LinkedIn is the top professional networking platform for a reason. It connects professionals with the contacts, roles, and companies they desire.
You can use LinkedIn to set up informational interviews to learn more about a company or position. Talking with professionals in your field increases your odds of landing the desired role. This helps you advance your career.
Implement these tips to use LinkedIn networking for greater success in your job search.
Connect with Industry Professionals
Ask to connect with employees of the companies you want to work for. Or, request a connection to employees in positions like the one you desire.
When you establish a connection, ask to set up an informational interview to learn more about their company and/or role. This provides insight into the benefits and challenges of working in the organization or position. It also helps you determine whether a role fits your strengths and interests.
You can use the informational interview to gather job search tips, career advice, and professional development resources. You also grow your network and gain help with career advancement.
Set Up Informational Interviews
You can connect with employees from the company you want to work for by going to the company’s LinkedIn page and clicking the People tab. Then, use the filter with keywords to find the right professionals to connect with. For instance, if you want to work in product marketing, use the keyword “product marketing manager” in the Title area.
Next, send the professional a customized message explaining your interest in connecting. Keep your request around 100-200 words to respect the professional’s time.
Greet the professional by name. Then, share your reason for reaching out.
Read the information on the professional’s profile to find some common ground. Use it to gain their attention.
Include a call to action. This typically is a question about whether the professional would be open to a 30-minute call to share their experience with the company they work for.
Close by thanking the professional. Include your signature.
Conduct Informational Interviews
Prepare 3-5 questions to ask the professional during the informational interview. These questions may involve their daily responsibilities, what they enjoy most about their role, and what their biggest challenges are. Or, you could ask about the most important skills for the position, the tools worked with, and a potential career path in the field.
Ensure your questions relate to the professional’s background. Also, research the topics you want to discuss to gain insight for your interview.
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