So Call Me Maybe? Strategies for Connecting to Hoya Alumni. Date: October 2, 2012 Presenter: Jason Levin, MBA 06

Transcription

1 So Call Me Maybe? Strategies for Connecting to Hoya Alumni Date: October 2, 2012 Presenter: Jason Levin, MBA 06

2 To all on this webinar Thank you and Hoya Saxa!

3 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

4 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

5 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

6 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.

7 How to reach out to Hoya alums You are looking to connect with Hoyas in specific Roles Industries Employers

8 Hoya Linkedin Groups

9 Portfolio Communication to Hoya alums

10 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/inperson meeting? I promise to be respectful of your time and would truly value your insights and advice. Thank you in advance, Regards, Fellow Hoya

11 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 Don t wing it! Prepare some questions in advance

12 You are in the driver s seat so drive! Individual Team Division Employer Industry What did you study at Georgetown? How did you get into your field? What do you like about what you do? 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 to stay current? Are you a member of any trade associations? What advice can you offer me on my search?

13 What can you expect from an informational? Individual Team Division Employer Industry Key Learnings 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 search

14 Send 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?

15 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

16 Track everything and follow-up My Central File : Project Opportunity Priorities Name, , Phone, Address Notes Kawl Mei - Communications Mgr 5/1 - found her on linkedin (same undergrad) and sent intro 5/10 - left vm 5/15 - sent letter - call on 5/19 Booz Allen Hamilton Grate Mtg - Principal Friendly Neighbor 5/2 - met at conference on consulting in reston. Spoke about aerospace sector. Has two kids 6 & 8. needed to leave as one was under the weather. Sent 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 friend at BAH. Followed up via and waiting for

17 Keep 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.

18 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!

19 Keep in touch! Sign up for my blog, readysetlaunch.net Follow me on Reach out to me with your career challenges, 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!

20 Questions