Talk to People in Jobs You Like
Eighteen easy tips to talk to people in jobs you like, so you learn the truth and make friends too.
Curiosity is welcome. Learn from real people.
25 tips that really help
These ideas come from What Color Is Your Parachute? (Richard Bolles), Designing Your Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans), The 2-Hour Job Search (Steve Dalton), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why these chats help
Real people tell you what a job is like day to day. You learn skills, mistakes to avoid and doors that may open.
Try one.
Find people through your network
Ask friends, alumni and groups. Warm introductions work best.
Ask around.
Write a short request
Say who you are, why you are writing and how little time you need. Fifteen minutes is enough.
Write it.
Prepare five questions
Ask about daily tasks, skills and advice. Preparation shows respect.
Write five.
Ask what they enjoy and find hard
Honest answers help you decide. Both sides are useful.
Ask both.
Ask how they started
People love telling their story. It gives you ideas.
Ask kindly.
Take notes
Write down advice so you can use it. Notes show respect.
Take notes.
Ask who else you should meet
One chat can lead to another. Ask for a name.
Ask for a name.
Script: request
Hi Maya, I admire your work in design and would love fifteen minutes to learn from you. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: question
What do you enjoy most and what is hardest about your job? Say it kindly.
Use it.
Script: thanks
Thank you for your time, your advice really helped. Say it sincerely.
Use it.
Mistake: asking for a job in the meeting
It spoils trust, so ask for advice.
Ask advice.
Mistake: talking more than listening
Listening is the point, so ask and wait.
Listen.
Mistake: going over time
Keep to the time you promised, so respect them.
Stay on time.
Troubleshoot: when they do not reply
Try someone else or send one gentle reminder. Many are busy.
Try another.
Troubleshoot: when you feel nervous
Prepare your questions and breathe. Curiosity calms nerves.
Breathe.
Drill: request one chat this week
Send one request for a short career chat.
Send one.
Drill: write your five questions
Write five good career questions and keep them.
Write five.
Start with a common link
Say how you found them. A link like same school or event makes it warm.
Add a link.
Example: the fifteen-minute chat
Liv met a nurse for fifteen minutes and learned the real shifts. She decided to study.
Ask for fifteen.
Example: the coffee chat
Ben met a manager for coffee. Six months later she called him about an opening.
Stay in touch.
Mistake: arriving without questions
Prepare at least five so you use time well.
Write five.
Troubleshoot: when they ask what you want
Say your goal in one line and ask for ideas.
Prepare a line.
Send a thank-you note within a day of each chat
A short thank-you note after every career chat keeps the door open and shows that you appreciate their time.
Write it today.
Ask what skills matter most in their field
The skills they name give you a clear learning plan, so write them down and pick one to practise this month.
Ask this question.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“May I ask about your work?”
“Fifteen minutes is perfect.”
“What do you enjoy most?”
“What is hardest about it?”
“What would you tell a beginner?”
“Thank you for your time.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Find a person
Write a request
Prepare questions
Meet
Listen
Thank them
Follow up
Further reading
- What Color Is Your Parachute? (Richard Bolles)
- Designing Your Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans)
- The 2-Hour Job Search (Steve Dalton)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
Keep your place and keep growing
Create a free account to save your progress and pick up the next lesson where you stopped. No card needed.
Start freeThese lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.
More lessons in “Finding the Job You Want”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Use Your Network to Find JobsNext: Apply to Fewer Jobs, Better →
- Find Your Strengths and Interests
- Describe Your Ideal Job
- Research Roles and Companies
- Write a Clear CV
- Write a Cover Letter That Gets Read
- Polish Your Online Profile
- Use Your Network to Find Jobs
- Talk to People in Jobs You Like
- Apply to Fewer Jobs, Better
- Handle Rejection in a Job Search
- Keep a Weekly Job-Search Plan
- Look After Your Energy
