? Creating an account is free and easy. To learn more about LinkedIn, talk with your industry advisor or attend a LinkedIn workshop.
A professional association is usually typically a non-profit organization that seeks to further a particular profession, the interests of individuals engaged in that profession, and the public interest.
If you want access to hiring managers, and experts in your industry of interest, join a Professional Association.
