Final answer:
Reaching out to a contact at a company before an interview is a recommended networking step. One should research the company, connect with industry professionals, and send a professional email to discuss potential job opportunities. Maintaining connections with previous colleagues is also beneficial.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is not odd to contact someone you know at a company before an interview. In fact, networking and making connections within your industry are key strategies for increasing your chances of employment. When preparing for an interview, you should do thorough research on the company and identify key decision-makers to reach out to. You can start by connecting with professors, friends, mentors, and using LinkedIn to find contacts in your field of interest.
Once you have identified whom to contact, you should send a professional email to gauge when you could observe them at work or ask for a brief meeting. This indicates your interest in the job and can provide valuable insights into the company's culture and expectations. Additionally, staying in touch with former colleagues and employers is essential for maintaining a healthy network, which can be vital for future opportunities.