How to Find Alumni on Linkedin and Easily Contact Them

Finding common ground with leads or colleagues can make all the difference in building a strong, trusting connection. 

With LinkedIn’s alumni Tool, you can quickly find alumni on LinkedIn who attended your high school or university. 

This shared educational background makes networking more comfortable, whether you’re reaching out for business, job opportunities, or even hiring top talent.

LinkedIn’s Alumni Tool is a game-changer for hiring managers looking to connect with candidates from specific universities. It also helps job seekers tap into a network of people with similar educational experiences, making it easier to find mentors or career leads.

In this article, you’ll discover step-by-step how to use the LinkedIn Alumni Tool to find alumni, grow your network, and make impactful connections. 

Read on to unlock these powerful strategies and elevate your LinkedIn game!

What is the LinkedIn Alumni Tool?

The LinkedIn Alumni Tool is a free, inbuilt feature designed to help you connect with former classmates from your college or university. 

As one of the most direct and effective ways to find alumni on LinkedIn, it allows users to search through a comprehensive database of alumni profiles, giving you access to people who share your educational background.

How to access the LinkedIn Alumni Tool:

1) Search for your college or university name using LinkedIn’s search bar, then click the school’s page.

Example: I searched for the ‘’cornell university’’

2) Alternatively, navigate to your own profile, click on your school’s logo, and select “See Alumni” on the school page. 

This option works for any institution, whether you attended it or not!

Once you’re on the Alumni page, you’ll see filtering options that can help you locate specific types of alumni. 

These filters include:

• Where they work: Discover where alumni are based, from local cities to international locations.
• Where they live: Check where the Alumni is currently located.
• What they do: Find out what types of roles alumni hold, such as marketing, engineering, or sales.
• What they studied: Identify alumni who studied the same major or discipline.
• What they are skilled at: Check out common skills and qualifications that alumni list on their profiles.
• How you are connected: See how you’re connected, whether it’s through mutual contacts or shared groups.

By clicking on these filters, you can quickly narrow your search. 

For example, you might use the “Where they work” filter to find alumni employed at your dream company or the “Where they live” filter to find alumni based in a specific city where you’d like to expand your network. 

Each filter helps you create a customised list of potential connections.

Advanced Filtering and Search Options

For even more precise results, you can:

• Search by Graduation Years: This allows you to connect with classmates or alumni from a particular graduating class. Enter a start and end year to find people from your desired timeframe.

• Keyword Search: Using the search bar on the Alumni page, you can type in specific terms, such as job titles, company names, or skill keywords, to further refine the list.

Connecting with Alumni Thoughtfully

Building connections with alumni is often more successful when done with intention. 

Here are a few tips for reaching out:

1) Personalise Your Connection Requests: Avoid the default connection request. Instead, visit the person’s profile, click “Connect,” and add a custom message. 

Briefly introduce yourself, mention your shared school background, and state your reason for connecting.

2) Search for Skills and Expertise: Pay attention to the top skills listed by alumni in roles you aspire to. This can guide you in updating your own profile or developing skills that are highly valued in your industry.

The LinkedIn Alumni Tool makes it easy to connect with those who have shared experiences and similar academic journeys. 

Whether you’re looking to build connections in a specific city, tap into the network of a particular company, or simply find others who studied your field, this tool can help you build a valuable and targeted network that supports your career aspirations.

What are some additional ways to find LinkedIn alumni?

The LinkedIn Alumni Tool is an excellent starting point for finding fellow graduates, but it’s not the only method out there. 

If you’re looking for even more targeted connections, LinkedIn offers other ways to locate alumni who share your background or professional interests. 

Let’s explore a couple of alternative approaches to broaden your alumni network and make meaningful connections.

Finding LinkedIn Alumni using LinkedIn Groups

Step 1: In the LinkedIn search bar, type: “University Name AND Alumni”

Using the Boolean operator “AND” ensures that LinkedIn combines both the university name and the keyword "alumni" in your search. 

This way, you’ll find results specifically related to alumni from your chosen university.

Example: Cornell University AND Alumni

Step 2: Select the Groups tab to filter your search results and view only LinkedIn groups.

Step 3: From the list, join any relevant alumni groups, then start connecting with individuals who share your academic background.

Finding LinkedIn Alumni using LinkedIn Sales Navigator

Visit LinkedIn Sales Navigator and navigate to the Leads filter.

There are several effective tactics you can use on LinkedIn Sales Navigator to find alumni.

First Method: Let’s say you’re looking for a CEO based in New York City, working in the Financial Services industry, and who graduated from Cornell University.

To locate this specific group, you would apply the following filters in Sales Navigator:

• School: Cornell University
• Industry: Financial Services
• Geography: New York City
• Current Job Title: CEO

By applying these filters, you’ll get a targeted list of results. For example, this specific search returned 157 highly relevant LinkedIn alumni who meet all the criteria.

Second Method: If you’re interested in finding alumni based on their past companies, LinkedIn Sales Navigator makes this easy as well.

