Improve networking with LinkedIn Alumni

Posted on Thursday September 15, 2016

How many times have you heard the saying "It's not about what you do but who you know"? -- probably too many to count. Regardless of whether that's your current business mantra, it's hard to ignore the advantages of tapping into your network. From landing jobs to furthering your career, the benefits of building relationships are undeniable. If you're thinking, "Well, that sounds easier said than done," you're right. But here's a tool that can lend you a helping hand: LinkedIn Alumni.

Get started

Access the Alumni tool by going to the homepage and hovering over "My Network." Then select "Find Alumni." From there, you are free to perform any search for individuals who have attended your school. You can apply one or more of the following filters:

• Where they live (geographic location)
• Where they work (company)
• What they do (job function)
• What they studied (major)
• What they're skilled at (LinkedIn skills)
• How you are connected (first- and second-degree connections, group members, etc.)

On top of that, you can also identify alumni by the year they attended school, or you can conduct a text search for specifics that don't fit in any of the listed filters.

The benefits of LinkedIn Alumni

Imagine that you're looking for work in a new city. Let's say you're looking for a marketing job in Texas. With the Alumni tool, select "Dallas/Fort Worth" area under "Where they live" and "Marketing" under "What they do." If you are interested in a specific area of marketing like social media, you can refine your search by selecting "Social Media Marketing" for the "What they're skilled at" filter. The more you target your search, the more relevant your results will be. From there, you can sift through profiles and send messages to those you want to have an actual conversation with. You can dip your toes into the water first by setting up an informational interview or exchanging questions via email.

If you're looking to change careers but don't know anyone in your new sector, all you need is filter for your alma mater. It shouldn't be hard to reach out to anyone who went to the same school as you, because going to that school is what you both share in common. If you want to know how others made the leap toward where you're headed, you can use the "What they studied" and "What they're skilled at" filters for further information. You might also be able to find an individual with a nontraditional background, but who's nonetheless working in the industry you want. This person may have insight into how to land the job without possessing the typical required experience.

Know how to contact the candidates

After narrowing down your search by utilizing the appropriate filters, you now have a list of individuals you wish to connect with. Technically, you're just about done with the "Alumni Tool" portion of the process, but you're not at the finish line just yet. All that's left is to reach out to the people in your list and make the most out of the search.

If you have a first-degree connection with certain people, message them by clicking on the envelope icon found below the job title. Without a first-degree connection, you'll see a silhouette and plus sign below the job title. From there, look to the bottom right of the profile photo; if there's a Venn diagram, hover over it to see the connections you share. If you have a good relationship with one of these mutual connections, you should consider reaching out to see whether he or she would be willing to make an introduction.

There are a few ways to connect even without mutual connections. One option is to leverage your school's alumni database to find contact information. Another is to send a personalized connection request. In the message, politely and briefly explain your reasons for wanting to connect. That should do it!

When used properly, networks truly are the keys to success. Like any other untapped resource, you must proceed with caution and know how to fully utilize it. If you have questions or concerns regarding LinkedIn's Alumni tool, don't hesitate to call in or send us an email. Let us be a part of the success that awaits you.