One of the key tips for employment seekers is to network. One of the better networking places is through your college. Networking through your alumni organization or through people you know who went to the same school is increasingly important.
Your former classmates may or may not be familiar with your current jobs skills, but they are sure aware of your college degree, so education verification is not an issue. As for other background checks, your fellow alumnus would be among those to be most aware of any transgressions you made, any criminal records, etc. News in the network travels with lightning speed.
College counselors have been giving older graduates career guidance. They have been helping them dust off and polish their resumes. It’s good for the job applicant, but it is also good for the college or university. It instills in the graduate a renewed sense of loyalty. A grateful alumnus will be more engaging, and may well donate financial gifts to the school once he gets back on his feet., Those who were helped or who feel engaged, may serve on advisory panels to help others to adjust to the economic issues and redirect their careers. There is nothing more welcome than hearing success stories from people like yourself, people who confronted adversity and managed to turn it around.
Helping former students t gives the school some serious bragging rights. Demonstrating that a college still cares for the well being of its alumni long after graduation, serves as a good recruiting tool. Most people want that connection. In the case of older alumni, the school can address their personal concerns, which are far different than those of a current and much younger student. This effort helps the school staff expand and anticipate the issues and challenges it will be faced with in the coming years.
So if you are out of work, join your alumni. Do some networking and contact the college counselors. Maybe they can help you out. In any event, it can’t do you any harm.
