Using LinkedIn
Does anyone have any tips for contacting alumni via linkedin? I just feel it seems so awkward, I wouldn't even know what to say. Does anyone have any advice?
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I also have a question regarding LinkedIn: I go to a non-target, with very little relevant alumni contacts. Can I use LinkedIn to try and get some contacts on the street, or will a LinkedIn PM just come off as really tool-ish?
To OP: are you contacting them first via email? I would take that route in order to lead to a phone call/informational interview. After that, assuming the call goes well, you can then add them via LinkedIn. If someone attempted to add me on LinkedIn without ever talking to me before I would think it was a bit weird.
To zyphNOR: it's not ideal of course, but what's the worst that could happen? They don't accept your invite? Who cares. Give it a shot and if it works then good for you.
One time I used LinkedIn to find someone that worked at a buy-side shop I was interested in. I found his name and then sent an email to him after figuring out the firm sets up their email addresses. I simply explained that I found his name on LinkedIn and was hoping he could take 10 minutes out of his day to chat with me because I was very interested in his firm and didn't have any personal contacts of my own there. To my surprise, he agreed to speak with me. The same could happen to you.
No not via email, I don't know their email addresses so wouldn't be able to. I was going to just send them a linkedin mail just saying hi and asking for some advice. I assume it would be more beneficial to do this around the end of summer right before recruiting starts?
...you can't be afraid to network. just be polite, respectful of their time and not too pushy and you should be able to get some phonecalls / lunches set up in no time.
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You don't want to "use" them. Isn't the point of this to build contacts at the same time... in which case the earlier, the better...
The goal should be to get to know them and allow them to get to know you. If they think you're a good guy, they'll help you navigate the recruiting process whether you initially contact them today or six months from now.
OK Great, I've found the email of a senior recruiter at Citigroup who I am thinking about contacting, would it be better to contact her or an Associate? I know if I contact her it will literally be advise on applying to citigroup, is this a good idea or should I go down the traditional analyst/associate route and ask about their job?
Also, would any of you mind allowing me to PM the email I was going to send just to take a look and make sure I'm not setting my self up to look a cock.
If they're on linkedin, they know they're free game for networking/cold-calling.
I think being as direct as possible is key - phone should be the first pathway. And don't beat around the bush - introduce yourself, layout your connection, and ask for help getting an interview.
You don't believe directly asking for help getting an interview is too direct? I don't think the usual things you do (ask questions about them, their opinions on the industry, etc.) is 'beating around the bush' because it all builds up to you eventually asking help to get an interview -- and they know that. They know what you want, but you gotta play the game.
I have found that emailing alums and making it sound like all you want from their time is a referral to get an interview has a very low success rate...but that's just from my experience. What have other people seen?
I agree with yesman. My introductions to random people in the same groups as me generally start with "I am currently a junior at xyz majoring in finance. I found your name in xyz group. I have recently become interested in xyz industry and was wondering if you had a few moments to speak with me about your experiences?" I have found a very high success rate, and not just with fellow alums.
If you can get over your preconceptions that it's awkward, Linkedin is a good way to get the ball rolling.
Some thoughts:
Keep your linkedin mail short (1 paragraph or less). Who you are, that you're a student at their alma mater, what you want to do, why you're contacting them, and whether they'd be willing to set up a phone call to talk. You appreciate the help, etc.
The e-mail should be about asking for advice. The phone call should be about listening and then asking more about their respective firm. Ideally, a meeting in person is the next logical step (coffee, lunch, etc.) and there you can ask about the best way to break into their firm. Otherwise, you need to eventually ask something to that effect.
As others mentioned, they know what you want, but you need to build rapport and show them you're worth helping out. Hope this helps a bit.
Hi,
I've been doing a lot of LinkedIn networking - generally consisting of cold messaging, then phone calls. However, I've always wondered - are you eventually supposed to outright ask for help getting an interview? I was under the impression that you weren't supposed to, and that you were just supposed to hope that if you build enouhg of a relationship the contact will offer to help you without being asked. Do you really at some point say "Could you please try to get me an interview?"?
Thanks
It should be implied, but most of my networking contacts have told me within the first hour of meeting or first few emails exactly what they could do for me (ie, submit my resume with their recommendation, get me an interview, give me an offer), without my asking
Thanks
Once you’ve identified people (either through people you know or search) on LinkedIn that can be helpful, it’s important that you make the right ask. In most cases, asking for a job or an interview is NOT the right ask. However you may get someone's attention more effectively by presenting yourself in the best way possible and more importantly, making a reasonable request. Most people can’t help you with what may be your primary goal, but they can still help with information, feedback, introductions and more. Here are some more helpful tips to using LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/vz1Mm
I have found a bunch of alumni through linkedin that I want to contact. Is it okay if I send them an email from my email account that indicates that I found their name through linkedin? I feel like this would be more likely to get their attention than sending a message directly through linkedin. However, I'm worried that they may find it creepy that I went through the trouble of finding out their email address through looking up their name and then combining it with their company's email convention. So what is the best way to do it? Send a regular email or send a message through linkedin?
Yes, that's fine, I do it occasionally and no one has found it weird.
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