Alumni Career Transition Guide

The job board on Dartmouth Connect helps promote opportunities where there are Dartmouth connections to the position. For more information, contact dartmouth.connect@dartmouth.edu.

• Industry Trade Groups
• Professional Association Finder

The key difference between undergraduate and alumni resumes is that the former features a balance of education, relevant experience, leadership and skills. An alumni resume may not be as balanced; there could be a heavier emphasis on work experience. An undergraduate’s relevant experiences would likely be gained in more short term opportunities, possibly in multiple areas, whereas an alum’s relevant experiences would be gained through multiple projects at a singular location.

When it comes to writing a cover letter, the goal is often the dual purpose of a “statement of intent” and a “value add to the company or organization.” Use the job description for the position you are applying for as the structure for your letter in order to write most directly with the reader in mind. Quite often, job descriptions will have two sections: qualifications as well as roles and responsibilities. This is where your resume comes in. Make clear that you not only are qualified, but that you can provide supporting evidence to support your claim and that you can perform the tasks required at a high level. Your conclusion should be concise and emphasize fit and value; your prospective company’s culture and your values are aligned, and the skills they need are ones you possess.

Alumni Relations hosts an alumni-alumni formal mentorship program through Dartmouth Connect around practice interviewing. The program runs twice a year from January 1-March 31 and June 1-August 31. For more information, contact dartmouth.connect@dartmouth.edu.

• Know the role. Make sure you know the job description cold, as–similar to it informing the structure of your cover letter–it will play a key role in your interview. 
• Lean into “the power of three.” While not always the case, having three examples in response to a question is often ideal. More than three and your examples can either become diluted or forgotten; less than three, and your answer may lack depth. 
• Explain why. When preparing for an interview, think about expressing thoughts or characteristics your interviewer “can’t see.” The interviewer sees that you majored in Economics, but they don’t know why. They see that you previously worked at X company, but they don’t know why you chose to work there. Emphasize what is “between the lines” and what the biggest takeaways should be. 
• Don’t be afraid to tackle ambiguity. Many behavioral questions in interviewers will focus on dealing with ambiguity. Be prepared ahead of time to address how you handle situations where things are not always clear or adjustments have to be made or setbacks overcome. 
• Lean on your experience. Depending on the situation, if you find yourself asked a question and you don’t know the answer, don’t pretend you do. Instead, try to drive the conversation to a place where you do have experience. One example would be, “While I have not had experience in this as a leader, I have had it as a direct report, and I know that what was most effective in managing the situation was…”
• End strong. Virtually all interviews end with, “What questions do you have for me?” If your goal is to leave them thinking that you have demonstrable interest in the company and directly related skills to perform the tasks required by the job at the highest level, ask thoughtful questions, such as: “When you look at filling this position, is there one skill or characteristic that is critical to excel in this role?” The benefit of this question is that it will leave the interviewer with the feeling that you are a team player and someone who possesses the skills they are looking for.

Find your Dartmouth community around the world through regional clubs or our affinity and identity groups.

• Dartmouth Center for Career Design
• Dartmouth Connect 
• Find a Certified Career Coach
• Online Recruiter’s Directory
• SearchFirm

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for Dartmouth alumni looking to pivot careers or land new  opportunities. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Optimize your profile

• Use a professional photo and a clear, keyword-rich headline that reflects your career goals.
• Highlight transferable skills and accomplishments in your summary and experience sections.
• Check out this presentation on Creating a Powerful LinkedIn Profile by the Director of Tuck’s Career Services, Heather Law.

Tap into the Dartmouth network

• Use the “Alumni” tab on the Dartmouth College LinkedIn page to filter alumni by industry, location, or job function.
• Reach out with a brief, personalized message (e.g., “Fellow Dartmouth alum interested in your field—would love to connect and hear your story”).

Follow target companies

• Stay updated on job openings and company news. Engage with posts to increase your visibility with recruiters.

Use the “open to work” feature

• Let recruiters know you’re looking by activating the “Open to Work” setting, which can be private or public.

Search and save jobs

• Use job alerts and save searches for roles that interest you. LinkedIn’s algorithm will start showing you more relevant roles over time.

Engage with content

• Post insights, comment on others’ updates, and share relevant articles to stay visible and establish credibility in your field.

Connect with recruiters

• Search for recruiters in your desired field or at your target companies if/when you have applied for a role. Send a focused message (e.g., “I applied for the [insert job role and req number] and would like to discuss my interest/background in [industry/role]—I’d appreciate the chance to share more about my experiences”).

Informational interviews are one of the most effective—and often underutilized—tools Dartmouth alumni can use to transition into new roles or industries. These informal conversations allow you to learn directly from professionals in your target field, gain insider insights, and build meaningful connections that can lead to job opportunities.

As a Dartmouth alum, you have a built-in advantage: the Dartmouth network. Reaching out to fellow alumni for informational interviews is not only welcomed, it’s expected. Most alums are happy to help and offer advice, especially when approached with genuine curiosity and respect for their time.

Here’s how informational interviews can boost your job search:

• Clarify career paths. Learn what roles actually look like day-to-day and whether they match your skills and interests.
• Uncover hidden opportunities. Many jobs are never posted publicly—informational interviews can surface roles through personal referrals.
• Stand out to employers. Showing initiative and interest through these conversations makes a strong impression—one that often leads to referrals.
• Expand your network. Every conversation opens the door to others. Ask, “Is there someone else you think I should talk to?”

Start by reaching out via LinkedIn or Dartmouth Connect with a short, respectful message (e.g., “As a fellow Dartmouth alum exploring [industry/role], I’d love to hear your perspective. Would you be open to a brief 20-minute conversation?”).

These small conversations can lead to big outcomes. See below for an email template to use when connecting with alumni.

Subject: Dartmouth Alum Interested in [Industry/Role] – Quick Chat?

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re well! I’m a fellow Dartmouth alum (Class of [Your Year]) currently exploring a transition into [specific industry or role]. I came across your profile and was really impressed by your path at [Company/Position].

If you’re open to it, I’d love to hear more about your experience and get your perspective on the field. I’m hoping to better understand what skills are most valuable and how someone with my background might best position themselves.

Would you be available for a brief 20-minute conversation in the next week or two? I’d really appreciate any insights you’re willing to share.

Thank you, and I hope to connect!

Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]
[Email or phone (optional)]