a. Write to a friend who is already in the workforce, asking about one or more of the following topics:

• Are any jobs in your field available in your friend’s organization? If so, what?

• If a job is available, can your friend provide information beyond the job listing that will help you write a more detailed, persuasive letter?

(Specify the kind of information you’d like to have.)

• Can your friend suggest people in other organizations who might be useful to you in your job search? (Specify any organizations in which you’re especially interested.)

b. List possible networking contacts from your co-workers, classmates, fraternity/sorority members, friends, family friends, former employers and co-workers, neighbors, faculty members, and local businesspeople. Who would be the most valuable source of information for you? Who would you feel most comfortable contacting?