Networking strategy question?

Hello all,

I found a position I'd like to apply to online. I also found someone who works at the company who graduated from my school. I don't want to call/email them out of the blue asking them to send along my resume. If I were set up a call, what would be the best way to engage with them with the hopes at the end of the call I could ask them if they'd mind taking my resume (or ideally they'd offer) They are a relatively senior person, so I don't want to ask questions I'd ask an analyst like hours, day to day, etc.

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I would be somewhat direct, tell them you are applying for X position, did research and found an alumni connection and want to learn more about the firm, culture, the role, etc. In short, ask for what may be considered an "informational interview". If they are generally nice, they will probably agree to do doing a call. Once on the call, focus on person, the firm, and the open position (in that order!!). You don't need to ask to be referred, it's easily understood what your goal is. If they ask how they can help, you can then ask they can make an internal referral (but don't push for fish for it). If you get them liking you, they may offer to do it without you asking. That's the goal.

Question - What kind of role/what kind of firm? Reason I ask.... If the position involves sales or otherwise needs networking skills, that is generally a license to be more aggressive. As in your tenacity to get inside the firm will be more rewarded. If its like a general analyst position, being too eager may seem out of place.

 

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