Engaging with Alumni in a Digital Setting

Wondering why no one’s responding to your networking messages? Consider: 1. Where you reach out: - I prefer email over LinkedIn DM - Or use other digital platforms where you can connect with people through communities that are less saturated than LinkedIn. Leverage other platforms like Slack groups, or other industry-based groups. - Get email intros via your network’s network. - Be unassuming of who you know and who they may know. 2. Phrasing of your message - Ensure it is focused on what you want to learn from the person > job search language - Show you’re prepared to use their time wisely by sharing a brief list of topics you’d want to ask about - Make your agenda authentic - if there are real topics on your mind that you want/need to learn about, it will resonate even more - Make your email tailored to them, their profile, their background - show you did your homework - Write like you would be talking, the more authentic the better - Be clear in your ultimate ask - do you want to ask for an intro or a call? - Well crafted subject line - You may decide to NOT mention job search or any open roles at all! 3. How warm the connection is - The warmer the better! Get introductions. Utilize alumni and other communities, groups, and networks. - Get scrappy, find groups, find introductions. - Don’t forget who you already know! Besides just building new connections, consider: past recruiters you spoke to, past interviews you had, past offers you had, whether you took it or not, anyone you’ve had a call with from a mentorship capacity alumni, and of course, friends/family/acquaintances/alumni and seeking introductions from your network 4. Level of person you’re reaching out to - Don’t go for too senior folks who don’t have time - Go for people at/around your level, within 5-10 years above, at, or below your level ___________ 🚀 Ready to identify your best-fit career? Let’s talk—DM me! ♻️ Found this valuable? Share it with others who are exploring career paths. 👋 I post tips on career exploration and career navigation weekly—follow me for more tips.

The biggest reason qualified candidates don't get interviews? They don't have advocates. And the biggest reason people don't have advocates? They're not having enough informational interviews. Here's how to turn strangers into connections, connections into referrals, referrals into advocates, and advocates into interviews: STEP 1: Find Your People Go to LinkedIn → My Network → Connections → Search with Filters → All Filters Target company: Pick ONE company you want to work for Past company: Your strongest alumni network (where you spent the most time) Results: Focus on 2nd and 3rd degree connections STEP 2: Send Simple Connection Requests Keep it basic: "Hi [Name], I'm currently at [Your Company]. I see you worked there as well. I love connecting with former [Company] alums and would love to connect with you here on LinkedIn." That's it. No sales pitch. No job ask. Just genuine connection. STEP 3: Scale Your Outreach Minimum: 30 connection requests per week Maximum: 100 per week (LinkedIn's limit) Most people send 3 requests and wonder why networking "doesn't work." STEP 4: Warm Up the Relationship Once they accept, engage with their content. Comment thoughtfully. Share insights. Build genuine rapport before ever mentioning career goals. While I was at Google, I referred nine people into the company. Several of those started as complete strangers who reached out through shared connections or alumni networks. They built real relationships first, added value to my network, and earned my advocacy. The result? They got interviews at one of the most competitive companies in tech. Stop treating LinkedIn like a job board. Start treating it like relationship-building infrastructure. Final tips: 1. Alumni connections have higher response rates than cold outreach 2. Shared experiences create instant credibility 3. People want to help - but only after they know and trust you If this helped you rethink your networking strategy, please repost ♻️ to help other ambitious professionals level up their approach.

Reminder: tap into your alumni networks as part of your #jobsearch or #careerdevelopment strategy! This week I had great intro networking calls with fellow alumni from William & Mary and Columbia Business School. While we met through other channels, having attended the same school established trust and gave us something to talk about right off the bat to break the ice. I sometimes hear from clients who are hesitant to reach out to alumni from schools they attended - but these networks are a fantastic, and often untapped, way to find folks who are more inclined to be helpful and to respond to your outreach because of your shared affiliation. Wondering how to find #alumni to connect with? Here are a few ideas: 1. LinkedIn's alumni tool makes it super easy to find and filter alum who live in your city, work in organizations you're interested in, etc. This is one of the most valuable and underutilized features of LinkedIn, so definitely spend some time with this great tool if you're not familiar with it! 2. Most universities put on regular #networking events for alumni, both virtually and now in-person again. Take advantage of these - you never know who you'll meet! 3. Search your school's alumni directory for folks who have opted in to talk about their careers or serve as mentors. 4. Join LinkedIn or other social media groups of alumni from your school(s). 5. Remember that "alumni" can be from any group you've been a part of, not just schools. Brainstorm other groups or organizations (including past employers) you're affiliated with for more outreach ideas. How else have you connected with your #alumni networks, and how have they been helpful to you?