At our Writing Works workshop, The Joy of Networking with Macmillan, Girls Write Now mentees had the opportunity to flex their networking muscles as they learned how to make authentic, impactful and fun connections in a professional setting from Macmillan “Mentors for the Day.” Use these tips and tricks from Macmillan employees to help you form the relationships that could land you your dream job!
Questions are Key
Informational interviews are perfect opportunities to forge authentic relationships with professionals in the fields and organizations you are most passionate about. These conversations are not about applying for a specific role, but can lead to bigger things down the road. If you set up one of these meetings, make sure you are prepared to have an authentic and curious conversation.
“It’s important for the person who requested the informational interview to come prepared with questions! They can be as simple as “Tell me about your job,” or “What’s your favorite part of your role?”, but I always appreciate at least one or two thought-provoking questions, too!”
All Experiences are Valuable
Not everyone comes to an interview with an extensive resume, but that shouldn’t stop you from flexing the skills you do have.
“All job experiences provide relevant skills! Don’t be afraid to talk about your experiences as a waitress, receptionist, babysitter, dog walker, etc. You can apply it in an interview as it relates to customer service, your ability to solve problems, thinking on your feet, remembering important details, building a customer base and more. ”
Gratitude Goes a Long Way
“When it comes to networking, timely follow-up is one of the most important aspects. If you reach out to someone requesting an informational interview, when they respond, you should thank them and follow-up within 24 hours. When I’ve offered my time for informational interviews or even just answered questions via email, the requestor has stayed in my mind when they were quick and clear communicators! I was more willing to help someone who made it clear our meeting and correspondence was a priority to them. “
Be Open and Honest
“I got my current job at Macmillan through networking! After receiving a grant… during a publishing internship, I reached out again when I was ready for full time employment. The person I bonded with was so gracious & connected me with people in my field of interest (marketing). I ended up having a few informational interviews which lead to the interview for my current role!
Advice: You don’t have anything to lose by being honest & seeking wisdom from those who can help!”
Girls Write Now
For 25 years, Girls Write Now has been breaking down barriers of gender, race, age and poverty to mentor the next generation of writers and leaders who are impacting businesses, shaping culture and creating change. Thank you for joining our movement.
Macmillan
Macmillan Publishers is a global trade publishing company operating in over 70 countries, with imprints in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, and India. Macmillan operates eight divisions in the US: Celadon Books; Farrar, Straus and Giroux; Flatiron Books; Henry Holt and Company; Macmillan Audio; Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; St. Martin’s Press and Tor/Forge. Macmillan writers have won awards including the Nobel Prize, the Man Booker Prize, the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the Printz Award.