Being Aware
Before contacting an employer or voluntary group, be aware of the product
or service they provide. An understanding of their business is invaluable
to you as an experience seeker; it also shows them that you are really
interested in what they do! Key resources to help you get started are:
Information Interviewing
In basic terms, information interviewing is a useful activity to investigate
particular career paths, industries, businesses or occupational types.
It is also a great way to find out about work experience options.
Follow the links below to find out more … but be careful not
to abuse the opportunity you’ve created! At the very least:
- be clear about your purpose, which should revolve about gathering
information
- research before you call, email or talk
- do not make an appointment unless you are serious and intend to
follow it through to meet your host
- if you are unable to make an appointment, be courteous and let
your host know!
- be prepared and think about what you want to find out
- be time efficient, 20 minutes is generally acceptable
- follow-up and action all promises and statements
- consider asking for a referral to access additional information
- remember to say thank-you, and perhaps write a thank-you email
ACTIVITY
Become familiar with the information contained on the above links.
You may like to add additional contacts to your action planner
Complete the information interviewing workshop on the Quintessential
Careers link below.
Resources:
International
students: Tips on finding work experience in Australia - [.pdf |
66.4 kb]
Ellen Gibson, an International Career Counsellor at the Queensland
University of Technology, provides tips on finding work experience while
in Australia.
Billabong
Billabong is specifically designed to cater for Australian Indigenous
peoples who are working in, or are interested in working in, Vocational
Education and Training, (VET).
Information
Interviewing to investigate options
The speculative approach is a great way to think about investigating
your work placement options!
Local Exposure Information
Interviewing
Local Government in WA have put together an excellent resource for
those interested in working in Local Government. This is a great way
to investigate whether your ideas fit reality!
Information interviewing workshop from Quintessential Careers
An informational interview should be an integral part of your networking
and job-hunting plan. An informational interview involves talking with
people who are currently working in the field to gain a better understanding
of an occupation or industry -- and to build a network of contacts in
that field.
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