Job shadowing is a great way to learn more about a professional’s day-to-day responsibilities. This hands-on experience can help you decide if you can see yourself in a career, and it can also serve as a valuable opportunity to grow your network. But how do you request a job shadow?
If you or your network do not have any contacts in the profession you would like to shadow, send an email to the human resources department with a request. Include in the request a brief statement about yourself (name, college, major, year of study), why you are interested in a job shadow at that organization, and what you hope to gain from the experience.
The job shadow might be for a portion of the day, a full day, or longer, so it’s important to maximize the time together with these tips:
Know the logistical details
To avoid any miscommunication that can reflect badly on you, ask in advance where you’ll shadow and meet your host, what time you should arrive (always arrive 10 minutes early), and what you should wear. Know the itinerary for the day, including when your day will end. Research how long it will take to travel to the job shadow and allow extra time in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Be prepared
Research the company you are visiting and the person or people you’ll be shadowing. Start with the organization’s website and LinkedIn. Take initiative by noting any job-shadowing ideas you have, such as processes you would like to see. Identify questions that emerge from your research and specific objectives you would like to accomplish; it will help you learn more from your experience and also leave a good impression.
Reflect on your own career aspirations
Your host will likely be interested in what brought you to the organization and where you are headed for a career. Reflect on this before you arrive so you can give a short, articulate answer that will leave a positive first impression.
Know your role during the job shadow
Make good impressions while you are learning. The basics for making good impressions are shaking hands with every person you meet, maintaining eye contact, addressing them with their formal titles (unless told otherwise), and thanking people for their time. Be curious by asking questions. Stay positive even if you realize during the job shadow that the career might not be right for you. Take notes of your observations and insights. Asking for business cards with the people you meet will help you when following up with thank you emails that you should send within 24 hours after the job shadow. Finally, turn your smart phone off so you aren’t distracted and continue to make a positive impression.
