How to Reach Out to Alumni on LinkedIn (and Actually Get a Response)

Looking to expand your network? Your alumni community is one of the most powerful career resources you already have—but most people never tap into it. Whether you’re a student, a fresh graduate, or a working professional, learning how to reach out to alumni on LinkedIn can lead to new job opportunities, mentorships, and long-term professional relationships.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to search for alumni on LinkedIn, how to connect with them the right way, and how to build relationships that go beyond a simple message request.

How to Find Alumni on LinkedIn

The first step in reaching out to alumni on LinkedIn is to find the right people. Luckily, LinkedIn offers multiple tools to help you search effectively.

Search Alumni Using LinkedIn Alumni Tool

This is the easiest and most effective way to find alumni on LinkedIn:

• Go to your university’s official LinkedIn page.
  
• Click the “Alumni” tab. This opens a dashboard with filters by location, employer, field of study, graduation year, and more.
  
• Use the filters to narrow your search to alumni who work at companies or in industries you’re interested in.
  

This tool is especially useful for how to find alumni in LinkedIn if you’re not sure where to start.

Search in Alumni Groups

Use the LinkedIn search bar to find alumni groups affiliated with your institution. Type in your school’s name followed by “alumni” and filter by Groups.

• Join the most active groups.
  
• Browse the member list.
  
• Participate in discussions to build visibility before sending a connection request.
  

This is perfect for networking with alumni on LinkedIn in a more community-driven way.

Find Alumni Using Sales Navigator

If you’re doing serious outreach or hiring, consider using LinkedIn Sales Navigator.

• Use advanced filters to search by school, company, job title, and keywords.
  
• You can also save leads and get alerts when alumni change roles.
  

This tool is powerful for recruiters or those who want to reach out to alumni on LinkedIn with precision.

How to Connect with Alumni on LinkedIn

Once you’ve identified the right alumni, the next step is building that initial connection. Here’s how to connect with alumni on LinkedIn the right way:

Know Who to Connect With

Don’t connect randomly. Focus on:

• Alumni in your field of interest
  
• Those working at your target companies
  
• Individuals with shared academic programs or clubs
  
• Recent grads who may be more responsive
  

Craft a Personalized Connection Request

Avoid the default LinkedIn request. Personalize it:

Example:

“Hi Lisa! I noticed we both went to Brown University and you’re working in digital marketing. I’m a recent grad exploring the field and would love to connect!”

This shows that you did your homework and respect their time.

Highlight Shared Experiences

Mention something specific like:

• “I was part of the university debate team as well.”
  
• “I noticed we both graduated in 2022.”
  

Shared identity builds instant trust.

Keep the First Message Short and Clear

Don’t write your whole story in one go. Keep it short:

“Hi Alex! I’m a fellow NYU alum exploring opportunities in fintech. Would love to learn more about your role at Stripe!”

Follow Up (But Don’t Spam)

If someone doesn’t respond, wait 7–10 days before sending a polite follow-up.

“Hi again! Just wanted to follow up in case you missed my earlier message. I’d still love to connect and hear about your journey!”

How to Reach Out to Alumni on LinkedIn and Build an Effective Relationship

Once your connection request is accepted, the real work begins. Here’s how to message alumni on LinkedIn without sounding transactional.

Send a Thank-You Message

Start simple.

“Thanks for connecting! I’ve always admired people from [University] who’ve made it in product design—excited to be connected.”

Ask for Insights, Not Favors

Instead of asking for a job, ask for advice or perspective:

“Would you be open to a short 15-minute chat next week? I’d love to hear about your experience transitioning from business school to the startup world.”

This makes it feel like a conversation, not a pitch.

Engage with Their Content

• Like their posts
  
• Leave meaningful comments
  
• Share their articles with your own take
  

This is a subtle yet powerful way to stay on their radar.

Offer Value in Return

Yes, even as a student or junior professional, you can give back:

• Share articles they might find useful
  
• Offer to help with projects or feedback
  
• Connect them with someone from your own network
  

Build the Relationship Long-Term

Keep the relationship warm by checking in:

• “Saw your post on speaking at SXSW—congrats!”
  
• “Just wanted to thank you again for your advice last month. I recently landed a role in marketing!”
  

This turns a simple DM into a lasting connection.

Is There a Better Way to Network with Your Alumni?

While LinkedIn is an excellent starting point, it has limitations:

• You can’t always verify who’s truly an alum.
  
• Group engagement is low.
  
• Messages often get lost or ignored.
  
• No built-in tools for mentoring, events, or donations.
  

That’s where dedicated alumni platforms come in.

Platforms like Gradnet, Almabase, or Graduway offer far more robust tools than LinkedIn alone. They allow you to:

✅ Access a verified alumni directory
✅ Join university-hosted alumni events
✅ Browse job boards exclusive to alumni
✅ Get matched with mentors in your field
✅ Contribute to alumni fundraising efforts
✅ Vote and participate in alumni council decisions
✅ Control your privacy and visibility

If you’re serious about alumni networking and community building, these platforms offer a better long-term solution than just trying to connect with alumni on LinkedIn alone.

Ask your university or alumni office if they use a dedicated platform. If not, advocate for one!

Final Thoughts

Your alumni network is one of the most powerful tools you have for career growth—and LinkedIn is the perfect place to start.

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Whether you’re looking for mentorship, jobs, or just genuine community—your alumni are out there, waiting to connect.

Start today. One thoughtful message could change everything