What are the most effective strategies for using your alumni network to find new career opportunities?

Developing a concise and curated message for each Alumni network member targeted for outreach will increase your likelihood of a response. According to Greg Lewis, Sr. Content Marketing Manager @LinkedIn “Personalized InMails perform about 15% better than ones written or sent en masse”. Furthermore, messages 400 characters or less receive above average response rates. Find something you have in common to spark the conversation and remember to keep it concise.

When outreaching to alumni and other people in your network, I emphasize two tips: First: Be concise and have a polished “elevator pitch” clearly explaining your high-level story, why you are reaching out, and what you hope to learn or gain. For example: “Hi Jess, I’m an MIT alum and leadership consultant interested in publishing my first book. I saw you are also a recently published author. Would you be open to a 20-minute call where I can ask a few specific questions about your publishing journey?” Second: Make your ask simple and reasonable! Especially for more senior leaders. For example, it is often too big of a commitment to ask for an in person meeting, resume review, etc. Keep it SIMPLE: a request for 20 minute phone call.

It's all about give and take. If you focus only on receiving referrals and information from them, it will put them off. Rather focus on adding value and helping them in any way you can. It could be by sharing industry news, job opportunities or introducing them to recruiters/ hiring managers from their domain. This will be mutually beneficial for both parties and will help to strengthen your rapport with them.

Don’t be afraid to humbly ask if there is a way for you to add value to them too! Even if they have more experience than you, perhaps there are other ways that you can create a mutually beneficial relationship. For example, if they are establishing their thought leadership on LinkedIn through more posts, they may appreciate you liking and engaging with their content in order to get more reach. Here’s a script to consider: “Hey, I know I am the one asking to learn from you! I am really grateful for your time. Is there any way that I could add value to you and your work?”

To me this is the most important one! Be active amongst your friends and network, go to networking events, be active on linkedin and check your network. All this input from the outside helps you to understand in the first place what opportunities are out there. Then, use your network to get an easier entry into the application process!

If you have an alumni network, don't waste this card when looking for a job. 1) Go to the LinkedIn alumni network page of your university/college. 2) Click on the 500+ connections > click on all filters > current company (select the ones you like) > scroll down to keywords and in title change for the job title that you would like OR add Senior or director in front to speak with the potential hiring manager (for example: if you want Project Manager role, type Senior Project Manager in the title section). 3) Get in touch (Click on more, connect, add a note) and introduce yourself as a fellow alumni! It's a powerful advantage that you have there, don't waste it.