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Job shadowing: The benefits and how it's done
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Job shadowing – arguably the next best experience to interning – is when you “shadow” a professional for a day (or more). There’s even an annual Job Shadow Day – February 2 (Groundhog Day) – run by the U.S. Department of Labor and Junior Achievement.
The Benefits
1. Get a glimpse into a company or profession. “You will be able to see firsthand what someone in that position does, rather than just reading on the Internet or hearing from others. This will help you make an informed decision about whether you want to work in that company or industry, saving yourself potential heartache down the road,” said Megan Hendricks, director of employer relations in the College of Business at the University of South Florida.
When I was considering government relations as a career in college, my university’s government relations director took me to the state capitol for a day of lobbying. While the experience was incredibly exciting, I knew government relations was not for me.
2. Increase your chances of being hired by the company. “While you are shadowing, you can meet people and impress them with your communications skills,” said Hendricks. “This gives you an edge over job candidates who have not met company representatives in person. It shows the company you have a strong interest in working for them if you are willing to take unpaid time out of your schedule to shadow them.”
Sharon DeLay, CPCC, CPRW, MBA, a career confidence specialist, adds, “If someone takes advantage of an opportunity to job shadow and prepares for it just as he or she would prepare for an interview – including dressing appropriately, doing research and preparing a list of relevant questions – it could turn into an interview opportunity, which might lead to either a job offer or the inside track to the decision makers.”
3. Gain experience. “This is especially true for entry-level candidates. Job shadowing allows you to gain industry-relevant experience that can be used on your résumé. It also allows you to add a company to your résumé in the field you are looking to break into. This can set you apart from other candidates,” said Theresa Maher, director of public and job seeker relations, Jobing.com.
4. Expand networking contacts. “While your shadowing guide might not be able to land you a job within their company, if they see potential, they will be willing to share contacts in the industry. As you begin to inquire about shadowing opportunities, each of those companies has access to your name and is aware that you'll be contacting them again regarding possible employment,” said Katie Mattson, a life coach at Momentum Coaching.
5. Obtain résumé feedback. “Most individuals are flattered by requests for advice. It can also be a nice way to provide your background information in a subtle way for future employment opportunities including internships,” said Rick Smith, PhD, director of career development at the Smith Career Center at Bradley University.
How to Obtain an Opportunity
1. Determine your interests. “Brainstorm jobs of interest and intrigue. What jobs would you like to learn more about?” said Mark Mikelat, founder of Building Aspirations.
2. Identify local companies. Conduct an Internet search or peruse your phone book for companies that might offer the jobs on your list. Also, ask your current networking contacts for suggestions.
3. Cold call/e-mail the organizations on your list. “At most work sites, your best strategy is to contact a worker who holds the kind of job that interests you and ask that person to get any permissions that may be needed,” said Laurence Shatkin, PhD, senior product developer at JIST Publishing. “If you start by going to the human resources department or some other bureaucratic office, you're more likely to be turned away.”
Don’t forget to identify who you are, what you’re seeking and politely ask if they offer such opportunities.
“When a student asks for something someone can't give, such as a job, they may encounter a lot of resistance and decreased exposure opportunities,” said DeLay. “When a student asks for something as seemingly non-threatening, such as the opportunity to observe and learn, it may turn into the best opportunity.”
Preparing for and During the Experience
1. Brush up on your interviewing skills. “You never know if this interview could turn into an informal interview for a job,” said Smith.
2. Look and act the part. “Dress nicely and arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled time. It is appropriate to take notes, but be careful not to let it interfere with your conversation,” said Smith.
3. Establish outcomes. “I have had someone job shadow me before, and it was actually a bit frustrating because she could not tell me exactly what she wanted from the experience,” said DeLay. “As a result, I had to define the experience, and it forced me to continually check with the student to make sure she was getting what she needed.”
4. Ask questions. “If something strikes you while you're observing, ask, ask, ask! Come up with as many curiosities as you can from the history of the firm to the future of it, and everything in between,” said Mattson.
5. Pay attention. “Do you like what you see while you're on the job? It's easy to get lost in the tasks being done, but make sure you're still aware of whether you could imagine yourself doing them long term!” said Mattson.
After the Experience
1. Thank the person you shadowed. “Be sure to send at least a thank you note,” said Shatkin. “Personalize it by commenting on what you learned from the experience.”
2. Stay in touch. “After job shadowing ends, I would suggest that you add that person to your network and make a point of keeping in touch,” said Ann M. Jelito, founder of Right Time Coaching and Consulting. “If you happen to come across an article that you think the individual would find helpful by all means send it along.”
3. Reflect. “Once you have completed the job shadow, carefully consider how this experience will benefit you in your next job. What have you learned? How can you translate this into your next job? How will your next employer benefit from your job shadowing experience? And more importantly, be sure to discuss these advantages during your interview process!” said Jennifer Dunleavy, founder and president of The Accuro Group.
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