(917) 447-1815Free LinkedIn Outreach Message Template
Getting referred into a company to get hired for a job seems like the holy grail of job searching. Everyone wants individuals in their network to introduce them to hiring managers to eventually lead to getting hired.
So much more human and fun than applying through an inanimate job board, eh?
Well here is a proven process that has worked for many job seekers at many levels, including me, but be warned… everything below, including the free LinkedIn outreach message template, has a very important caveat which is at the bottom of this email. Read on….
(1) Make a list of companies where you want to work.
It’s important to start with an end in mind of where you want to land. Having a list will help you speak in specifics as you network, since stating having undefined parameters of what you want won’t help your job search.
(2) Research if the company has an employee referral bonus program.
This information helps with how to strategically approach the company. Clearly, if a company has a referral bonus program for referring hires, this could be helpful to you. But the lack of such a program shouldn’t discourage you from applying. It’s just information to leverage.
(3) Research company size and any known connections.
Look the company up on LinkedIn to see how many employees work there and who you know that may work there. (2nd-degree connections).
(4) Determine if there are any open jobs that you are qualified for and interested in.
Using this information as a leverage point could be helpful in your strategic approach. But like the absence of a referral program, don’t let the absence of a relevant open job deter you from approaching a company.
(5) Once you have completed your research, identify someone whom you know or have a mutual connection with on LinkedIn to approach to ask for an exploratory conversation.
Don’t be afraid to approach someone cold, as well. Ideally, choose someone that could be in the area where you want to work… but if you have a personal contact in another area, use the best contact you have for this initial attempt of entry.
(6) Ask for 10-15 minute exploratory conversation.
You can use a note formula that factors in research from their LinkedIn Profile (be sure to read it) and company research you did to make this connection:
“Hello ____,
I am reaching out in the spirit of networking, as we have mutual connections on LinkedIn (or whatever is the reason that connects you or motivated you to reach out to them.). Your background at ______is admirable and I was hoping you would be open to a 10-15 conversation as to how you came to join ___ as I am doing my research in applying for ___role. I am also flexible in doing this “chat” through email if this is the best way for you to connect.
If so, let me know what is the best way to have this conversion that is the least burdensome to you. Present me some time options that are most convenient for you or let me know that I can email you my questions seeking your insight. I’m grateful for your consideration.”
You could always be more specific with this request based on mutual connections had, knowledge of work they performed, articles you have read about or written by the person you are contacting, etc. Be creative and personal here when possible.
Generally speaking, this formula can be used to craft your e-notes requesting a chat or referral.
1: Read their profile
2: Say how you came to find them
3: Leverage something about them in your note
4: Ask for 10-15 minute chat & make it easy to schedule
(7) Nurture then ask if they would refer you to the organization.
Based on how you may know or come to know this person, explore how they came to the company and, when appropriate, then ask for a referral to be considered for roles in your area. Don’t assume a referral will happen. Earn it through curiosity and genuine interest.
Now… here is the caveat…
Don’t do any of the above without updating your LinkedIn Profile first. It would be a terrible mistake to go out there and do all this LinkedIn outreach only to have a dated, vague, and unprofessional profile.
Join me on Tues. 8/24/2021 or Thurs. 8/26/2021 and I will train you on how to create a LinkedIn profile that does you justice and truly captures your career story.
This training is free and replays will be sent.
Register here:
Hope this post was helpful – see you at the training.
Lisa
Lisa Rangel – Executive Resume Writing Services
Chameleon Resumes
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About Lisa
Lisa Rangel and The Chameleon Team are the only executive resume writing, LinkedIn profile development, and job landing consultancy who has been hired by LinkedIn and recognized by Forbes. Our 4-Stage META Job Landing System stems from decades of corporate and executive recruiting experience to position you to land your next 6 or 7-figure role faster.
