New Jobs, Old-School Methods – Alumni associations can help your employment search

One of the most challenging aspects of finding a new job is just getting a foot in the door. Even if you have the perfect skill set and experience, the "numbers game" can make it difficult for one resume to stand out from the pack. That’s where social networking can help shift the odds in your favor, and one of the best ways to connect with people you don’t know is to leverage your university alumni association to help find fellow graduates who might be able to help you move your career forward.

While most alumni networking is done through "old boys" relationships, organizations run by colleges can provide a formal structure through which graduates can meet and build the connections they need. Even if you’ve been out of school for many years, alumni associations have a lot to offer throughout your working life. Mid-career professionals looking to change fields, rise through the ranks or find a new job can often find just the support system they’re looking for at their alumni association.

Taylor Lindstrom

Full Story: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2008/08/17/JOBSlindstrom.DTL

University of Montana Alumni Association: http://www.umontanaalumni.org/index.asp

Montana State University Alumni Association http://alumni.montana.edu/

College of Idaho Alumni Association: http://www.collegeofidaho.edu/alumni/default.asp?ID=offices