College of Charleston | Career Center | Career Mentor Network

CAREER MENTOR NETWORK GUIDELINES

Once you have identified the mentors you would like to contact, make sure you are clear on how they would like to be contacted (email, work phone, home phone, or via mail). It is important to use the appropriate contact information.
Contact the Career Mentor, introduce yourself and what you want to discuss, and indicate that you wish to arrange an informational interview. Ask the Career Mentor how they prefer to handle the informational interview (phone, face-to-face, or email). This is your chance to make a great first impression. Proofread your email or letter for grammar and spelling. All emails should be professional and error-free. Check out our samples.
If you are contacting a Career Mentor on the telephone, be professional and courteous. Make sure your out-going message is professional. Do not call later than 7 pm.
Do some research on the career field or the Career Mentor’s organization before the informational interview. Check out the Related Links to the right.
Prepare yourself for the informational interview. Have some questions prepared for the Career Mentor. Remember to respect their time and do not overwhelm them with too many questions. You may have the opportunity to meet with the Career Mentor again. Don’t exhaust your resources.
Be professional and punctual. Take the lead during the informational interview, remember the Career Mentors have volunteered their time to answer your questions. It is okay to be nervous, but do not appear to be unprepared. If your informational interview is face-to-face, you are expected to dress professionally and exhibit professional etiquette at all times.
Follow up with a thank-you note within two (2) days. The thank-you note should be brief and professional. Check out our sample.
Please notify the Career Center (careercenter@cofc.edu) if you are having difficulties or the Career Mentor contact information is incorrect.