For example, let’s say you want to locate alumni who previously worked at Microsoft, are currently based in New York, and attended Cornell University. Here’s how you’d set up your filters:

• School: Cornell University
• Geography: New York, United States
• Past Company: Microsoft

Applying these filters will yield a highly targeted list of profiles. For instance, this search returned 449 LinkedIn alumni who match all the specified criteria.

How to Reach Out to LinkedIn Alumni

Connecting with LinkedIn alumni can be done through several effective methods, such as email, LinkedIn Sales Navigator InMail, attending alumni events, and more. Below, we’ll explore each approach in detail.

Method 1: Reaching Out to LinkedIn Alumni via Email

To connect with LinkedIn alumni via email, follow these steps to obtain verified email addresses and craft an effective outreach strategy.

Step 1: Create an account on Scrupp.com and install the Chrome extension.

Scrupp Chrome Extension: Link

Step 2: Open LinkedIn Sales Navigator and apply the advanced filters.

Step 3: Click the "Scrupp Export" option available on the top right corner. 

Step 4: Connect your LinkedIn account to Scrupp if you haven't already and click on the next steps

Step 5: Select the number of profiles to scrape, set the starting page, and ensure to check "Only verified emails."

Step 6: Your list is ready to download in an excel or CSV format. 

Check the sample sheet that we scraped here

With our list of verified emails ready, we can now start the outreach campaign targeting LinkedIn alumni. 

When sending emails, it's crucial to personalise each message for a stronger connection. 

Below are a few email templates you can use to get started.

A) Job Seeker Networking Email

Subject: Reaching Out as a Fellow [School/University] Alumni

Hi [Recipient's First Name],

I hope you're doing well! My name is [Your Name], and I'm a recent graduate from [Your School/University]. I came across your profile on LinkedIn and saw that you're also a fellow [School/University] alumni.

I'm currently exploring opportunities in [Your Field/Industry] and would love to learn more about your career journey. If you have a few minutes, I'd really appreciate the chance to connect and hear any advice or insights you may have for someone just starting out in the field.

Thank you for your time, and I hope we can connect!

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile Link]
[Your Contact Information]

B) Recruiter Networking Email

Subject: Connecting with a Fellow [School/University] Alumni

Hi [Recipient's First Name],

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I’m a recruiter at [Your Company]. I noticed that we share an alumni connection through [School/University], and I wanted to reach out to see if you might be open to discussing potential opportunities in [Industry/Field].

At [Your Company], we are currently looking for talented professionals like yourself, and I believe your experience could be a great fit. If you're open to learning more, I'd love to schedule a quick call to explore potential next steps.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile Link]
[Your Contact Information]

C) Business Partnership Networking Email

Subject: Exploring Business Opportunities with a Fellow [School/University] Alumni

Hi [Recipient's First Name],

I hope you're doing well! My name is [Your Name], and I’m the [Your Title] at [Your Company]. I noticed that we’re both alumni of [School/University], and I wanted to reach out to explore potential collaboration opportunities.

At [Your Company], we specialise in [Your Service/Product], and I believe there could be a mutual benefit in discussing how we might work together. I’d love to set up a time to chat and see if we can align our goals.

Please let me know if you’d be open to a conversation.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile Link]
[Your Contact Information]

D) Mentorship Request Email

Subject: Request for Career Advice from a Fellow [School/University] Alumni

Hi [Recipient's First Name],

I hope you’re having a great day. I’m [Your Name], and I’m a fellow graduate from [School/University]. I came across your LinkedIn profile and was really impressed with your career path in [Industry/Field].

I’m currently working in [Your Industry], and I’m seeking mentorship or advice to help me grow further in this space. I would love to ask a few questions or get your insights on how you’ve navigated your career.

If you have some time, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to connect and learn from your experiences.

Thank you for considering my request!

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile Link]
[Your Contact Information]

Method 2: Use LinkedIn Sales Navigator Inmail

If you have a LinkedIn Sales Navigator subscription, you can reach out directly to LinkedIn alumni without needing to connect with them first.

Just like the email templates we discussed earlier, you can craft a personalised message and send it as an InMail to make a stronger impression.

Method 3: Organising an Alumni Event

Organising an alumni event, whether physical or virtual, is a great way to strengthen your professional network and create valuable connections. 

LinkedIn makes it easy to set up and promote events, especially for alumni from your school or company. 

Here's a step-by-step guide:

a) Create a LinkedIn Event: On your LinkedIn profile, navigate to the "Events" section and create an event. You can choose between an in-person or virtual event, depending on your goal and audience.

b) Invite Alumni to Join: Once your event is created, you can share the event link directly with alumni on LinkedIn. You can send personalised invitations using LinkedIn messaging, Sales Navigator, or email campaigns.

c) Customise the Event Details: Make sure to provide clear details about the event, including the date, time, agenda, and any guest speakers or activities. Highlight what attendees can gain from participating, such as networking opportunities or learning experiences.

d) Engage Before the Event: Use LinkedIn posts and messages to engage alumni before the event, sparking interest and encouraging RSVPs. You can also create a discussion in the event feed to get people talking and sharing ideas ahead of time.

e) Follow Up After the Event: After the event, send a thank-you message and continue building the relationships you’ve established. This can turn a one-time event into long-term networking opportunities.

