The Power of LinkedIn Stalking
Is there a company you really want to work for in the future? A great way to get your foot in the door is a pre-existing connection. A pre-existing connection is someone who can put in a good word, pass your résumé to HR or can keep you updated on new openings, can be invaluable when applying to popular companies. Let’s look at some easy techniques that will quickly build your network faster than you’d imagine.
GETTING STARTED
Here’s how you can check to see if any of your connections or alumni work for your dream employer.
Search for your dream employers LinkedIn page. A few lines below the company title it may say something like “100 people from your school work here.” Select this line and LinkedIn will provide you with a list of alumni who work for your dream employer. These individuals are perfect additions to your LinkedIn network, regardless of their role at the company. If they are in a different department from where you would like to be, reach out anyway and ask if they would be comfortable connecting you to someone in your chosen department. Many alumni are willing to help current students and are more than willing to connect with you and/or connect you with another person.
You can also sort current employees of this company into a variety of categories under the “people” tab. These categories include: where they live, where they studied, what they do, what they studied, what they are skilled at, and how you are connected. Alumni from your University are a built-in network just waiting to be accessed. With a little LinkedIn stalking you can make the best of this network in an efficient and well-informed manner.
Start on your university’s LinkedIn page. There is a specific category on the page titled “Alumni.” Once you’ve accessed this page, you can sort alumni using six categories:
1. Where they live
This can be helpful for finding alumni in your area or for finding alumni in an area you may want to relocate to.
2. Where they work
This is a great way to discover (or rediscover) companies you may want to work for in the future. Or find alumni who currently work for your dream employer!
3. What they do
Not set on any particular company or just looking to build your general network? You can connect with alumni based on their current career field. Connect with people who are working your dream role at a variety of companies to hear all about their experiences.
4. What they studied
This is great for building your general network. Reaching out to alumni who studied in the same program(s) as you will allow you a wider range of contacts in the field.
5. What they are skilled at
This one is more nebulous when it comes to direct networking as it can be hard to make connections through something as abstract as a skill versus something concrete like a program, location, etc. But this can be helpful if you’re looking to pivot into an area with more specialized skills.
6. How you are connected
This feature allows you to sort alumni by how you are connected to them. “1st” refers to people you have a direct connection with; “2nd” refers to someone who shares a mutual connection with you; “3rd+” refers to anyone three or more degrees of connection from you. You may be able to make an even stronger connection to an alumni if someone you are already connected with can recommend you, introduce you, or put in a good word on your behalf.
INCLUDE A NOTE
Your first step in trying to connect with anyone should include sending a note with your connection request. Most people are much more likely to accept a request from a stranger that comes with an explanation than one that lacks an explanation. It’s also basic networking etiquette —you wouldn’t shake hands without introducing yourself! A proper introduction should introduce you, explain how you’re connected, and why you want to connect with this individual. Although notes can only have 300 characters, try to include your email as well. In my experience, many professionals check their LinkedIn messages less frequently and having an email makes consistent communication easier. Here are some starter phrases and templates you can use to help you shake off the nerves of sending a “cold” email:
Connected Through University:
“Hello! My name is [insert name] and I am a (current student at/recent graduate of) [insert university.] I was wondering if you wouldn't mind connecting with me to chat about your experience [insert company, role, etc.]! If email is more convenient, you can reach me at [insert email], Thank you!
Individual Who Works for Your Dream Employer:
“Hello! My name is [insert name] and I am a (current student at/recent graduate of) [insert university.] Working for [insert company] is my dream job and I was wondering if you would be open to connecting to discuss your experience thus far with me. Thank you!”
Connected Through Organization:
“Hello! My name is insert name and I am a (current student at/recent graduate of) [insert university.] I am also a member of [insert organization], I was wondering if you would be willing to connect with me to discuss your experience (as a [insert position/with insert company]). If email is more convenient, you can reach me at [insert email], Thank you!”
These options are all notes that I have personally sent and received positive responses from in the past. Feel free to add more personality points or change up the wording to make the templates more specific to your situation!
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
Remember as you network virtually, that, in-person manners still apply! It’s important to be as polite as you would be when meeting someone face-to-face. This means using professional language, showing gratitude, and responding promptly. Maintaining positive professional relationships requires maintenance. No one wants to feel used, so make sure you keep in touch with your connections relatively frequently and remember to thank them for their time.
Pro-Tip: Make your LinkedIn searches private. LinkedIn allows members to see who has viewed their profile, to avoid potentially embarrassing situations you can make your searches private. Here’s how:
In the navigation bar select the “Me” drop down menu; under “Account” click on “Settings & Privacy.”
In the menu on the left-hand side select “Visibility.”
Click on the first option “Profile Viewing Options.”
Select the “Anonymous LinkedIn Member” option to be completely anonymous.
