Below are some things to consider before contacting an alumni advisor.

• What type of job are you looking for? (Be as specific as you can, even if you do not have a clear idea.)
• Why do you want this job?
• What experience can you bring to a job?

Some guidelines on things that you might want to ask an alumni advisor.

• Give a little history of yourself. This will help an alumni advisor better determine opportunities that you might pursue.
• Let them know as to whether you have been on many job interviews before.
• If you are not experienced, ask advice about what to wear, what to say, how to schedule an interview, other etiquette.

Also, give some consideration to the phrasing of your questions.

• Instead of “Tell me about Capitol Hill”, you might say “I am interested in working for a democratic/republican member of Congress. I am from_____, I don’t/do have Hill experience. What advice can you give me on finding such a position? ”
• Or instead of “How do I find a place to live?” you might ask “What are some good places for young people to live in DC? I want to spend about ____ per month. Location/cost/safety is the most important to me.”