Networking & LinkedIn

Be curious, reach out to alumni doing work that interests you, and ask them questions about their experience. Informational interviews can be a great way to get your foot in the door!

Jeremy Schifeling and Omar Garriott led education marketing at LinkedIn, so they saw first-hand how powerful a tool LinkedIn is for students and alumni going after the world's most competitive jobs. Now, they've compiled all the most effective techniques they learned inside LinkedIn to help you do the same in your own career. From understanding how recruiters use the platform to earning an edge in any hiring process, get a crash course in LinkedIn's essential techniques. October 2022 Hack the Hiring Process with LinkedIn - watch now!

To help you take a deeper dive, we've partnered with Jeremy and Omar to get you free access to their online masterclass (normally $99). Access it now!

First Things First. Create a Strong LinkedIn Profile.

Connect with Bucky Bronco and check out his profile for ideas.
Use our LinkedIn Job Search Checklist to create a complete profile.
Try these great profile tips from The Muse.

Who Should I Contact and How do I Find Them?

Start with who you already know…
Identify SCU Alumni and professionals in your field(s) of interest:
- Learn how to use the LinkedIn Alumni Tool with this quick video demo
- Join the Santa Clara University and Alumni Association (Official) LinkedIn group, which will give you access to contact thousands of members.
- Connect with people with similar interests by joining professional groups associated with your chosen industry and career. Get started by joining the SCU Career Center Jobs Network on LinkedIn.

What Should I Say When I Contact Them And What do I Ask When we Talk?

Sample Messages
Consider these sample questions:

About The Individual And His/Her Job

Please describe your career path into your current role?
Why did you choose this career? This position?
What does a typical day look like?
What do you like most/least about your job?
What type of advancement opportunities exist in your field?
How did you prepare for entry into this field?

About The Organization

What are the characteristics of successful people in your organization?
How are goals set and measured?
What changes do you see occurring in the industry in the next couple of years?
What other areas of the organization might I look into?

About Your Marketability

What might I do to better position myself for opportunities within your organization?
Would you mind reviewing my resume and offering any advice?

Next Steps

Can you suggest the names of two or three other people I might contact for more information?

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