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LinkedIn intro protocol when job hunting
Hi everyone! I‘m job hunting as someone who hasn’t done this much (worked for my current company for 8 years and my previous job for 6 and was recruited to my current so I never even applied).
So I’m pretty green to the modern application process and LI networking, etc. I’m also having a hard time getting traction on any of the apps I’ve submitted. I think I’m doing the right things and my materials are good so for now I’m chalking it up to the fact that I am in a competitive field.
But I came across a job that looks incredibly perfect for me and want to maximize my chance of being seen. I discovered on LI that a friend of mine in the industry knows someone at the company. I want to ensure I don’t screw it up and could use advice on this process - I was planning to apply normally and then ask my friend to make the intro, but I’m not confident on the timing (do I just ask for the intro if I haven’t heard anything after applying? Before applying? Right after applying?) nor what to ask for in the intro. I know this isn’t necessarily different than before LI except now everyone’s networks are available to see including connections that might be tenuous, and it feels less authentic.
Does anyone have suggestions for what to ask for in the intro, and the best timing for when to ask for the connection?
Thank you!!
schoenlegal
schoenlegal 25 yr legal recruiter MBA and JD
574
03/03/20 at 2:05PM UTC
In today's world, companies like to hire people they "know". So what you should do is apply to the job as required and THEN have your connection walk your resume down to the hiring manager and introduce you. You are now a KNOWN applicant. This takes your application out of the pile of thousands of respondants and puts you at the top of the pile.
GOOD LUCK!
Dawn S. CrossGoals should scare a little & excite a lot
1.12k
03/03/20 at 3:15AM UTC
I had the same question and found this article to be helpful. Also make sure to listen to the video - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/3-reasons-recruiters-ignore-job-seekers-connection-j-t-o-donnell
Anonymous
03/03/20 at 3:44PM UTC
Thank you, this as a great resource!!!
Anonymous
03/03/20 at 12:47AM UTC
Some companies pay a referral bonus to employees who help them fill an open position. So if you have a friend of a friend who works there, it might be in their personal interest to refer you, because they could collect a bonus if you get hired. So it’s a win-win for you and that person and should make them more receptive to wanting to help out a distant connection.
Essie Yolanda JacksonExperiencing barriers to employment? Hit me up!
119
03/02/20 at 3:12PM UTC
Hi there, and thank you for your question!
I would advise you to obtain a letter-of-introduction (LOI) from a couple of your references. In that way, you know these people are willing to serve as references and are expecting potential employers to call.
When you apply, submit a cover letter/email explaining that you are attaching a letter-of-introduction from a mutual colleague, as well as your resume. When the LOI is not a mutual colleague, you can explain that your LOI is from a colleague familiar with your work and transferable skill sets.
Hope this helps!
Balanced286943
115
03/02/20 at 7:45PM UTC
Thanks, this is something I didn't consider! I will look into getting LOIs from some colleagues.
Rebecca SchlangerBusiness Transformation| Organizational Change
18
03/02/20 at 3:02PM UTC
I recommend reaching out to your contact *before* applying! Sometimes there's an internal referral process, which would increase your chances of getting in front of the hiring manager. If you reach out afterwards, there may be limited access for your contact to help (other than to put in a good word). Plus, they can give you insight into the job and culture before officially deciding that you too want to work there!
Anonymous
03/02/20 at 7:52PM UTC
Thanks! Since this is a 2nd degree connection I wasn't sure I should wait or assume I'd get enough of a rapport with that person for them to offer to refer me. But I may at least just use the idea of asking to connect about culture/company to help make the decision about applying, since that makes more sense to me than asking about those things after I decide to apply :)
Rebecca SchlangerBusiness Transformation| Organizational Change
18
03/03/20 at 1:46PM UTC
I know it might feel weird (and I'm 100% with you this), but it's worth asking. The way I see it, the worst thing this person can say is "no" and you'd be no worse off than you are right now! There's no downside. :) And I'll tell you what I tell myself when I'm preparing something like this: take a deep breath, write a friendly message, and hope for the best! I find that most people really like to help :)
Anonymous
03/02/20 at 1:44PM UTC
I would apply now and reach out for the intro to confirm if the company is a good fit for you. The position on paper maybe perfect but after speaking to someone that actually works for the company you may find out the company culture is not a good fit. That helps that person get to know you and may even offer to speak to the hiring manager with out you having to ask. Good luck!
Anonymous
03/02/20 at 7:44PM UTC
Thank you! This was my first inclination and wasn't sure if it would be better to start with the connection (though I'm still trying to decide, per Rebecca's suggestion below)! So many ways to go about it!!
Lady PeleRetired Project Manager
3.96k
03/02/20 at 1:35PM UTC
I always tell people that you can find anything on Google. Just for grins I Google'd "How to ask for a referral on LinkedIn" and found https://www.zipjob.com/blog/requesting-job-referrals/
Anonymous
03/02/20 at 7:43PM UTC
Thanks, I mean I Google things and did so for this (and saw that and other similar articles). But I find articles like that don't necessarily speak to the individual feedback and thoughts you can get from different viewpoints in a forum like this. Case in point, there are 2 people here suggesting different orders!
Thanks, I mean I Google things and did so for this (and saw that and other similar articles). But I find articles like that don't necessarily speak to the individual feedback and thoughts you can get from different viewpoints in a forum like this. Case in point, there are 2 people here suggesting different orders!
Lady PeleRetired Project Manager
3.96k
03/03/20 at 12:01PM UTC (Edited)
If it were me, I would probably apply just to get into the queue and then reach out to connections, asking about the corporate culture, how expectations are set and how performance is measured. You can ask if the person knows anyone in the role you are seeking and if they will "introduce" you, so that you can ask about their experiences as well.
Good luck!
User deleted comment on 03/02/20 at 7:42PM UTC
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