The Quick Answer
Asking for a job directly on LinkedIn can be an effective strategy in some situations, but should be done carefully and selectively. Some key factors to consider are:
– Your existing connection and rapport with the person you’re reaching out to – cold outreach may not be well received
– The norms and culture of your industry – some fields are more open to direct asks than others
– Crafting a polite, professional ask that clearly explains why you’re a good fit
– Focusing on opportunities that are a strong match for your background and skills
– Following up any online asks with additional relationship-building offline
Used judiciously, asking for jobs on LinkedIn can unlock hidden opportunities. But overusing this approach or failing to personalize outreach risks damaging your brand and relationships.
Should You Ask for a Job on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn has become a go-to platform for networking and job searching. With over 722 million users as of 2023, LinkedIn offers unparalleled access to connections and inside perspectives at companies you may want to work for.
This raises the question – is it acceptable to ask directly for a job on LinkedIn? There are pros and cons to consider:
Potential Benefits of Asking for a Job on LinkedIn
– Direct access to the right people. You can message decision-makers like hiring managers, founders or team leaders who control open roles.
– Stand out from the application pile. Directly asking for a job means your message won’t get lost amidst the influx of applications.
– Express your passion and fit. You can craft a personalized pitch explaining why you’re excited about and qualified for a particular role.
– Unlock “hidden” opportunities. Asking about open jobs provides visibility into openings a company has but hasn’t yet posted.
– Build relationships. The process of asking for a job gives you a chance to establish rapport with new connections.
Potential Drawbacks of Asking for a Job on LinkedIn
– Appearing desperate or entitled. Asking for a job directly could be perceived as presumptuous.
– Overstepping professional norms. In some industries, an unprompted ask may be seen as overly assertive or salesy.
– Straining existing relationships. Asking someone you barely know for a job could damage your connection.
– Generating ignored or negative responses. Many direct asks for jobs on LinkedIn go unanswered or receive polite rejections.
– Lacking context on fit. Without applying, you likely don’t have the full picture of what the company needs for a specific role.
– Misaligned expectations. Hiring processes typically require formal applications, so an initial “yes” to an informal LinkedIn ask may still lead to rejection later.
Tips for Asking for a Job on LinkedIn
If you do decide to ask directly for a job on LinkedIn, here are some best practices:
– Target people you have an existing relationship with. Asking someone you’ve never interacted with is unlikely to be well received. Focus on connections who know you.
– Make the ask warm and polite, not demanding. Saying “I’d love to be considered for…” is better than “I want a job.”
– Explain why you are interested in the company and role(s). Share your passion for their mission and how your background lines up with their needs.
– Mention specific open roles or needs you can fill. It shows you’ve done research on where they have gaps.
– Attach a tailored resume speaking to their needs. Show don’t just tell them how you are qualified.
– Suggest a quick call or meeting. A real conversation builds rapport faster than messages.
– Follow online asks with offline relationship building. Connect in person at industry events, over coffee chats, etc.
– Express appreciation for their time and consideration. Thank them sincerely for hearing you out, even if the answer is “no.”
Etiquette for Asking for a Job on LinkedIn
To avoid common faux pas when asking directly for a job on LinkedIn, keep these etiquette tips in mind:
– Only ask once. Don’t bombard contacts repeatedly asking for roles. Follow up is ok, but pestering is not.
– Personalize each ask. Copy-pasting the same generic ask to every connection burns bridges. Tailor your message.
– Respect their time. Be concise. Long messages demanding their attention may annoy busy contacts.
– Watch your tone. Sounding entitled or aggressive makes a bad impression. Be humble, polite and grateful.
– Focus on value you can provide. Saying “I really need a job” focuses on your needs. Explain how you can help them.
– Accept any answer gracefully. If the answer is no, thank them anyway and move on. Don’t debate their decision.
– Don’t ask during holidays or weekends. Avoid catching people off guard during their personal time.
