Networking: is it impolite to directly ask about job openings in the 1st mail / message?

Question

I am currently applying to consulting firms and have been networking with alumni of my school (Currently in the firm). The networking process has not been “effective” so far, as I have been spending a lot of time to try to schedule a networking call, just to try to find out whether there's job openings in different offices.

Would like to seek your opinion on whether it's appropriate to directly ask an alumnus (via cold mail / linkedin message) on job openings and the recruitment situation in their office?

I am not thinking of directly asking for referral. Instead, the objective is to find out which offices are hiring in an effective manner. I've noticed that many firms do not advertise positions publicly, and would depend on referrals and head hunters instead.

Thanks for any tips!

Answer 1

Hi there,

Q: It's appropriate to directly ask an alumnus (via cold mail / linkedin message) on job openings and the recruitment situation in their office?

I would rather try to schedule a call, you should be able to get more information in that way. Even if you find out they don’t have openings, you could leverage the connection in the future for a referral.

You can find some tips for networking below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

▶ The Exact Steps to Get a Referral

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 2

Asking alumni about job openings and the recruitment situation in their office is a common and acceptable practice during the job search process. Alumni are often willing to help fellow graduates and share information about job opportunities within their organization. However, it's essential to approach the networking process in a thoughtful and respectful manner to increase the likelihood of a positive response.

Here are some tips on how to ask alumni about job openings and recruitment:

1. Personalize your message: When reaching out to alumni, personalize your message and mention your shared background, such as the same alma mater or common experiences. This can create a sense of connection and increase the likelihood of a response.

2. Be specific and concise: Clearly state your purpose for reaching out in a brief and concise manner. Avoid long messages or asking for too much information at once. Instead, focus on your specific question about job openings or the hiring situation.

3. Express gratitude: Show appreciation for their time and willingness to help. Thank them for any assistance they provide, even if it's just information about job openings.

4. Avoid being too direct: While it's okay to ask about job openings, avoid being overly direct or pushy. Instead of asking directly if there are job openings, you can inquire about the recruitment process or express your interest in potential opportunities.

5. Show genuine interest: Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company and your willingness to learn more about their organization. This can make alumni more willing to share information and insights.

6. Offer to help: Networking is a two-way street. Offer your assistance if they need help with anything related to your area of expertise or industry. Building a mutually beneficial relationship can lead to a more positive networking experience.

7. Be patient and follow up: Understand that people are busy, and it may take time for them to respond. Be patient and follow up politely if you don't hear back after a reasonable amount of time.

Remember that networking is about building relationships, not just asking for favors. Approach alumni with genuine interest, and the networking process is more likely to be fruitful. Even if they don't have specific job openings at the moment, building a rapport with alumni can be valuable for future opportunities or referrals. Good luck with your networking efforts!

Answer 3

Hello,

I would probably recommend reaching out to HR or attending firm events/info sessions to ask about job openings. However, I don't think there's any harm in asking an alumnus like you suggest either.

Answer 4

Hi there,

I personally would not. It's jumping straight into demands.

Rather, you want to cleanly and concisely make a connection and draw them in, so to speak (give them a reason to want to speak with you).

During the call you can ask.

Here are some more tips: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-get-a-consulting-internship-tips-and-tricks

Answer 5

Hi!

Alumni won't have any idea about the recruitment status in their office.

Why would they? :) They left the firm.

They probably still have friends in the firm and have a general sense of what's going on, but the best thing is to go directly to the source.

Ask the recruiters.

Do networking calls with current employees at a similar level of seniority as the one that you're targeting and ask them directly.

Here's how to conduct these calls effectively:

Free Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals

Best,
Cristian