Face Forward: The Job Search Strategy Most Grads Are Missing

As an undergrad, it’s easy to get stuck in the endless cycle of sending out resumes, hoping that an online application will magically land you a job. And while applying online is still an essential step, it’s not always the most effective way to break into a company. This time of year—when college seniors are facing the final months before graduation—it’s critical to shift your focus from just sending resumes to actually talking to people. Any person connected to a company is better than no person, and the numbers back this up: research shows that 70-80% of jobs are filled through networking rather than online applications alone.

College students often say, "I don’t know anyone," but in reality, they have more connections than they think. Here are three simple ways to find out if you know someone who works at a company you want to work for on LinkedIn:

1. Use the LinkedIn "Alumni Tool"

•  Go to your college’s LinkedIn page and click on the "Alumni" tab (usually found in the left-hand menu).
•  Use the search bar to type in the company you're interested in (e.g., "Google").
•  This will show you all alumni from your school who currently or previously worked at that company—these are great people to reach out to for advice or referrals.

2. Search for 2nd-Degree Connections

•  Go to LinkedIn and type the company name into the search bar.
•  Click on "People" to filter the results to employees.
•  LinkedIn will highlight 2nd-degree connections (people who work there and are connected to someone you know).
•  If you see a 2nd-degree connection, you can ask your mutual connection for an introduction.

3. Check Past Internships, Clubs, and Professors’ Connections

•  If you’ve had an internship, check if your former manager or co-workers have connections at your target company.
•  If you were in student organizations, look up past members or upperclassmen who have since graduated—they may now work at companies you’re interested in.
•  Some professors have strong industry connections—check their LinkedIn profiles or ask them directly.

The key is realizing that your network is bigger than you think. Most opportunities come from weak ties, not close friends, so don’t be afraid to reach out! 

The Power of Face-to-Face Interaction in Networking

1. Face-to-face communication is 34 times more effective than email.
•  A study by Harvard Business Review found that in-person requests are 34 times more successful than those made via email. This means that simply meeting someone in person dramatically increases the chances of a positive response.

1. 85% of jobs are filled through networking.

•  According to LinkedIn, the vast majority of jobs are secured through networking rather than online applications. Face-to-face interactions help build trust, making networking even more powerful.

1. Referred candidates are 4x more likely to be hired.

•  Research from Jobvite shows that job applicants who get a personal referral are four times more likely to be hired than those who apply without one. Meeting people in person increases the likelihood of earning a referral.

1. People remember faces better than names or emails.

•  According to research published in Cognition, people are significantly better at recognizing faces than recalling names or email interactions. A face-to-face meeting helps ensure you are remembered when an opportunity arises.

1. Nonverbal communication accounts for 70-93% of a message’s meaning.

•  Studies by psychologist Albert Mehrabian suggest that body language and tone of voice make up most of how we communicate, making in-person interactions much more impactful than a text or email.

1. Face-to-face meetings help build trust 2x faster than virtual interactions.

•  A Forbes Insights study found that business professionals believe in-person meetings help build stronger relationships and trust twice as fast as virtual meetings or phone calls.

Why This Matters for Job Seekers

A quick coffee meeting with someone in a company you’re targeting can be far more effective than submitting dozens of online applications with no personal connection.

When a hiring manager meets you face-to-face, they’re more likely to advocate for you than if they simply received your resume through an applicant tracking system.

First impressions matter—research from Princeton University found that people form impressions within 1/10 of a second of seeing someone. Meeting in person allows you to control that impression.

If you're looking to meet new people outside of career fairs, here are some unconventional yet highly effective networking methods:

1. Co-Working Spaces & Coffee Shops

Even if you're a student, working on your laptop in a co-working space or a busy coffee shop can naturally lead to conversations. Many professionals frequent these places, and a casual chat can turn into a valuable connection.

2. Attend Local Meetups & Hobby Groups

Websites like Meetup.com or Eventbrite host local events for professionals in various industries. Even hobby-based groups (like book clubs, running clubs, or board game nights) can introduce you to professionals in unexpected fields.

3. Leverage Social Media (Beyond LinkedIn)

Twitter (X), Reddit, and even Instagram can be powerful networking tools. Engaging in industry discussions, following company pages, and commenting on relevant posts can put you on the radar of key people.

4. Volunteer at Industry or Charity Events

Helping out at conferences, trade shows, or charity events puts you around professionals who are active in their fields. It’s a great way to meet people while showing initiative and community engagement.

5. Take a Class or Workshop

Signing up for a certification course, online boot camp, or even a weekend workshop can put you in touch with people who are either already working in the industry or trying to break in—just like you.

6. Join a Gym or Sports League

People tend to open up in social and recreational environments. Joining a community sports team, a rock climbing gym, or a running club might connect you with professionals in a relaxed setting.

7. Start Conversations at Public Speaking or Open Mic Events

Whether it’s a Toastmasters meeting, an open mic comedy night, or a storytelling event, these environments attract people who are outgoing and well-connected.

8. Engage in Alumni Events Beyond Campus

Many universities host alumni happy hours, networking events, and reunions outside of career fairs. These tend to be more casual and easier to navigate than formal recruiting events.

9. Ask for Informational Interviews—In Person

Instead of just connecting on LinkedIn, try asking someone for coffee or lunch. A one-on-one conversation is more impactful than a cold online message.

10. Use Your Personal Network Creatively

Sometimes, the best connections come from friends, family, or even random acquaintances. Let everyone know what you're looking for—you never know who might have a useful introduction.

10. Career Fairs continue to happen throughout the year  

As the academic year comes to a close, these might dwindle off for your college – but there are always local career fairs you can attend.  Continue to look online for opportunities to speak to recruiters in person.  Recruiters tend to be responsible for several departments – don’t underestimate that a recruiter may have a connection for you.  Every in person opportunity counts. 

This Week’s In-Person Networking Challenge:

“The 3-2-1 Networking Challenge”

Your goal is to get out of your comfort zone and make real connections this week. Here’s how it works:

✅ Talk to 3 New People In-Person

•  These can be professors, alumni, recruiters, classmates with internships, or anyone in your field.
•  Ask them about their career path, industry trends, or any advice they have.

✅ Attend 2 In-Person Events

•  Career fairs, guest speaker sessions, industry meetups, or even informal networking events on campus.
•  If no structured events are available, create your own—invite a professor or mentor for coffee or attend a company’s open house.

✅ Set Up 1 Informational Interview

•  Use LinkedIn or your school’s alumni network to reach out to someone in a company or industry you’re interested in.
•  Ask them for 15-20 minutes of their time for a quick coffee chat or a walk-and-talk.  Worst case – a Zoom call is better than no call at all!  The point is they need to see your face and you need to see their face when speaking.  Make eye contact.  Be memorable. 

🔥 Bonus: If you really want to push yourself, ask someone you meet if they know one other person you should talk to—this is how you grow your network fast!  And never forget to be helpful – always ask at the end of a conversation “How can I help you today?”  Never forget you might know someone they need!  It’s a two way street. 

Would you be up for this challenge? Let me know how it goes! 🚀