– Follow the norms of your industry. If cold outreach is frowned upon in your field, tread carefully.
Examples of How to Ask for a Job on LinkedIn
Here are two example templates showing polite, professional ways to ask directly for a job on LinkedIn:
Casual Ask to a Connection You Have Rapport With
Hi [name],
I hope you’ve been well! I wanted to reach out because I recently saw that [company] is looking to hire a [role] as part of expanding your team. I’m very interested in the position given my background in [relevant experience]. I’d love the opportunity to contribute my [skills] and [knowledge] as your company [goals the role contributes to]. Please let me know if it might make sense to have a quick call to discuss fit and whether I could be a potential candidate for the role. Here’s a link to my LinkedIn profile for reference on my background: [LinkedIn URL].
Either way, I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to consider me. Looking forward to staying in touch!
Best,
[Your name]
More Formal Ask to Someone You Don’t Know Well
Dear [name],
I hope this message finds you well. We connected on LinkedIn [some time ago/when], and I wanted to follow up about an opportunity at [company name] that looks like an excellent fit based on my background in [relevant skills and experience].
I understand you are currently looking to hire a [role name] to help with [goals of role], and I’m very interested in the position. In my most recent role as [title] at [company], I [achieved relevant results] which directly align with the goals of your open role. I’ve attached my resume for your reference.
Please let me know if you would be open to discussing whether I might be a potential fit for the [role name] position, or other openings you may have. I welcome the opportunity to speak with you and learn more. Thank you sincerely for your time considering me.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Should You Follow Up After Asking for a Job on LinkedIn?
It’s appropriate to follow up after 1-2 weeks if you don’t receive a response to a LinkedIn ask about an open role. But avoid pestering contacts. Follow these guidelines:
– Mention your original ask gently in your follow-up message. Don’t assume they remember connecting with you.
– Stay positive in tone. Don’t sound irritated or entitled to a response. Assume good intent.
– If you get a “no”, accept it gracefully. Thank them again for considering you and move on.
– Only follow up 1-2 times max. If they don’t respond after a couple tries, continuing to message them becomes spam.
– Consider indirect follow up. Sometimes actions like updating your profile or connecting in person speak louder than more messages.
– Change the message or channel if following up. Try responding on their timeline like weekend vs. weekday. Or switch from messages to requesting a call.
– Build the relationship outside the ask. Share useful articles, comment thoughtfully on their content, offer to help, etc.
Following up is okay, but don’t harass contacts. If an ask goes unanswered, focus on other opportunities and strengthening the relationship.
Who to Ask for a Job on LinkedIn
Certain people are better targets than others when asking directly for a job on LinkedIn. Prioritize outreach to:
Better Targets | Less Ideal Targets |
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Key takeaway: The more connected the person is to the actual hiring process, the better. Lead with your warm connections.
How to Respond if You Get Rejected After Asking for a Job
If your ask doesn’t lead to an interview for the role, how you respond still matters:
– Be gracious. Thank them sincerely for considering you and for letting you know where things stand.
– Don’t debate. It’s unwise to argue why you should’ve gotten an interview. Accept their decision.
– Express interest in future roles. Say you’d be interested in other suitable openings down the line.
– Highlight other ways to stay in touch. Mention you look forward to interacting on LinkedIn, at upcoming events, etc.
– Ask for feedback if appropriate. If you have an established relationship, it may be fine to politely ask for advice on strengthening your candidacy.
– Evaluate why things didn’t work out. Review the role fit and determine what you could do differently next time.
– Don’t burn bridges. You never know where connections will lead in the future. Preserve the relationship.
Stay positive. Getting rejected stings but don’t take it personally. Focus on nurturing relationships and seeking the right match.
Examples of Polite LinkedIn Job Ask Rejections
If you need to say “no” or share bad news after someone asks you for a job on LinkedIn, here are some polite, bridge-building responses:
If the Role is Already Filled
Thanks for reaching out and expressing interest in the [role] position. Unfortunately this role has already been filled, but I truly appreciate you taking the time to contact me. Please don’t hesitate to reach out in the future if you come across other open roles that may be a fit. Wishing you the best!