Template Message for LinkedIn Event Invitation

Subject: Join Us for the [School/Company] Alumni Event!

Hi [Recipient's First Name],

I hope you're doing well! As a fellow [School/Company] alumni, I’m excited to invite you to a special [in-person/virtual] alumni event we’re organizing.

Event Details:
Date: [Event Date]
Time: [Event Time]
Location: [Event Location or Virtual Link]

This event will be a great opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, share experiences, and expand our professional networks. We’ll also have [mention any special guest speakers or activities].

You can join the event by clicking on the link below and confirming your attendance:
[LinkedIn Event Link]

We hope to see you there! Please feel free to share this invitation with other alumni who might be interested.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile Link]
[Your Contact Information]

Benefits of Finding Alumni on LinkedIn

Finding alumni on LinkedIn offers several key benefits, no matter your professional goals. Whether you're a job seeker, recruiter, or business owner, alumni connections can be invaluable in building and expanding your network. 

Here's how:

1. For Job Seekers

• Easier Connections: Alumni are generally more willing to help others from the same institution. This makes it easier to ask for referrals, recommendations, or career insights.
• Access to Hidden Opportunities: Alumni can inform you about job openings that aren’t publicly advertised or give you an inside track on roles within their companies.
• Personalized Advice: Alumni who are already in your target field can offer specific advice, mentorship, and guidance, helping you make informed career decisions.

2. For Recruiters

• High-Quality Talent: Alumni networks offer access to candidates who share educational backgrounds, making it easier to find individuals who fit your company’s culture and requirements.
• Higher Engagement: Reaching out to potential hires through an alumni connection generally leads to better response rates and more fruitful conversations.

3. For Business Owners

• Business Collaborations: Alumni connections can help establish partnerships or collaborations. The shared educational experience fosters trust, making business discussions smoother.
• Market Expansion: Alumni can introduce you to new markets or industries, whether through client recommendations or potential business opportunities.

4. For Career Changers

• Support in Transition: Alumni who have made similar transitions can provide insights and resources, helping you navigate a career change successfully.
• Credibility Boost: Alumni connections can offer recommendations or introductions, which are invaluable when entering a new industry.

5. For Networking and Growth

• Trust-Based Relationships: Alumni networks create a strong foundation for building professional relationships based on trust and shared experiences.
• Ongoing Group Engagement: Participating in alumni groups and events on LinkedIn offers opportunities to network, stay informed about industry trends, and expand your professional circle.

Conclusion

LinkedIn offers multiple powerful tools to help you connect with alumni, whether you're using the Alumni Tool, joining alumni-specific groups, or leveraging Sales Navigator for targeted searches. 

Additionally, using tools like Scrupp for verified emails can enhance your outreach efforts. By combining these strategies, you can tap into a vast network of professionals who share your educational background, making it easier to find career opportunities, partnerships, and mentorship. 

Explore all these approaches to fully optimize your LinkedIn alumni connections.

FAQs

1) How can I use LinkedIn to connect with my university alumni?
Use the LinkedIn Alumni Tool by searching for your university’s LinkedIn page and clicking the “See Alumni” button. You can filter alumni by graduation year, location, industry, and job title to find relevant connections. Joining alumni groups or using LinkedIn Sales Navigator for advanced searches can also help you connect with fellow graduates.

2) Are there specific search filters to find high school alumni on LinkedIn?
Yes, you can search for your high school’s LinkedIn page and use the “See Alumni” feature. Filters such as location, current employer, and industry are available. Alternatively, you can search for high school alumni groups or use Sales Navigator for more targeted results.

3) What is the best way to reach out to alumni on LinkedIn for job opportunities?
When reaching out, always personalise your message. Mention your shared school background, and briefly explain your reason for connecting, such as seeking advice or career insights. Focus on building a relationship rather than directly asking for a job.

4) How do I find verified emails of alumni on LinkedIn?
You can use tools like Scrupp to find verified emails by scraping profiles on LinkedIn, particularly through Sales Navigator. This allows you to download contact information for personalised email outreach.

5) Can I connect with alumni outside my own graduating class?
Yes, the LinkedIn Alumni Tool lets you search alumni from all graduation years. Connecting with alumni from different classes can expand your network and provide valuable career insights or mentorship.

6) What are the benefits of joining alumni groups on LinkedIn?
Alumni groups provide a space for shared discussions, job postings, and networking. Joining these groups can help you connect with a broader alumni network, stay updated on industry trends, and find potential career opportunities.

7) How can I use LinkedIn Sales Navigator to find alumni?
Sales Navigator offers advanced filters to search alumni by school, industry, job title, location, and more. This is especially helpful for finding highly targeted alumni connections, such as those working in specific companies or roles.