Western Oregon University Career Guide - 2025 - Flipbook - Page 24
Career Conversations
Make the Most of Career
Conversations
Author Steve Dalton suggests the
TIARA Method in his book The 2-Hour Job Search
to build rapport and maximize your time with
your contact.
T - TRENDS
Getting their big picture view builds rapport.
• What trends have you noticed in the
company or industry-wide?
• How has the sector changed since
your career started?
I - INSIGHTS
Seeking their perspectives provides value.
• What lessons have been the most
impactful to you?
• What do you find most challenging
about this work?
A - ADVISE
Shows that you hope to learn from their
experiences.
• What advice would you give your
younger self about this career path?
• What steps would you advise me
to take to optimize my chances of
breaking into and succeeding in
this field?
R - RESOURCES
Positions them as an expert and your desire
to learn more.
Networking
Networking is the process of making connections with people in order
to gather information and expand your knowledge about a profession,
internship, industry, graduate school, and/or geographical areas.
The purpose of a network is to develop a professional support system to
help you as you grow as a professional, which in turn, can help you support
others in the future. It can also assist you in collecting information and
resources about the job market, as well as develop job leads and referrals.
How can your network help you?
▶ Provide you with career advice and support. Your network could
help you identify solutions to a challenging situation and provide
professional support
▶ Introduce you to other professionals and help you advance your career.
▶ Provide you with diverse perspectives to help you grow professionally in
your field.
▶ Share knowledge, ideas, and best practices.
Start with your current network – friends, family, professors, advisors,
clubs, organizations, supervisors, colleagues, LinkedIn alumni tool, local
businesses.
Strategies to Expand Your Network
▶ Informational interviewing and job shadowing
▶ Join professional and trade associations.
▶ Attend industry and professional conferences.
▶ Develop strong LinkedIn and Handshake profiles
▶ Join the WOU Alumni and other LinkedIn groups
▶ Internships and volunteer work
▶ Attend career fairs
▶ Ask faculty, staff, and career counselors at the
Center for Professional Pathways.
• What resources would you
recommend I explore next?
• What training or education has been
most helpful for you in this work?
A - ASSIGNMENTS
Demonstrates interest in applicable work.
• Which projects have been most
impactful to you, and why?
• What skills or experiences would
help prepare someone for this type
of work?
REFERRALS FROM YOUR NETWORK LEAD TO OPPORTUNITIES
85%
50%
of jobs get filled through
networking. Some are
never advertised.
Referrals account for up to 50% of hires in the U.S. Those
who receive referrals are more likely to read their resume,
land and interview, and ultimtely get an offer.
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