This blog post was provided by John Muscarello, who started Start Networking Today. John is an expert networker and career development expert who remembers how frustrating job searching was when he was looking for his first job. It wasn’t until John started networking that he started to see success in his job search. After he found a job using networking as his main approach he continued to network and made lot of connections that helped him advance his career.
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If you are frustrated searching job boards, sending resumes into black holes, and not getting responses from prospective employees, what I call “The Alumni Networking Solution” is for you.
New research from Jobvite found that “Employees hired through referral are hired 55% faster than those who come from a career site.”
I have personally used The Alumni Networking Solution to find job leads, interviews, and most importantly job offers. The 5 simple steps below are effective in tapping into alumni networks to find a job in the worst job market in history.
The Alumni Networking Solution: 5 Simple Steps
Alumni Networking Solution Step 1:
Make sure you have your resume and LinkedIn profile updated.
Alumni Networking Solution Step 2:
Join your college alumni group on LinkedIn.
• Change the search setting to groups instead of people.
• Type in the name of the college you attended and your alumni group should show up in the search results. Click on the group.
• Then hit join group.
• An email confirmation will be sent to you confirming your membership to the group.
Alumni Networking Solution Step 3:
Create a simple customized introduction letter like the example below to get started.
Subject Line: Quick Question
Dear (Name),
I graduated from ABC College with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing. I see that you work in public relations and was wondering if you would be willing chat on the phone.
I am seeking an entry level opportunity at a dynamic organization where I can grow. I would love to hear more about what you do and any insights or advice you might have on breaking into the industry.
Your help would be extremely appreciated!
Thank you for your time.
John Smith
Email
Cell Number
Alumni Networking Solution Step 4:
Send you pitch letter to members in your alumni group.
• Click the members tab in the LinkedIn group to see who is in the group.
• You want to reach out to Alumni who work in the industry in which you want to get a job and Alumni who work in the location where you would like to work.
• As soon as you find a fit, send the alumni member your customized introduction letter.
Alumni Networking Solution Step 5:
Start setting up informational interviews, coffee dates, and responding to the messages alumni send you!
I want you to do one simple thing.
Use the LinkedIn Alumni Solution. Send 5-10 customized LinkedIn message to your alumni. I guarantee you at least 2-3 people will respond willing to help you with your job search.
When was the last time you asked your alumni network for help with your job search?