University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Career Development Center

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING AND NETWORKING
ON THE INTERNET

Listservs and mailing lists are discussion groups organized around certain interests, topics or occupations. They are great ways to network with others who have the same career interests as you. These discussion groups allow you to gain up-to-date information about current trends and developments in occupations or career fields you may be considering as well as information about possible internships and job openings.


Step 1: IDENTIFY EMAIL DISCUSSION GROUPS

The following sites allow you to search for email discussion groups. They will provide you with a description of the group and instructions on how to join.
Step 2: LEARN THE RULES OF NETIQUETTE

Email discussion groups have their own rules of etiquette regarding the types of information and questions that can be posted to the group. It is important to understand the rules of email discussion groups. For information about netiquette and internet networking check out these links:

Step 3: MONITOR EMAIL DISCUSSIONS & IDENTIFY CONTACTS

Before participating in a listserv or mailing list, monitor the group and the discussions to become comfortable with the environment and aware of proper netiquette. Look for postings by members who seem most knowledgeable about the topic being discussed or your area of interest. Note their email addresses, organizational affiliation, and position in the organization.


Step 4: CONTACT MEMBERS

Use the following guidelines when contacting listserv and mailing list members.
  • Contact people personally, not through the group. Do not post a general message to the group asking for someone to speak with you.
  • When contacting people; identify yourself, concisely state why you are contacting them, and the correlation you identified between your interests or questions and their postings. Be polite and express appreciation for taking their time.
  • Request a follow-up to your email message, via phone or email.
 • What it is
 • Why do it
 • How to do it
 • Questions to ask
 • Thank you letter
 • Resources



1 Match Careers to Self
2 Research Careers
3 Confirm Decisions
4 Ongoing Planning

© Career Development Center, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Questions or Comments?  Email: cdc@uwm.edu
Last Updated: April 29, 2008