Career and Professional Development

Example: You do an Advanced Search on LinkedIn and find a Kalamazoo College alumn(ae/us) who works or has worked for an industry/organization you are interested in. Now what do you do?

Depending on your level of connection to an individual, you might send her a message directly, ask to be introduced through a connection, or search her name on Google to see if you can find contact information. Guild members have the option to “Allow group members to contact me” in the “My Settings” tab of their view of the Guilds. If the person you wish to contact has checked that box, you do not have to be connected to them to send them a message through LinkedIn.

Remember, not everyone to whom you reach out will write back: don’t take this personally. Try and craft your message with a specific “ask”. After introducing yourself, instead of saying, “Do you have any advice for me?” which may overwhelm your potential contact, try something like this:

“I have recently applied to Pfizer’s posting on their website. Do you think it’s best if I follow up next week? Do you have any tips in getting through the first interview—should I be granted one?”

“I am fascinated by the work of the Peace Corps and have attended information sessions held by recruiters. When I noticed that you served in China, which is where I’m also interested in serving, I wanted to know more. Could we perhaps meet for coffee sometime this month? I’ll be in your area next weekend.”

“I’m hoping to work in Industry/Field after graduation, and I know that getting experience this next summer is key. I saw that you completed an internship with Company. Did you find this experience beneficial to your future employment with Current Company.

• 12 October 2011