Keep a connection separate from a hiring decision

A clear handoff helps alumni and hiring teams know what happens next.

A referral is a suggestion that another person may be relevant for an opportunity. An expression of return interest is an alum asking about their own possible candidacy. Neither is a hiring decision: the designated talent and hiring teams handle candidates through the applicable process.

  • Explain what information is needed before routing an inquiry.
  • Ask for consent before sharing personal information or forwarding a referral.
  • Send the inquiry to the approved talent route rather than promising a response time or outcome.
  • Give the sender a clear acknowledgement and identify who owns the next follow-up.

Worked example: route an inquiry

Sample handoff for an alumnus who asks how to refer a former colleague.

The program owner coordinates the handoff; the talent partner owns the talent-process next step.

  1. Program owner

    Acknowledge the inquiry

    Thank the alum and clarify whether they are referring someone else or asking about their own return interest.

  2. Program owner

    Confirm consent and essentials

    Before forwarding details, confirm the relevant person's consent and gather the role or opportunity information needed by the approved process.

  3. Talent partner

    Route to talent

    Send the information through the designated talent channel and note the handoff owner in the program's approved tracking method.

  4. Named owner

    Close the loop appropriately

    Tell the alum that the inquiry was routed. The talent partner follows the applicable process; share no candidate details beyond what is authorized.

Worked example: handoff responsibilities

Use these role boundaries to keep the program and hiring process distinct.

Role Action Boundary
Alumnus making a referral Provides relevant opportunity details and confirms the referred person's consent to share information. Does not receive a promise of review, interview, or outcome.
Alumni program owner Acknowledges the inquiry, clarifies its type, and routes it to the designated talent channel. Does not assess candidate suitability or make hiring decisions.
Talent partner Confirms the appropriate process and directs the inquiry to the relevant opportunity or team. Shares updates only through approved, authorized channels.
Hiring team Reviews candidates under the applicable hiring process and role criteria. Owns selection decisions, not alumni program membership.

Handling common edge cases

The referral arrives without a role or opportunity. What next?

Ask for the missing opportunity information before routing, or ask the talent partner which approved route applies to a general expression of interest. Do not imply that an unspecified referral is under review.

An alum asks for an update about someone they referred. What can we share?

Acknowledge the question and direct it to the designated talent route. Share only information the process owner is authorized to disclose; do not relay candidate status informally.

An alum asks about their own candidacy. Is that an alumni-program decision?

No. Clarify that the program team can route the question, while the talent process and hiring team handle the candidacy.