How to Approach 2nd or 3rd Degree Contacts on LinkedIn
I am a frequent speaker at job search – networking events and one question that comes up in almost every session is, “How do I reach out to 2nd or 3rd degree contacts on LinkedIn?”. Here is an overview of the process options and my top two tips for getting a response from targets that you don’t know.
Process Options:
- If the target is a member of the same LinkedIn group(s) as you, and he/she has opted in for contacts, you can use the “send message” feature, available on the target contact’s profile.
- If the target is a second-degree contact, you can reach out to the first-degree contact through LinkedIn or email and ask to be introduced.
- If you are paying for the LinkedIn Business membership, and he/she has opted in, you can send an In Mail message.
- You can do some detective work and uncover your target’s email address, and send him/her an email directly. See my post, “How to find hidden email addresses for company contacts.”.
Top 2 Tips To Get A Response:
When you email someone that you don’t know, you need to use strategies that help to get your message read (not deleted) and responded to.
- Use “commonality”: In the subject line of your email and/or in the beginning of your note, mention something that you have in common with the person you are communicating with. This will help to grab the recipient’s attention and get them into listening/reading mode.
Here are some subject line examples:
“Sandra Johnson (Fidelity) Referred Me To You”
“Fellow Member of Sales Playbook LinkedIn Group”
“Fellow Bentley University Alumni”
“Just Read Your Marketing Manager Blog”
- Ask for advice, instead of directly asking referrals or to forward your resume. Keep the message short and to the point. Do not attach your resume. Here is an example:
Dear XXX,
Sandra Johnson recommended that I reach out to you.
My name is John Lowden, previously Director of Sales at Fortune 500 Company, and currently looking at other career options.
The reason for my email is, Best Place To Work Inc. is one of my target companies and I see that you have been there for more than five years. Congratulations on your recent promotion to VP, Finance. (A compliment can also be helpful!)
Do you have any advice on the best way to approach Best Place To Work and gain some visibility in this competitive job market? I noticed that you recently advertised for a Director of Sales in your healthcare division.
Please let me know. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Asking for advice will frequently lead to a telephone conversation, information on who the recruiter/hiring manager is and a resume forward.
Do you have additional tips for contacting 2nd or 3rd degree contacts on LinkedIn? Please share them in the comments section.
Copyright March 2010, Marci Reynolds, All Rights Reserved
Did you know that you can have a personal website set up with a personal domain name in under one hour for about $10 per year? When I meet with job seekers and discuss setting up a personal website, I find that most people think setting up a site is a big undertaking. I am here to dispel that terrible rumor.
Setting up a personal website can be fast, easy and very inexpensive, and provides many benefits to your job search.
- A personal website will help improve your online visibility (SEO) to help you “be found” when recruiters and hiring managers look for you- or candidates that look like you with your skills and abilities.
- You can reinforce and build your online brand by including website content that showcases your unique skills, abilities and qualifications. And, because it is your website, you can update the content and design anytime.
Here’s how you can set up a personal website in three easy steps:
Step One: Reserve Your Personal Domain Name, www.firstlast.com
The first step in setting up a personal website, is reserving a personal domain, i.e. www.yourname.com. I recommend using GoDaddy for domain reservations because their interface is fairly easy to use, the process is fast and most .com domains cost just over $10 per year.
Since one of the objectives of creating your own site, is to improve your online visibility and search engine rank, you should attempt to reserve your first and last name as the domain. If your name is already taken, try adding a dash between your first and last name or adding your middle initial.
Note: When you reserve your domain there is no need to pay for the list of addons provided such as WordPress hosting. Just get the basic domain service with no exras. You can always pay for more options at a later time.
Step Two: Sign Up For An Account At WordPress.com
The free, WordPress.com platform is not just for blogging. With a choice of 80, free themes you can design a very attractive, personal website in a few minutes. Simply go to WordPress and follow the steps provided to create an account and then point your personal domain name to your site.
There are 
other free blogging platforms to choose from, ex, Blogger, but after reviewing them all, I have found that WordPress.com provides the most design options and colors (themes), to make your site look more like a site- versus a blog.
The other great thing about WordPress is, if you want to start blogging at a later date, you are ready to go. With a few clicks, your personal website can also have a personal blog.
Step Three: Add Your Website Content
These are the basic elements that I recommend your personal site includes:
- About Page: Your “about section” is a personal bio that highlights your unique skills and abilities AND focuses on what you can do for your prospective employer and how you can positively impact their business results. The words, phrases and branding should be aligned with your LinkedIn profile summary information, but don’t need to be identical.
- Contact Page: Include a page that lists your telephone number and email address. I do not recommend displaying your home address for confidentiality and safety reasons. When you display your email, you may want to write out the words to prevent spammers from capturing it. Example: Instead of john@johnsmith.com display john at johnsmith dot com.
- Resume Summary: Create a version of your resume that summarizes your experience and generates interest, but does not include all of the details. Your goal is to summon curiosity so that you get a phone call or email from a recruiter or hiring manager. After they make contact, you can then provide a copy of your full resume. (I recommend including your city and state, but not your home address for confidentiality and safety reasons.)
- Photo: For all the same reasons you should include a photo in your social networking profiles, include a photo somewhere in your personal website. Flattering photos help to draw in and engage viewers, and personalize your web presence. Check out this post, “Strengthen your personal brand with an online photo“.
- Twitter Feed: If you are actively using Twitter (which you should!), display your Twitter feed as part of your consistent navigation.
- Links: Display links back to your LinkedIn Profile and to any other online content that may be relevant. For example, if you have guest blogged or published articles that are business related, you may want to include links back to that content.
Beyond The Basics:
- Keywords: How will recruiters or hiring managers find your personal website? Via keywords. Be sure that your content includes the keywords that may be used to find someone with your skills and abilities. Learn more in this article, “The power of keywords in your social network profiles”.
- Samples Of Your Work: In your last role, did you create an impressive powerpoint about a new company strategy or department project? Did you create a unique excel spreadsheet report or marketing model? Assuming that you will not breach any confidentiality agreements, you may want to display links to sample work that demonstrates and reinforces your unique set of talents.
- A Blog: If you are a strong business writer, have specific expertise or opinions about a career related topic, and have the time to publish weekly content, you may want to start blogging. Blog content will draw more visitors to your website and is another way to showcase your abilities. Check out this post: “Blogging 101 for your job search“.
Bottom Line
Setting up a personal website can be fast, easy and very inexpensive, and provides many benefits to your job search. Get started right now!
Copyright February 2010, Marci Reynolds, All Rights Reserved
