Company Alumni & ERG Networks

What is an employee resource group (ERG)?

An employee resource group (ERG) is a voluntary, employee-led community built around a shared identity or experience — women in tech, LGBTQ+ employees, veterans, working parents, or people of color, among many others. ERGs exist to create belonging, mentorship, and a voice inside a company. The connections you build through them are personal, not contractual, so they stay with you even after you leave a role — which is exactly why they matter during a job search.

Why alumni networks are the fastest way back after a layoff

Most roles are filled through referrals, not cold applications. Former colleagues already know how you work, so they can vouch for you, forward your resume to the right person, and tell you about openings before they're posted. A warm intro from someone who worked with you moves faster than any job board.

How to find your company's alumni group

• Search LinkedIn groups for '<company> alumni' — most large employers have one.
• Check whether your company runs an official alumni program or directory.
• Ask a few former colleagues which Slack or Discord communities they're in.
• Look for industry-wide communities (engineering, design, product) beyond a single company.

How to start one if it doesn't exist yet

If your company has no alumni group, start small: create a LinkedIn group or a Slack/Discord server, invite a dozen former colleagues you trust, and seed it with job leads and intros. Keep it useful — a steady trickle of openings and referrals — and it will grow on its own. Then add it to this directory so others can find it.

How to use this directory

You don't need to contact everyone — a focused 15–30 minutes goes a long way. Work through these steps:

1. 1Find your former employer's alumni network or ERG in the list below (or add it if it's missing).
2. 2Join the group and update your LinkedIn headline to signal you're open to work.
3. 3Make a short list of 5 former colleagues who know your work well.
4. 4Send each a personal note using the template below — reference a specific project.
5. 5Follow up once after about a week if you don't hear back, then move on.

Estimated time: 15–30 minutes · Cost: usually free

Message template: reconnecting with an alumni contact

Keep it short, specific, and easy to say yes to. Copy this and personalize the bracketed parts before sending on LinkedIn or email.

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I was recently laid off from [Company] as part of a [round/reorg], and I'm starting my search for [role/type of role].

I really valued working with you on [project/team], and I'd love to reconnect. Two quick things:
1. If you hear of any [role] openings on your team or network, I'd be grateful for a heads-up or referral.
2. If you have 15 minutes in the next couple of weeks, I'd love to catch up.

Either way, no pressure — thanks for reading, and I'm happy to return the favor anytime.

Best,
[Your name]
[LinkedIn / phone]

Safety & privacy when using community groups

• Alumni Slack/Discord groups are run by volunteers, not your former employer — treat them as public spaces.
• Don't share confidential company information, severance terms, or anything under an NDA.
• Verify recruiters and “job offers” posted in open communities before sharing personal details or documents.
• Never pay to join a job network or to “unlock” a referral — legitimate alumni groups are free.
• Use a personal email and phone number, not one tied to your old work account.

Frequently asked questions