Linkedin Reach out Script to People I Actually Know

March 27, 2024 12:07 PM

I'm starting networking with folks on LinkedIn. These are first connections who I've worked with in past or just straight up friends. I am networking with them to understand more about their company (I am not targeting roles yet), their roles, how they got their job etc to help me with my job search. I have not talked to many of these people in 5,10,15 years. What's a good reach out script?
posted by sandmanwv to Work & Money (6 answers total)

Most people know what LinkedIn messages are for (most often referrals or work-related things.) I'd keep them short and friendly and to the point. I might also frame it more like "i'm on the job hunt and was wondering if you might have a little time to respond to a few questions about the company you work for?" rather than just asking them in the first message? Showing you respect people's time is important.
posted by softlord at 12:13 PM on March 27

"Good morning, $old_friend/colleague. Hope you're well! I know that we haven't talked lately. I would be grateful if we could catch up -- and beyond the personal, so that I can ask you a few questions about your company, your roles, how you got your job, etc., since I will be starting a job search soon (and we all know what that's like these days: the more you know, the better)."
posted by wenestvedt at 12:43 PM on March 27

“Hi! I’m starting to think about a career pivot, and am hoping to have some informal chat with folks in (X field) to hear how you got onto this path and hopefully get some pointers on how I can best position myself. Would you have 15 minutes to catch up sometime, maybe next week?”
posted by samthemander at 1:29 PM on March 27

I might also frame it more like "i'm on the job hunt and was wondering if you might have a little time to respond to a few questions about the company you work for?" rather than just asking them in the first message?

I disagree with this, for reasons similar to those described in Don't Ask to Ask. I understand that being direct can be impolite, but "can I pick your brains?" throat-clearing initial questions strike me as "are you willing to commit into looking into my problem, whatever that may turn out to be?" I'd rather just know what the question is. That feels more respectful of my time.
posted by caek at 1:59 PM on March 27

>>I'd rather just know what the question is. That feels more respectful of my time

If the OP reveals the question, their reply rate is going fall drastically.

Humans are curious creatures by nature. When you remove this curiosity factor, you've now possibly removed the motivation to reply.
posted by jacobean at 10:35 AM on March 28

@caek I totally get this perspective. I also think that given the specific context of LinkedIn, there are clues as to what it might be about and the question is one of bandwidth. It's unlikely that I would reach out to someone on LinkedIn to ask for their favorite cookie recipe.

I also like samthemander's answer as it is concise and includes the request for time rather than expecting the response to be a response to the actual question.
posted by softlord at 10:59 AM on March 28