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Struggles with Networking?
Hi everyone!
I've been having a bit of bad luck with getting potential employers and other people I've networked with to reply to messages over LinkedIn. I've reached out sometimes twice without response, but the messages are both read. Does anyone have advice on how to combat this? Is there something I might be saying wrong?
I believe that everyone is feeling overwhelmed right now. Recruiters and HR professionals receive a lot of requests, resumes, calls, and emails. With a lot of people out of work and more added each week, it has created an excess of communication.
We all want to be heard, connect new opportunities, etc.; however, we need to consider the people on the other end who we want to cater to us.
I am not defending anyone; I am in the same position as all job seeker and is frustrating, add to the anxiety, and sometimes you feel alone, and no one cares about what you are going through or want to help you. Take one day at the time, deep breath and tell yourself that you got this, it's happening soon. A better, more significant opportunity is coming your way soon.
I'm getting about a 75% response rate to LinkedIn connection request. Normally, I send a quick email to a job poster or a recruiter who I know is in my area once I have a connection I can see their posts and make a deeper connection there. Networking is difficult, or at least I find it difficult, and like any relationship it takes time for them to know you as much as you need to know them.
I've noticed that the response rate to cold LinkedIn messages is very low, myself. I would just make sure you are not asking for a job outright in your first message. I would try to set up informational interviews with potential connections/employers. Tell them you are interested to learn more about the company and their position. Hope that helps!