Gathering Information From People

The People Who Might Be Able To Help You:

	People you work with
	People you have worked with
	Friends
	Family, relatives
	Acquaintances
	People who are currently working in a job and/or in an occupational area you are interested in
	People who have worked with people in the field you are interested in
	People at government offices and community agencies
	People in special interest groups
	Career counsellors and consultants at Career Development Centres
	Career counsellors and consultants who work with private companies
	Past employers
	Present employers
	Employers in the areas that you are interested in
	Professional and trade associations
	Trainers, instructors or professors in the field you are interested in

How Will You Contact These People:

	Make a list of the people you want to contact. Include employers and people from associations
	Make a plan of who you will call and when
	Decide which people you are just going to call and to to on the telephone and which people you want to meet with to discuss your needs in detail
	Decide which people you will call first
	Write down questions you are going to ask before making the calls
	Check out the annual reports of companies you're interested in. Libraries and Labour Market Information Centres carry copies of the latest annual reports
	Find out which companies and associations you would like to contact

Some Questions You Might Ask:

	Do you know someone who might be able to help me?
	Where do I find more information on?
	What has been your experience?
	Do you have any tips you would be willing to share with me?
	I am interested in a career/job that is similar to what your are doing. Would it be possible to meet with you for 20 minutes to ask you some questions about what you do?
	What are your expectations of someone applying for a position here?
	Would be open to me doing an information interview with someone on your staff?
	Would you be comfortable having me job shadow you or one of your staff?

Where Do You Find Out More:

	Call the Career Information Hotline in your area and ask for information on what services are available.
	Call Student Finance Board of Advanced Education at Career Development in your area, and request pamphlets available for adults considering student loans.
	Call the Tribal Administration Office for information on funding or training for Native groups. Funding may be available from your Band.
	Call community agencies and ask what services they offer. Check the Yellow Pages and ask other people if they know a good place to go.
	Call the local union which may have counsellors available for a wide range of services.
	Call the career planning centres in universities, colleges, agencies and technical schools, such as:
	Community Colleges Technical institutes Universities Workers' Compensation Board Vocational colleges Youth Employment Centres Government or Provincial Employment Centres

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