One 15-minute virtual coffee with a university alumnus led directly to a job interview

What I did:n

• Found a university alumnus on LinkedIn who worked at a company I was targeting
• Sent a message asking one specific question about their experience of the application process
• They replied within two days and suggested a call

nnWhat happened:n

• 15-minute call — I prepared three specific questions, listened carefully, did not ask for a job
• Two months later they mentioned my name to a recruiter who was hiring
• I was invited to interview without applying through the public application

nnOne message. One genuine conversation. One referral.nnUKBuddy Alumni Networking Guide