Asking for referrals through alumni
dumb question, but is it okay to ask random alumni on linkedin that I dont know, for referrals? Is it unprofessional? since i dont know them and yet im pretty much asking for a job. new grad swe TC: ๐ฅ yoe: <1
One chaotic neutral aligned way to farm referrals from strangers is to attend career fairs meant for more experienced developers, and chat up your fellow job seekers during the down time. Many of them are already employed somewhere or another, and if they're already actively trying to get out of their current job than they're unlikely to give a shit about their company's general quality of incoming hires. This generally works better if you target large, "non-tech" companies (since most of them give referral bonuses if you do get lucky and land the job, and it's easier for your new friend to refer you to a distant department so they don't risk their own reputation). Hell, I might be able to refer you to Wayfair if you send a DM :)
Personally I ignore unsolicited random referrals from alumni. I know nothing about them, but they want something from me. But I do answer questions and give advice. Cold referrals normally donโt work. Thatโs why you need to build up a professional network. Attend job fairs and tech previews and open houses. Build real connections.
These response rate is pretty low, but you never know. :)
Just do it โ