Do’s and Don’ts for Approaching Potential Employers on LinkedIn was originally published on Ivy Exec.
LinkedIn is a great tool for identifying potential employers and connecting with them. You can use your profile to showcase your personal brand and achievements. This platform also allows you to display your industry knowledge through the content you post.
When approaching potential employers on LinkedIn, it’s wise to ensure you don’t come across as unprofessional. You want to make a great first impression without seeming too eager or desperate.
If you’re looking for new opportunities, here’s a guide on using LinkedIn to approach potential employers.
✔ Do Research Before Approaching a Potential Employer
Before connecting with potential employers, you should research various aspects. Learn more about the company and the roles you want. Find out the primary responsibilities of employees in such positions and their main skills. After that, determine if the brand’s culture aligns with your interests and values.
Another factor to research before approaching potential employers is their role. Determine what they do at the company and how that relates to your desired position. Learn more about their career achievements and accomplishments at the company. These topics can be fantastic conversation starters as they reflect a genuine interest in the company.
Potential employers will likely know some people that you have met in the past or worked with. Identify your mutual connections and learn more about their relationship with the employer. When messaging, you may mention connections you are confident will vouch for you.
✔ Do Create a Personalized Message
Your potential employers likely get many messages from job seekers. So, yours must stand out if you want to build a good connection and eventually benefit from it. Instead of writing a generic introductory message, be specific and personalize it.
Ensure that the text contains their name and the company’s. You can also mention how you found out about them. For example, say that you read about a potential employer in a magazine and they impressed you. You can also say that you learned about them from social media or an industry event you attended.
It’s okay to have specific intent when approaching potential employers on LinkedIn. For example, you may be looking for an informational interview or referral. You might also be searching for a new job in their company. Regardless, building a good relationship before asking for favors is always good.
When crafting your message, ensure it shows you took time to understand the recipient. The text should communicate your interest in maintaining the connection and learning from one another.
Writing a message covering these areas will help you build a rapport first. It allows your request to stand out and improves the chances of creating a long-term professional relationship.
✔ Do Highlight How You Can Both Benefit
LinkedIn allows professionals to benefit from each other, but it’s easy to forget this when you are in need. When contacting potential employers, assess how they can benefit from the connection. What can you offer, and how will you add value to their brand? Is there an area in which you have expertise that they previously expressed their interest in?
Mentioning how you and a potential employer can benefit creates a stronger connection. If, for example, you want them to speak at an event you are hosting, you can mention that it will give them a chance to grow their audience.
Highlight how the opportunity may improve their reputation and increase exposure. It’s also good to mention how you will gain from the venture. For example, you can say you’re trying to prove your expertise so they can consider you for an open position.
If you are requesting them to do an informational interview, tell them why you need the insight. Let them know their valuable advice can help you overcome career barriers.
✔ Do Update Your Profile
Potential employers will likely go through your LinkedIn profile before responding to you. Impress them by refining it and ensuring it’s professional. Highlight your core skills and mention your main career achievements.
Here are other tips for updating your profile to impress potential employers:
- Use a clear and professional profile picture
- Ensure your headline reflects what you do
- Have a comprehensive professional summary in the ‘About’ section
- List relevant work experience
If you gain a new certification, updating your LinkedIn immediately is ideal. You never know if the potential employer is looking for such talent or wants to connect with people in your field.
❌ Don’t Be Pushy
Following up with potential employers once you send your request is okay. But you shouldn’t bombard them with questions if they don’t respond or give you the feedback you want.
Avoid contacting them if they express they have no interest in your proposal. If you are too aggressive, you will hurt your chances of making a good impression. This mistake can also cost you opportunities that you would get if you were patient and professional.
❌ Don’t Burn Bridges
Things will not always go as you expect when approaching potential employers. It may be disheartening, but remember, you may need these connections in the future.
Instead of ending your connection when you don’t get a response or a job, maintain it. Avoid discussing negative things about the potential employer with your colleagues. Your paths might cross again, and protecting their name shows you are professional.
❌ Don’t Forget to Thank Them
Gratitude is an essential pillar of professional relationships. It’s good to say thank you, whether you achieve the goal you had in mind or not.
If a potential employer takes the time to read and respond to your message, thank them. Besides, show gratitude if they grant your request or say they will think about it.
❌ Don’t Neglect Your Online Presence
When you network with potential employers, keep an eye on your notifications in case they message. If you take too long to engage them, you might miss opportunities.
Some employers may search for you on other social media platforms when considering your request. Have a professional presence and ensure your content reflects who you are.
Ensure that the information on all sites is consistent. For example, if you posted about starting a job in a particular company, the dates should align with those on your LinkedIn profile.
Leverage LinkedIn for Professional Networking
Approaching potential employers on LinkedIn needs patience and professionalism. You must prove your value and show a genuine interest in your request.
Following the discussed dos and don’ts can help you make the most of this platform. It protects your reputation and allows you to strategize your connections.
