April 21, 2026 by Maribeth Kelley
As a graduate student entering the job market, connecting with hiring managers can feel intimidating, but it becomes much more manageable when approached with the right mindset and strategy.
The key shift is this: stop thinking like “just another applicant” and start positioning yourself as a problem-solver and future collaborator.
Below are practical, step-by-step strategies to help you build meaningful connections that can open doors now—and throughout your career.
How to Identify the Hiring Manager (When It’s Not Obvious)
A common question in this process is how to identify the hiring manager. While it’s not always explicitly stated, you can often figure it out with a bit of strategic research. Start by:
- Reviewing the job description for clues like the team name or reporting structure to identify who the role likely reports to.
- Searching LinkedIn for employees at the company with relevant titles—typically, the hiring manager is one level above the role. Use filters for department, location, and keywords.
- Looking for signs of leadership, such as team management responsibilities or recent posts about hiring.
- Reverse-engineering the role by matching listed responsibilities to likely team leads.
- Checking LinkedIn job features, like “Meet the hiring team” or listed recruiter contacts.
- Exploring the company website, including team pages or press releases, to identify department leaders.
- Reaching out to adjacent team members if you’re unsure—they can often point you to the right person.
Ultimately, getting close to the right team is often just as valuable as identifying the exact hiring manager.
Use LinkedIn Intentionally
Platforms like LinkedIn are powerful tools when used intentionally—don’t send a generic message, instead personalize your outreach by:
- Referencing specific aspects of a hiring manager’s work or company
- Keeping your message concise and thoughtful
- Don’t rely solely on submitting applications; take the extra step to reach out on LinkedIn after applying to express genuine interest and highlight how your background aligns with the role
Leverage Your Babson Network
Leveraging Babson alumni networks or shared connections can also significantly increase your chances of getting a response, as common ground builds immediate rapport.
- Focus on asking alumni for insights and advice rather than directly asking for a job, as this fosters more authentic and productive conversations.
- Be prepared to engage meaningfully if they respond by having a clear introduction, thoughtful questions, and a strong sense of your goals.
- If you don’t hear back, a polite follow-up is appropriate, but it’s important to remain respectful of their time.
Ultimately, the goal is not just to secure one opportunity but to build lasting professional relationships by staying engaged, expressing gratitude, and maintaining connections over time. Approached this way, outreach becomes less about networking and more about creating meaningful, value-driven relationships that can shape your career.