Any sneaky tricks to getting an "in" with people on LinkedIn or other sites? (employees, tips)

[Action100]

Obviously networking is a huge part of any job search these days.

So I was wondering, if you wanted to work for a company that you didn't personally know anyone at, and you had no better than a 3rd-person connection to any of their employees on LinkedIn, how would you go about bridging that gap?

I know you can pay the site $10 or something ridiculous like that to send a random person a direct message, but I was hoping to find a smoother way in than just the random creepy stranger approach.

Any tips or tricks for getting connected to employees of a certain company on LinkedIn or otherwise?

Thanks.

[BirdieBelle]

Work those 2nd-degree connections.

[Action100]

Thanks for the response. As I mentioned in my first post, I don't currently have any 2nd-degree connections to the company I wish to work for. That's why I'm trying to figure out how to bridge the gap and was asking for suggestions on how to do that.

[BirdieBelle]

I guess what I meant is that you need to methodically work the people in between you and that 3rd-degree person.

Think of them all as planks on that bridge you want to build.

Using Linked In directly, I believe there is a "Get introduced ..." option that shows you the most likely people you would use to get to that person. Choose the person you know best because you need someone who would be willing to step out and make another connection on your behalf.

Write that person (a 1st-degree connection) a quick message and simply spell out your goal. Then ask that person to pass along your message and contact info to the 2nd-degree contact and ask THEM to pass your message to the desired person.

Sort of like, "Hey Bob, my friend Action100 was hoping you would pass this message to your friend John Smith."

[Action100]

So, I mean on a level it sort of makes sense.

But really, what's the difference between that and just emailing the person you are trying to get in touch with directly and telling them what you need to tell them?

Either way seems quite impersonal.

It's either,

"Hi my name is ____ and I've been interested in your company..."

vs.

"Hey boss, a friend of a friend, neither of whom you know, wanted me to pass along the following message:

'Hi my name is ___ and I've been interesting in your company..."

[thatguydownsouth]

I have linkedin so that recruiters can contact me, I think thats the only real reason for the account. When people try to connect with me on linkedin I generally get the idea that its to get something out of me. I feel like if I add people (higher up's) they get the idea that Im just asking for a job.

What I really hate is when people from India add me as a friend on facebook because I have my job listed on there. I get like 1 a week.

[BirdieBelle]

Originally Posted by Action100

So, I mean on a level it sort of makes sense.

But really, what's the difference between that and just emailing the person you are trying to get in touch with directly and telling them what you need to tell them?

Either way seems quite impersonal.

It's either,

"Hi my name is ____ and I've been interested in your company..."

vs.

"Hey boss, a friend of a friend, neither of whom you know, wanted me to pass along the following message:

'Hi my name is ___ and I've been interesting in your company..."

I don't really think Linked In is the best way to do it. I mean, you asked, and that's my recommendation for how.

Truly effective networking needs to happen in person. Check the target person's profile for memberships (Chamber, Rotary, etc) and attend some meetings with the goal of introducing yourself.

Otherwise, you might as well just email them.

[RoadWarrior12]

Take a look at some of the industry groups as well, I've picked up a couple of connections out of those.

[Bloopers]

Sometimes, LinkedIn gives a month free membership and it allows you to send messages to people you aren't connected to, so you should look into that. Just remember to cancel before your trial ends.