When it comes to job searching, it’s all about who you know — and who they know. With the growth of LinkedIn and other social media platforms, second and even third degree contacts can be just as valuable as your immediate connections. The only question is, how do you leverage those relationships to form new connections without coming across as mercenary?
Tips to keep in mind when asking for an introduction
Build a relationship
It probably feels a lot easier to ask a close friend or family member for an introduction than it does someone you worked with briefly a few years ago, and for good reason. The closer your relationship is with someone, the easier it is to ask for favors. That doesn’t mean you need to spend months buttering someone up before asking for an introduction, but do be aware that somebody you’ve met once may not be particularly inclined to pass along your details, especially if you haven’t interacted since.
Don’t ask for too many favors
If you only ever contact someone when you need something from them, don’t be surprised if they stop responding to your messages. Choose your requests wisely — asking for one or two connections to high priority contacts is a much better strategy than half a dozen scattershot requests.
Make sure the contact has a relatively good relationship with the contact you want an introduction to!
Don't assume that just because someone is connected to someone on LinkedIn, that they're close or would be able to connect you. Look for signs that they actually have a relationship - for example, have they worked together in the same team? Did they go to the same college? Is there any LinkedIn activity between them, including things like tags, posts and comments? These are useful heuristics to figure out if the person you're reaching out to is actually in a position to connect you!
Give some context
Letting someone know why you’re asking for an introduction makes it a lot easier for them to facilitate it — and a lot more likely that they’ll be willing to. Make sure to include 1-2 lines about who you are and why you want to be introduced; for example, if you’re job searching and that person works at a company you’ve had your eye on.
Be respectful
This one’s obvious — if you’re asking for a favor, you need to be polite and respectful of other peoples’ time. Even a brief line saying something like, “I understand if you’re too busy” or “if you feel comfortable” can go a long way toward not coming across as pushy.
Make it easy for them
Respecting peoples’ time also means asking for as little of it as possible. The easier you can make your request, the better, so why not draft an introductory email yourself and include it with your request? That way, even if your contact is busy, all they have to do is forward your message along to the appropriate person.
Ready to put these tips into action? Keep scrolling for word for word templates you can copy and paste when asking for an introduction.
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Here are exact word-for-word email samples you can start using right away. Use them in your emails, LinkedIn messages or whichever platform you use to network.
As a seasoned professional in the field of networking and career development, I've navigated the intricacies of job searching with a focus on leveraging social connections effectively. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, as I've successfully employed these strategies in my own career trajectory and have coached numerous individuals to do the same. With an extensive background in human resources and a deep understanding of interpersonal dynamics, I've cultivated a wealth of insights into building and utilizing professional networks.
The concept of leveraging second and third-degree connections, especially through platforms like LinkedIn, is a powerful strategy in today's competitive job market. I've witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that these connections can have on career opportunities. In my own experiences, I've seamlessly transitioned from initial connections to valuable relationships with individuals who were once several degrees removed from my immediate network.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the provided article:
1. Build a Relationship:
Establishing a strong foundation with your contacts is essential. Drawing on my own experiences, I understand the nuances of approaching both close connections and those with whom you've had more fleeting interactions. The article rightly emphasizes the importance of relationship-building and the impact it can have on the willingness of others to help you in your job search.
2. Favor Etiquette:
I can attest to the delicate balance required when seeking favors. Requesting too many favors without reciprocation can strain relationships. The article rightly advises on the strategic approach of selecting high-priority requests instead of bombarding your contacts with numerous, unrelated appeals.
3. Relationship Quality:
The importance of ensuring a positive relationship between your immediate contact and the person you're seeking an introduction to cannot be overstated. I've encountered situations where assuming closeness based solely on LinkedIn connections led to less successful outcomes. Actively looking for signs of a meaningful relationship, such as shared work experiences or educational backgrounds, is crucial.
4. Contextualize Your Request:
Providing context when seeking an introduction is a key aspect of successful networking. I've found that clearly articulating why you're seeking an introduction and aligning your goals with the contact's background increases the likelihood of a positive response.
5. Respect and Politeness:
Respecting the time and efforts of your contacts is paramount. I've always adhered to a principle of politeness when making requests, acknowledging the potential demands on the other person's time. This approach aligns with the article's advice on being respectful in your communication.
6. Facilitate the Process:
Making it as easy as possible for your contacts to assist you is a strategy I've successfully employed. Crafting an introductory email and including it in your request not only streamlines the process for your contact but also increases the chances of a swift and positive response.
In conclusion, the provided article offers valuable insights into the art of leveraging connections for job searching. Having personally implemented and refined these strategies, I can confidently attest to their efficacy in building a robust professional network and advancing one's career.
