I was inspired to write this post after a chat between Jeremy, an information architecture intern on my team, Dave Robertson, our VP of Insight & Planning at Critical Mass and myself. Jeremy is graduating from Capilano College’s Interactive Design program next week (I’ll be there to cheer you on, buddy… can’t wait to hear your “overheard at CM” one-liners) and the three of us had a chat about the job search process and how to get your foot in the agency door.

Intern, Intern, Intern
I started off as an intern. A lot of folks I know started off as interns. Some of the best people I’ve worked with started off as interns. Internship is more than Starbucks runs and making photo copies. As an intern, you:

• Acquire industry knowledge that you wouldn’t get anywhere else
• Gain valuable work experience that you can put on your resume
• Make essential professional connections
• Possibly get a full-time job out of the deal!

Companies use internships as a technique for evaluating prospective employees. Jump on that internship train today.

Informational Interviews
I remember the first time that a prospective employee contacted me about doing a informational interview. It struck me as a unique and appropriate method for getting on a prospective employer’s radar. I don’t mind getting resumes via e-mail or receiving the odd cold-call, but those interactions usually assume that there is an opening to be filled and can occasionally put a prospective employer on the defensive when there isn’t.

Instead, dip your toe in the water. Let a prospective employer know that you’re interested in learning more about the company, the work they do and the kinds of opportunities available there. In a way, make it less about you. I’ve witnessed several folks get their foot in the door that way and eventually land a job.

Informational interviews are great because:

• You get first-hand information about what it’s like to work at that company
• Learn about the various career paths within the company
• Helps you get clarity around what your own personal and professional goals are

Want an informational interview at Critical Mass? Email me at scottw at criticalmass dot com. If you’re in Calgary, come by and we’ll grab a cup of coffee in our bistro.

Informational interviews even work for industry veterans. I had an informational interview with Critical Mass three years before I landed a job here. So many times its one of those deals where the interest from both parties is there but your availability and opportunities at the prospective employer need to align first. Over those three years, I built a relationship with Kelly Shaw, a Creative Group Manager here, and eventually the opportunity and timing was right for both parities. Which brings me to my next point around networking.

Network
Networking is essential. Building your network of industry contacts gives you the opportunity to find out about job opportunities before others, gives you an inside track on a job you’ve got your eye on and puts contacts to use as your own personal sales force when you let them know your on the hunt.

Every job I’ve had has come through my network.

Tools for networking:

• LinkedIn (my profile… add me!)
• Start your own blog
• Industry associations (e.g., IAI for those interested in information architecture)
• Local groups (UXIrregulars in Toronto)

What are you tips for you getting foot in the agency door?

Photo c/o troy -a life-.