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LinkedIn Questions
When reaching out to a connection to inquire about a job posted at their company, what do you normally say?
Secondly, if you are reaching out to people who are not affiliated with a posting, but you are spreading the word you are looking, what does your message usually say?
Eva Jannotta (she/her)
Amplify your influence.
171
06/30/20 at 10:37PM UTC
This is the template I use to connect to new people:
Hi Name,
I’m also a [insert thing in common — where you grew up, industry, alumni status], and I’d love to connect to expand my network of fellow [thing in common] (especially in these days when in-person networking is out of the question!). I look forward to seeing your posts in my feed.
Warmly,
Your Name
Lauren CastelluzzoA bicoastal creator of brand experiences
72
06/30/20 at 4:07PM UTC
All great comments! Adding on to the chain, I find it helpful to personalize the message. Even if you aren't a direct connection, do you see something interesting on their profile? Did you read something about their company? Or have something else in common that you could mention? Most people are very receptive to building their network - I have been having a lot of luck with this approach (however, scheduling actual interviews have been a little harder during the pandemic).
Lee KolesFounder, Career Strategist at CareerSequel
141
06/29/20 at 10:17PM UTC
Such great advice here. I'd like to add that doing a bit of research on the company before you send your LinkedIn request will help doors swing open wider and more quickly. Why are you attracted to that particular organization? What was it that resonated with you?
Think of LinkedIn as a conversation starter. Be curious, complimentary and genuine. It feels good and will propel you forward.
Suzanne TaylorCareer Consultant // Higher Ed Expert
92
06/29/20 at 7:01PM UTC
Everyone has made really good points, and I want to add on to your second question. LinkedIn is meant to be a network, so start building it now. Here's a neat practice that I borrowed from someone else...
A couple of months ago, a fellow career coach reached out to me on LinkedIn with this message:
"Hi Suzanne, I see we're not yet connected and as a fellow careers industry professional, I would value having you in my network!"
Just the other week, an organization I contract with asked if I knew any other career coaches because they wanted to expand their team. Boom! This new connection came up right away when I searched my LinkedIn, and it's easy to send a message to see if they're interested.
It's so important to build a network of people in similar roles so that you can stay connected and stay aware of relevant opportunities.
Luaskya NononDEI Practitioner and in-house corporate attorney
204
06/29/20 at 6:45PM UTC
I think professionals on LI know what the platform is for; meaning they aren't (or shouldn't be) surprised when someone reaches out to them to connect them with someone else for a job opportunity. So don't be shy about asking for a referral. With that being said, if I'm reaching out to someone in connection with a job posting, I simply reacquaint myself with them, asking how they are or making reference to how we know each other and inform them that there's a job posting at their company that I would like to apply for and ask if they would be willing to refer me (or pass my resume) on to the recruiting coordinator. Many companies have referral bonus programs, so you may be doing them a favor by putting money in their pocket if you are hired and stay on the requisite period of time for the bonus to be paid out.
Now, when reaching out to contacts not related to a job posting I inquire how they are doing, remind them how we are connected (if necessary), and if we are friends, I'd let them know that I am looking for my next opportunity and ask them if they would keep their eyes and ears open for anything that may be suited for my skills. These folks know me well and know what I do but I'd also tell them what I'm looking for and offer to give them my resume if it would help. If the person is a true acquaintance (ie. not a friend) and they work in the area that I am interested in pursuing, I may ask for an informational interview to ask them questions on how they obtained their current role and how I may be able to do the same. I would also ask them if they know of anyone who it would be beneficial for me to speak with in my search for my next opportunity.
Happy to discuss this further, if it would help.
Good luck.
Laura McCannDriving results through people engagement
325
06/29/20 at 4:52PM UTC
Hi there! Such great questions. I joined my company after being approached on LinkedIn.
I love hearing from people on LinkedIn. More than happy to reach out to a hiring manager or recruiter to see if there is a fit from one of my connections. If I am not connected with an individual who messages me, I do find it refreshing and will reach out to let the hiring teams know about the contact.
Devney AyersMasters in organization development and change
130
06/28/20 at 11:39PM UTC
Hi, I'm new to this whole LinkedIn thing, but this is what I've done/will do.
If it's a connection, I think it's more than fair to say something like: Hi x, how are you? I hope all is well and (insert personal detail you remember here). I've been thinking about applying to (whatever company they work for) and I was wondering if we could chat and you could share some of your experiences with me? It's always great to get feedback from a current employee and it will help me in deciding if I feel I'd be a culture match prior to applying.
They may say, sure, I love the company, we have x role available and I think you may like it, let me do a virtual introduction. If they don't, it takes the pressure off the other person who works there. I think asking about their experience is a great segway, you may really not like what you hear, it could be a great company, just not for you and you'd rather learn this prior to applying.
These people don't need to be affiliated in hiring, because you are looking for more info first.
I'd say for others where you don't know if a job is available, you could reach out to some contacts on LinkedIn who work either in the role you want or the company you may like. Ask for informational interviews and what their experiences have been. You can say you are looking and want to learn more about x role or x company. Again it doesn't need to be someone in a hiring capacity. It can be, not necessary. You never know what jobs are coming through the pipeline and someone you speak to could hear of one and say, wow, I just talked to Sally and this role sounds like it might be good for her. They may refer you.
I'd also look into virtual volunteering to practice the skills you want to enhance. I just started this and I'm gaining more experience in the field I want, meeting new people I wouldn't otherwise have met and helping out a great organization. Check out catchafire.com and volunteermatch.com
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