"So Call Me Maybe? Strategies for Connecting to Hoya Alumni" - Date: October 2, 2012 Presenter: Jason Levin, MBA '06
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“So Call Me Maybe? Strategies for Connecting to Hoya Alumni” Date: October 2, 2012 Presenter: Jason Levin, MBA ‘06
To all on this webinar Thank you and Hoya Saxa!
I love careers and brands – here’s why Recession of 1990 changed everything Recruiting, evaluating, interviewing and hiring have always been my interests and passions Further refined through Unilever, Georgetown MBA Career Center and Vault.com Full time into career and outplacement coaching with Ready, Set, Launch, LLC
Today’s “So Call Me Maybe” agenda Why connect with Hoya alums Hoya alumni perspective How to reach out to Hoya alumni What you can expect from an informational interview How do you keep the conversation going
Why connect with Alumni?
• Alums share an experience with you, so
“the ask” is easier
• Alumni can give you a sense of their
career paths, what questions they
asked themselves and why they
made the decisions they made
• You can get some great nuggets
(information not found online) on:
• Industry/Employer/Profession Trends
• Opportunities you might not have
thought of
Hoya Alumni Perspectives • Hoyas want to help Hoyas – a sense of goodwill • A chance to talk about their campus experience and what they are doing now • “I am giving you time from my busy schedule.” Make sure you send a thank you in 24 hours. • “Please don’t ask me for a job. It’s like asking me to get married on a first date.”
How to reach out to Hoya alums You are looking to connect with Hoyas in specific Roles Industries Employers
Hoya Linkedin Groups
“Portfolio Communication” to Hoya alums
How to reach out to Hoya Alums Dear Hoya Alum, I noticed you on LinkedIn/Hoyas Online and that you are a fellow Hoya. Currently a student majoring in X at Y college graduating in ‘13/’14/’15, I am interested in pursuing a career in investment banking/consulting/marketing/non-profit. Given your background in this field, I would love to have an opportunity to learn more about your experiences. Would you have 20 minutes in the near future for a phone call/in- person meeting? I promise to be respectful of your time and would truly value your insights and advice. Thank you in advance, Regards, Fellow Hoya
How to reach out to Hoya Alums • Don’t expect a response immediately – It is your job to get the meeting • If there is a gatekeeper (e.g., admin, exec assistant) give them the same respect and professionalism as the alum • Follow-up is key – once every 7-10 business days • Once a time and date is set, reconfirm 24 hours in advance via email • Don’t wing it! Prepare some questions in advance
You are in the driver’s seat – so drive!
Individual
Team What did you study at Georgetown?
How did you get into your field?
What do you like about what you do?
Division What would you like to do next?
What are the types of people who
succeed in your organization/field?
What info sources are you using
Employer to stay current?
Are you a member of any trade
associations?
Industry What advice can you offer me on my
search?What can you expect from an informational?
Individual
Team
Division
Employer
Key Learnings
Industry
How your motivations match the
interests/motivations/passions of people
working in the field
How your skill set matches the needs of the
organization
How your personality matches the culture
of the organization
How success is defined by the organization
Essential news to help your searchSend a double thank you after your informational Within 24 hours of the conversation What did you learn? How is that going to evolve your search?
Sample thank you text after an informational Dear Hoya Alum, Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to speak with me about your career in xyz field/employer. You gave me some great insights into what it is like to work in banking/consulting/non-profit. My biggest learning was around xyz. I appreciate the introduction to Ms. Saxa, and I will keep you updated on my progress. Thank you, Fellow Hoya
Track everything and follow-up
My Central File : Project Opportunity
Priorities Name, Email, Phone, Address Notes
5/1 - found her on linkedin (same undergrad) and sent intro
Kawl Mei - Communications Mgr email 5/10 - left vm 5/15 - sent letter - call on 5/19
5/2 - met at conference on consulting in reston. Spoke about
Booz Allen Hamilton Grate Mtg - Principal aerospace sector. Has two kids 6 & 8. needed to leave as
one was under the weather. Sent email and follow up on 5/17
as he is going to be out of town
5/10 - met at the soup kitchen. He mentioned that she has a
Friendly Neighbor
friend at BAH. Followed up via email and waiting forKeep the conversation going Did the alum introduce to someone or give you something to act on? You should keep them in the loop on your progress. Based on the conversation, you can forward them interesting articles that are in their interest areas. As the months/years pass, reflect back on the people who helped you. Be sure to thank them periodically. Appreciation is currency.
Jason’s parting thoughts
The Hoya community is a great source of information in your
internship/job search. Treat them well.
It is up to you to create and maintain these relationships. Be
organized and put in the effort.
Enjoy the process. This will not be the last time you will be in
a job search. Have fun with it, as you will meet great people.
Never stop thanking others. It is good career behavior.
Above all, be yourself!Keep in touch! Sign up for my blog, readysetlaunch.net Follow me on twitter, @jasoncareers Reach out to me with your career challenges, jason@readysetlaunch.net Watch my webinars I’m Graduating! Now What?! Extreme Resume Makeover: Hoya Edition Interview Like a Talk Show Host – Land the Job Good luck and Hoya Saxa!
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