Networking Conversations with Sources
Sources are people who have information about a particular company or organization that is of interest to you. Here are several questions to ask sources after you've shared your 30 second elevator pitch.
- What are the key challenges and opportunities facing the organization?
- What are the factors that drive profitable growth (if you're asking about a for-profit business)/help the agency accomplish its mission (if you're discussing a public sector or nonprofit organization)?
- What are the traits and skills that enable an employee to contribute to the success of your department or business?
- What training do new employees receive? What other learning opportunities do employees have?
- What opportunities for advancement or promotions exist here?
- What do employees have to do to advance positions within the company/agency?
- What kind of equipment or technology do employees use on the job?
- How would you describe the work environment?
- What does a typical work day look like? What is a typical work schedule? Do employees work different shifts?
- What is the range of wages or salaries that employees earn in ______ (describe the positions you are interested in)?
- How likely is it that the company will be hiring in the near future for the positions we’ve been discussing?
- What's the typical hiring process?
- Who is involved in the hiring decision?
- What's the best way for me to connect with him/her?
- Would you be willing to introduce me to him/her?
- Is there any other information about the company that I should know?
- Can you think of anyone else I should be speaking to about employment opportunities at the company?
- When I contact him/her, may I use your name?