Connect With Alumni at Your Target Companies
Alumni connections are warmer than cold outreach. People who went to the same school as you have an automatic reason to respond. Getting an informational conversation or a referral from an alumnus at your target company can put you ahead of dozens of other applicants instantly.
Alumni connections are warmer than cold outreach. People who went to the same school as you have an automatic reason to respond. Getting an informational conversation or a referral from an alumnus at your target company can put you ahead of dozens of other applicants instantly.
Step by Step
Use LinkedIn's alumni search tool Go to your university's LinkedIn page and click the Alumni tab. You can filter by where they work, what they do, where they live, and what they studied. Search for alumni who work at your target companies in roles related to yours.
Make a list of 10 alumni worth reaching out to Focus on people who graduated within the last 5 to 10 years. They are close enough to remember what it was like to be in your position and are more likely to make time for you.
Send personalized connection requests to each one Do not use the default LinkedIn message. Reference your shared school.
Template: "Hi [Name], I came across your profile while exploring [Company] on LinkedIn. I am a recent [University] grad with a background in [your field] and am really interested in [Company]'s work in [area]. I would love to connect and, if you have a few minutes, hear about your experience there. Fellow [University] alumni always feel approachable!"
Log each connection request in your tracker
Tips for success
People who graduated 2 to 5 years before you are often the most helpful. They are established enough to have useful insight and recent enough to remember the early career struggle.
If your university has a formal alumni mentoring program sign up for it immediately. It is designed exactly for this.