actually useful questions to ask in informational interviews by Alison Green on February 3, 2015 A reader writes: You’ve written before about how NOT to behave in an informational interview (i.e. use it to try to get a job), but I wonder what you recommend to get the most out of them when you’re approaching the meeting with the proper mindset. I’m about six months away from getting a masters […] Read the full article →
was I rude to this stranger who wanted to connect on LinkedIn? by Alison Green on December 23, 2014 A reader writes: I received a connection request from a stranger on LinkedIn, and by the end, we both ended up feeling that the other person had been very rude. I followed my instincts and didn’t engage further than the conversation reproduced below. I still think about what I’d say to set this guy straight […] Read the full article →
is this request from a networking contact weird? by Alison Green on December 19, 2014 A reader writes: I am transitioning out of my current career (military) and am in the job search process. I recently received a LinkedIn connection request from someone who claims to run a nonprofit to help veterans in my particular skill area find civilian jobs. From his profile, he looks pretty legitimate, with lots of […] Read the full article →
it’s not just helicopter parents — it’s helicopter professors too by Alison Green on May 21, 2014 A reader writes: I’m fairly new to the workforce – just a couple years of experience. I’m the internship coordinator in my department at a cultural nonprofit, so I field a lot of questions from students (applicants and general interest) about how to make it in our industry. At least once a month, I get […] Read the full article →
how to find a mentor at work by Alison Green on January 2, 2014 You’ve probably read plenty of advice telling you to find a mentor – someone who can advise you on career decisions, help you navigate tricky politics, and generally help you succeed professionally. But how are you supposed to find this magical mentor? While you might have access to a formal mentoring program, or be courageous […] Read the full article →
how the hell does networking work anyway? by Alison Green on October 15, 2013 A reader writes: Can you explain networking? I still don’t really get it. I have many years (decades) of experience and so fortunately, I know a lot of people, and the people I know tend to know a lot of people too. I have gotten jobs in the past through people I know, but it […] Read the full article →
can I bring a baby to a networking coffee? by Alison Green on September 10, 2013 A reader writes: I can’t tell if the answer to this question is obviously “no” or if there is some leeway here. I am about to go out on maternity leave. I will have almost four months out of the office, and while I intend to spend time with the new baby, I’d also like […] Read the full article →
should I give a former intern feedback about her bad attitude? by Alison Green on September 6, 2013 A reader writes: I’m meeting a former intern for coffee and need some advice. She is finishing up law school asked me to meet with her to discuss her post-grad job search. While she was working for me, she was a solid worker but has a really crappy personality/attitude. It seemed like she felt she […] Read the full article →
using a photo of your kids as your profile picture on LinkedIn by Alison Green on September 6, 2013 A reader writes: This post popped up in my LinkedIn feed this morning and I was curious to hear your thoughts on it. It said: “I have been told it would be too unprofessional to use a photo of my three daughters as my profile picture. I just don’t see how that is unprofessional. Perhaps […] Read the full article →
how to tell your network you’re looking for a job by Alison Green on August 28, 2013 If you’re job searching, you’ve probably heard that one of the most effective things you can do is to use your network of connections to find job leads and make connections with hiring managers. But how do you actually reach out to your network and what do you say? Here are five keys to doing it […] Read the full article →