Career Links Frequently Asked Questions
for Students
For current students searching the database:
Q: What is Career Links?
Career Links, a joint effort of the Career Center and the Alumni Association, is an online resource that connects students with alumni and friends of Ole Miss who volunteer information and mentorship to students in a variety of fields. Currently, over 500 Ole Miss alumni and friends representing up to 40 industries are listed in the Career Links database.
Career Links can be used to conduct informational interviews with Career Links members to learn more about:
• A particular career field, industry, or employer
• Discuss current career trends and job-related issues
• Get advice about your job search
Q: How do I access Career Links?
To participate in Career Links you must visit the Career Center at 303 Martindale to complete a registration card. Once you become a registered member you will also have access to InterviewTak—the Career Center on-campus recruiting management system. Students that are currently registered with the Career Center should use the username and password listed on their registration card to access Career Links via MonsterTrak. For more information, please contact the Career Center, 303 Martindale, (662) 915-7174.
Q: What is an informational interview?
It is a conversation you have with a professional who can give you an opportunity to gain information and expertise about career options, industries, employment conditions, employers/ professional organizations, or their personal experience. Making contact with mentor can help direct your job search and establish rapport with alumni in your prospective field.
Q: How should I prepare for an interview with my contacts?
• First, review the contact’s profile and research the contact's employer so that you have a springboard of knowledge from which to ask questions. Most importantly, Know yourself. Evaluate your VIPS –Values, Interests, Personality, and Skills The better you know yourself, the more professional you will appear in the information interview and the more likely you will be able to pursue a career that is both enjoyable and rewarding.
• Next, develop list of specific questions that interests you. It is impossible for a mentor to know what you are looking for so ask questions! He/she could possess valuable insight on a subject, but you fail to inquire about it. Remember the purpose of the interview is to collect information that will allow you to make informed career decisions.
• Last, follow up with the contact; effective communication includes feedback.
Q: What types of questions should I ask my contacts?
Your list of questions could include:
• What is your typical work day like?
• How would you describe future trends in this industry?
• What are the challenges you experience in your line of work?
• Are their benefits to working in this area that I might not be aware of at this point?
• What are the possibilities for advancement?
• How does the hiring process operate in this company/organization?
• With the information you have about my education, skills and experience, what other fields or jobs would you suggest I research further before I make a final decision?
• What types of educational or experiential preparations are best for entering this field?
• What have been your greatest surprises and disappointments?
• What is your greatest strength/weakness and how will it affect your performance in this career?
• What types of situations put you under pressure, and how do you deal with the pressure?
• Please describe one of the most competitive situations you have faced and how you handled it.
• What characteristics do you think are important for this position?
These are suggestions to get you started; during your conversation, feel free to ask questions as your discussion generates ideas.
Q: How should I contact them?
View the volunteer’s contact preference in the mentor profile section. After this, respect the volunteer's wishes as to how they prefer to be contacted. If the mentor does not have a preference, make initial contact via email. Identify yourself as a Ole Miss student or alumni and that you obtained their contact information through Career Links.
Q: Will we have any direct contact?
This depends on the preferences of both you and the mentor. A 30 minute face-to-face informational interview is recommended; however, when schedules or geographical location preclude the possibility of this, a telephone interview can also be effective.
Q: Can I give them my resume?
Although this is an advice seeking resource, you may ask if you can provide them with a copy of your resume as a means to share tangible information about yourself. You may also choose to have the contact critique your resume from an industry perspective.
Q: Can they help me find a job?
Maybe. The purpose of the CareerLinks is NOT job placement; rather the purpose is to network, and gather and share career related information within the Ole Miss community. The contact is not expected to give you job leads; however, if they do, you are welcome to use them in your search.
Q: Should I send a follow-up letter after a meeting?
Yes. It is a good idea to send a note thanking the contact for their time, solidifying the relationship and giving closure to the experience.
Q: What if the person is too busy and is unable to meet with you?
Ask for a referral to someone else who does similar work and keep searching our database.Suggestions:
• You should request the interview
• Be willing to ask contacts for help, ideas, information, leads, or solutions
• Be concise; don’t waste the person’s time
• Assess your skills and abilities so that you appear confident and can market yourself if necessary
• Maintain professional etiquette and show respect; it’s critical to your networking success
• Remember that forming a relationship takes time
• Use a paper or electronic diary to keep track of your contacts, ask for business cards, and make notes during your meeting
• Follow up with letters, notes, and emails; when writing thank-you letters, focus on the recipient, not on yourself
• Respond in a timely manner-within one week if possible
• Ask for a tour of the contact’s office or facilities