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Anonymous
07/24/20 at 1:36PM UTC (Edited)
in
Career

Networking via LinkedIn

I’m in the midst of a job hunt and have been actively developing my LinkedIn network along the way. I’ve found a few very intriguing jobs recently—and discovered I had connections in common with people at these companies. I’ve been able to establish new connections as a result. How best do I reach out to these new connections to get my foot in the door without looking self-serving or desperate? I’d actually JUST connected with someone at a company I was interested in when I got an interview with that person (coincidence in this case). But he asked me how I’d ended up connecting with him. It was honestly through a new connection I’d made—and I didn’t have a personal or professional relationship with our mutual connection (if that makes sense). I was honest, of course, and said I was intrigued by the company and wanted to build my network. In short, how can I tactfully utilize a new connection to get an “in” with their company?

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User deleted comment on 08/02/20 at 9:22AM UTC
Erin Thompson
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41
People-first Product Marketing Leader
07/31/20 at 7:38PM UTC
The good news is you are absolutely on the right path and doing what you should be. Employers like to know you are genuinely interested in their company and it helps to show you have done your due diligence not only in finding people at the company to connect with but also to utilize those connections to learn more about the company and see if it would be a good fit. I would recommend you reach out to these new connections and let them know you are curious about the company and would love to learn more about what it is like to work there from someone in their position. If they accepted your connection request there is a good chance they will be open to a quick chat to share their experience. Just be sure to keep the ask of them really simple. I would not recommend asking someone to refer you or submit your resume internally when they don't really know you. If they offer though, great!
Mina Asif
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124
API Developer
07/30/20 at 10:33PM UTC
Good on you! you are using LinkedIn as intended.
Anonymous
07/30/20 at 5:44PM UTC
I love Linked in! Build your network and reach out! I have not had an instance where someone was not willing to help
Krista Coutts
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336
Marketing Professional, Cross-Functional Leader
07/29/20 at 3:52PM UTC
Be honest! It is not a secret that everyone is networking now because of the scary job market. I find that if you use the InMail feature, it does give you credibility on LinkedIn. My subject line is "Nice to meet you virtually!"...and that seems to open doors!
Laura McCann
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325
Driving results through people engagement
07/29/20 at 3:30PM UTC
Your answer was great! You were intrigued by the company and reached out! That's LinkedIn!!
Laura Silverman
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76
Connecting people to the world's greatest brands
07/29/20 at 3:30PM UTC
Agree with all of the above! Networking, especially on LinkedIn, has to be a two way street. It's important to be personable but also offer/see if there is something you can provide the new connection in addition to what you are seeking from them.
Anne Knox
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322
CMP
07/29/20 at 2:37AM UTC
Most people want to help. They just need you to meet them half way.
Kristin Wagner
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17
Skill Seeker & Connector
07/28/20 at 11:32PM UTC
A way to keep new connections warm is to follow up with resources they might find valuable, a little give, a little take. If someone mentions an interest area/challenge and you follow up with a note and share a resource related to that topic, it can go a long way.
Aly Brine
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1.59k
Helping Corporate Hippies thrive on LinkedIn!
07/30/20 at 1:53PM UTC
I feel like people often forget that networking is a two way street and providing value to the other person is critical. That value can be simple like you mention!

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