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Just an observation
We're always telling job seekers to "try different avenues" so that their applications stand out. The most obvious avenue is networking but I'm noticing that most people just don't want to be bothered and they respond something generic like "apply online" or "check out the site for openings that may interest you''. I feel that this is just a brushoff. I recently reached out to someone on LI, I who is a new hire at a company I've been targeting; I congratulated her and politely asked for insight on the recruiting process her response: APPLY ONLINE.
I've been fortunate enough to work for very sought after organizations and I have been solicited by strangers to help them get their foot in the door multiple times as annoying as it may be I always tried to help in however I could. I get that recruiters are often bombarded by applicants so I try not to bother them too much but is it totally against LinkedIn etiquette to ask for insight from someone who is in a role you're aspiring to or at an organization you'd like to one day work for? I'm not asking sarcastically, I'm actually very curious to know if I've been using LinkedIn wrong this whole time?
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
871
02/23/20 at 3:43PM UTC
LinkedIn is meant for networking. And I agree with your wanting to keep the initial conversation on LinkedIn. (Most people include their email address on their profile under contact information so it is not stalking, but I still don't like to use it (1) without permission and (2) before we have started developing a professional relationship.
Now for your original question: You may be asking for assistance too soon.
I realize that you are looking for a job now. But develop a relationship before asking for anything for yourself.
What you could do in the situation you mentioned is congratulate her as you did and inquire how she likes her new job. (You are making it about her and it is still providing you with information secondarily.) As you continue the conversation you can ask, what one thing she really likes about her new employer. Is there anything she doesn't like. As you start getting to know one another, you can mention that you've been researching the employer and are thinking about applying. You don't have to ask your question about the best way to apply yet. You could say something like, "From what you've been telling me, you would recommend working there. I've been researching your employer along with a few other companies, and think I'm going to apply."
See what her response is. She may offer information about the best way to apply. If not, you might want to inch up to it in another couple of steps.
FYI: I've been hearing from other career professionals that if someone sees a job opening on LinkedIn, they should apply on the company website instead but contact the recruiter on LinkedIn to let her/him know. Why? Because recruiters (1) don't always check LinkedIn applications; they check the website and (2) there have been many clients reporting that there LinkedIn application was never received.
Widline Paul HRIS Solutions Specialist/ HR Project Manager
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02/19/20 at 6:13PM UTC
Thanks for your insight, I do appreciate your perspective but for me emailing someone directly seems very intrusive and the thought of searching for or trying to "figure out" someone's email is stalkerish. Even though, LI is overflowing with spam messages I'd much rather go that route than to send unsolicited messages. Maybe this is why my search is stagnant but I really wouldn't be comfortable reaching out outside of networking sites.
Lisa Lewis MillerAuthor, podcaster, coach @ GetCareerClarity.com
528
02/19/20 at 6:02PM UTC
Hi Widline! LinkedIn generally gets you a lower response rate (and success rate) than email because folks are getting hit up with those kinds of "throwaway" or spammy LinkedIn help messages all. day. long. I'd focus on writing a very personalized message and figuring out that person's email address to ask for help in order to get the response rates you want. You're not using LI wrong, it's that the spammers are making it harder for well-meaning people to sift through all the garbage to find (and respond) to the real people and feel enthusiastic about helping you.
User deleted comment on 02/23/20 at 3:25PM UTC
Widline Paul HRIS Solutions Specialist/ HR Project Manager
63
02/19/20 at 5:50PM UTC
Thank you!
Erin McCabe-BarberaSecurity administrator
1.88k
02/19/20 at 3:23PM UTC
I although thought that was what LinkedIn is for , not for someone to give you a job but maybe some insight in how they got there their path etc some people will happily do that others won’t and recruiters ...some are good some are bad I have yet to work with a good recruiter but I have heard some
Are out there... as for HR same thing some are interested some are not , dot let that stop you