If They Aren’t a Fit
Hi [name], I sincerely appreciate you reaching out about the [role]. After reviewing your background, I don’t think it’s the best match for the skills and experience we are looking for at this time. I will keep you in mind for other opportunities that may come up and am happy to connect on LinkedIn. Feel free to stay in touch!
If Asking for Feedback
I appreciate you reaching out about the [role], but we’ve decided to go with another candidate whose experience closely aligns with our current needs. I’m happy to schedule a quick call to provide some high-level feedback about how your background compares to what we were looking for if you think that would be helpful. Please let me know if you’d like to discuss. Thanks again for your interest – please keep us in mind for future openings!
Should You Formally Apply After Asking for a Job on LinkedIn?
In most cases, following up a LinkedIn ask by formally applying is critical:
– Don’t assume an initial “yes” means you’re hired. Carefully navigate the full interview and evaluation process.
– Check if they want you to formally apply. Many will direct you to after an initial positive response.
– Applying reinforces you are serious and respect their process. Skipping applying can look arrogant or naive.
– It provides needed context and details. Formal materials like cover letters, resumes and portfolios showcase your fit.
– You’ll likely compete against other applicants. Applying gives you a fair shot versus favoritism.
– It maintains relationship boundaries. Separating personal outreach from formal hiring workflows is prudent.
Still put your best foot forward in the actual application. Don’t cut corners just because of early positive interactions.
Mistakes to Avoid When Asking About Jobs on LinkedIn
To maximize your chances of success, avoid these common missteps:
– Being too aggressive, demanding or entitled in tone
– Asking someone you have no existing relationship or rapport with
– Not personalizing the ask and blowing up people’s inboxes with copy-pasted messages
– Appearing desperate or overly eager without explaining your fit
– Not following up online asks by formally applying and going through the interview process
– Messaging at odd hours or inappropriate frequency without regard for their time
– Getting defensive or burning bridges if the answer is “no”
– Making it all about your needs rather than the value you can add
– Asking for too much too soon, like requesting introductions to their entire network
– Skipping necessary qualifications or applying steps in the process
Asking directly only works if you maintain trust and respect. Stay gracious, humble, and professional.
Alternative Ways to Find Jobs on LinkedIn Besides Asking Directly
If you don’t feel comfortable asking directly for a job on LinkedIn, use these other approaches:
Search Jobs and Apply
– Use LinkedIn’s job board to find and apply to open positions
– Set job alerts for new openings matching your criteria
– Message the recruiter listed on the job posting rather than employees
Network and Build Connections
– Attend LinkedIn events to connect in person with professionals
– Join LinkedIn groups in your industry or city
– Comment thoughtfully on posts and content to get noticed
– Offer advice and assistance freely without asking for roles
Consider Informational Interviews
– Ask for career advice instead of job leads
– Build rapport and learn about potential fits for the future
– Gain insights about unlisted jobs through insider knowledge
– Convert interviews into mentorships or sponsorships over time
There are ways to unlock opportunities on LinkedIn without putting people on the spot with direct asks. Focus on nurturing your network genuinely.
Conclusion
Asking directly for a job on LinkedIn is situationally appropriate but should be done carefully. Make sure you have a relationship with the person, explain your interest and qualifications, and maintain a polite, humble tone.
Follow up online asks by formally applying and going through the interview process. Accept “no” gracefully and preserve the relationship for future possibilities. Avoiding common etiquette mistakes and finding other organic ways to network can lead to better results long-term.
With the right approach, asking for jobs on LinkedIn can be fruitful. But focus on cultivating genuine professional relationships first and foremost. If your outreach is overly salesy, demanding or transactional, it will likely backfire. Lead with patience and respect.