How to Message LinkedIn Connections About Job Openings

Here’s exactly how I’d approach a recruiter at Google, Meta, or Amazon on LinkedIn (if I were job hunting today) LinkedIn is still the best place to connect with recruiters — but most people either overshare or ghost after connecting. No, you don’t need a 500-word pitch. No, you don’t have to wait for a job to open. Here’s a 4-step roadmap I recommend to job seekers in the U.S. (especially immigrants): Step 1: Find the right recruiter Search for: Meta recruiter or Talent acquisition at Google. Then filter: → By location (target U.S. cities you're applying in) → By department (e.g. "technical recruiter" for SWE roles) Step 2: Send a short, specific connection request Keep it human. No essay. Example: “Hi [Name], I noticed you focus on [backend/data/scaled hiring] at Amazon. I’d love to connect and follow your updates as I explore roles in that space.” Avoid: - I need job. - Generic “Hi, I want to work at your company.” Step 3: Follow up after they accept (2–3 days later) This is your chance to be clear and polite. Example: “Hi [Name], thanks for connecting! I’m really interested in the [job title] role at [Company] and have attached my resume for reference. Would love any tips on applying or learning more about the role.” You’re not begging. You’re being prepared and respectful. Step 4: Build visibility, not just messages Recruiters respond better when you stay visible. → Comment on their posts → Share 1–2 updates about your job search or projects → Stay top of mind without being spammy Timeline recap: Day 1: Connection request Day 3: Follow-up message with resume Week 2+: Stay visible, share progress or comment on relevant content Not every recruiter will respond — and that’s okay. But this approach gets you 10x better results than “Hi sir, job please.” Share this with a job seeker you know. P.S. Follow me if you’re an Indian job seeker in the U.S. trying to land yiyr dream job. I share job search strategies that actually work.

Everyone says, “Network your way into a job.” But no one tells you how to make your message actually stand out. I used to send generic cold messages that got zero replies. Then I started attaching specific questions or insights about the company or role. That’s when conversations started. Here’s how to network well: - Don’t ask for a referral in your first message. Start a conversation. - Mention a specific project or product the person worked on that excites you. - Ask one thoughtful question, not “Can I pick your brain?” - Keep it under 3 sentences. Respect their time. Here’s are a few templates you can use: - Hello! I applied to a SWE internship at Meta and had a few questions about the work culture. Would you be open to connecting? I appreciate your time! - Your work in [field/area of expertise] is truly remarkable. As an aspiring [role], I'd greatly appreciate the chance to connect and gain invaluable guidance from your journey. - I'm captivated by your unique approach to [specific aspect of their work]. Could we connect? I'd love to learn more and potentially explore opportunities for collaboration. - Hello! I read the research paper you published on XYZ topic. As a master’s student, I’m interested in pursuing research in similar fields, I’d be thrilled if you could connect! - I'm fascinated by your work on [specific project/initiative]. As an aspiring [role] in [field], I'd love to connect and learn from your expertise. Would you be open to a brief chat? - Your recent [article/interview/presentation] on [topic] resonated deeply with me. I'm keen to explore [related area of interest] and would appreciate the opportunity to connect. Your message should be short, specific, and easy to reply to. Most people just say, “Hi, can you refer me?” Be better than most people. #networking #techcareers #jobsearch #30DaysOfCareerGrowth Day 6 of #30DaysOfCareerGrowth

Please stop submitting cold job applications. I see too many people getting zero interviews despite submitting hundreds of applications. Do this after you hit apply: 1. Go to the company’s LinkedIn page.    → Click "People" 2. Search for:    → Alumni from your school    → Mutual connections    → Someone in a similar role to the one you applied for    → The hiring manager 3. Reach out with a short subject line like:    → “Fellow [school] alum connecting re counsel role”    → “[Friend] of Jane Smith looking to connect”    → “Connecting about the assistant counsel position" 4. In your message:    → Introduce yourself    → Mention the role    → Ask for a 15-minute chat    → Do NOT attach your resume    → Do NOT ask for a referral (yet) Example: “I’m a fellow State grad (class of 2015) now working as a litigator at ABC Firm, and I recently applied for the counsel role at XYZ Co. I see that you’ve been working on the product team there for several years, and I’d love to learn more about your experience. Might you have time for a brief call in the next week or two? Thanks so much in advance.” 5. On the call:    → Thank them for taking the time to speak with you    → Give a one-minute overview of your background    → Ask open-ended questions about their experience    → Restate your interest in the position and company    → End with a specific ask:    "Is there anyone else you'd recommend I speak to?"    or    "Would you be open to flagging my resume for the hiring manager?" 6. Follow up with a brief thank-you message. 🤔 The reason you haven't been hearing back from online applications? Employers are inundated with resumes. They often start with the applications that came with a warm referral. The good news? You can create your own referral by following these steps. Stop sending cold applications. Start making your own connections. And watch the interviews start coming in. P.S. No, you don't have to do this for every job.... Just the ones you want to get interviews for. *** 👋 I'm a lawyer-turned-career coach, and I have helped hundreds of lawyers of all seniority levels successfully navigate career transitions. This fall, I'll be working with 10 associates to land their dream in-house or lateral jobs through my Accelerator coaching program. Message me to learn more.