INTRODUCTION

Previously, in part 3, we discussed 5 strategies for systematically identifying potential networking contacts and people who can offer insights about working at your target companies and/or in a specific position. Part 4 of our STEM job search series will cover approaches for writing engaging LinkedIn invitations, including do’s and don’ts, to build your network. Let’s begin!

Note: If you’re new to this STEM job search series, I suggest starting with part 1, which covers the first step of an organized job search—creating a list of target companies. This list is the foundation for the subsequent posts in the series.

“The easiest thing is to react. The second easiest thing is to respond. But the hardest thing is to initiate.” ~ Seth Godin ~

Most people know they should be networking because it’s good for their career but many people are uncomfortable approaching people they don’t know, and fear the vulnerable position they put themselves in when asking for help.

Quick Story Time

One of the most important lessons I’ve ever had on fear occurred in my first year working in R&D for the specialty chemicals industry while meeting with a colleague. I was fascinated by her chemical engineering background and wanted to learn more about her experience in various technical services, product management, and consulting roles involving polymer-based materials.

During our conversation, she shared one of the most valuable things she’s learned is the importance of talking to people. Being a shy, introverted person, who was still adjusting to my first job, this advice made me anxious. She picked up on my hesitance, upon which I shared my misgivings about approaching people I don’t know, such as not wanting to bother the person, accidentally sending the wrong signals, and wrestling with my lifelong apprehension toward asking for help.

Her response? “Kate, just remember, they can’t take away your birthday.”

At first, I was a bit confused by her advice, but as she continued talking, I realized that she was assuring me that my fears were natural. Even if I messed up my approach, I could remember these words, refocus, and calm down.

The worst-case scenario rarely occurs. In a networking situation, the worst that can happen is the person you approach ignores you or tells you they don’t have the time to help you. When you begin a job search, you will likely run into this situation at least once, perhaps multiple times. If so, thank the person for their time and move on with your goals.

Why use LinkedIn for networking?

In a previous post, I mentioned that research has estimated that up to 70% of jobs are not published, and 80% of jobs are filled through professional networking referrals.

My networking practices emphasize LinkedIn because it’s used by over 90% of recruiters and hiring managers to source possible candidates, especially when filling hard-to-fill science, engineering, and technology-focused roles. With more than 600 million professional profiles, you have nearly an unlimited supply of network connections and job opportunities.

How do you connect with someone?

When you’re on someone’s profile, look for the blue Connect button underneath the person’s name, headline, and the location at the top of their profile page.

If the person is a 3^rd-degree connection or someone who is connected to your 2^nd-degree connections, you may have to click the white More button at the top of their profile page and select the Connect option in the drop-down menu.

Clicking Connect brings up a prompt to customize this invitation. There, you will have 2 options:

Do NOT click send!

Doing this will generate the default “I’d like to join your network” message. This approach is ineffective for many reasons. First, it’s boring and doesn’t help you stand out among the plethora of LinkedIn invitations this person is likely receiving from others. Second, it’s lazy and provides no context behind who you are and why you want to connect. Third, and finally, this approach decreases the likelihood of the person accepting your request, which, in turn, negatively impacts how many connections you can make.

Don’t end up in LinkedIn jail. Yes, that is a real place.

When you send too many generic requests to people, who indicate they don’t know you, LinkedIn can restrict your account, which greatly reduces your ability to connect with people and expand your network.

This possibility underscores the importance of customizing your LinkedIn invite, and if you take away one thing from this post, let it be this:

Always personalize your LinkedIn invite.

I receive random LinkedIn invitations all the time. I’ll accept some, based on my own selection criteria, but I’ll ignore most.

Can you guess which ones I’ll accept?

The people who take the time to write a short, personal note about why they want to connect with me will grab my attention over those who send the default message or try to approach me with a sales pitch (Don’t even get me started).

People respond well to those who are genuine in their approach. Building genuine relationships involves paying attention to the people you want to connect with, such as the content they are sharing, creating, liking, commenting on, etc.

Your network is only as strong as the people in it. By identifying opportunities to intentionally connect with people that make sense for you, your career path, and your goals, you will notice a significant difference in the quality of connections you create versus connecting with people to reach that 500+ connections mark.

Key Components of a Strong LinkedIn Invite

LinkedIn notes added to invites have a 300-character limit. Therefore, you need to be direct and concise. Effective connection requests include the following details:

*This last part is especially important because the most effective invites come from a genuine place of learning, such as seeking advice about a particular job, career field, or company of interest.

Following this framework will add authenticity to your messages while helping you initiate meaningful conversations. 

Sample LinkedIn Connection Request Messaging Scripts

These scripts are purposely written to be modified and adapted across different LinkedIn network-building scenarios while staying within the 300-character limit.

LinkedIn Connection Requests Etiquette

To bring it all together, I’ll leave you with this brief list of do’s and don’ts to refer to when writing your LinkedIn connection requests.

DO:

DON’T:

CONCLUSION

Remember, the purpose of these customized invites is to help you build and develop high-quality relationships rooted in authenticity. By showing you took the time to look at the person’s profile, you increase the chances of them accepting your invite. In part 5, we will cover techniques for how to foster the relationship and take things to the next level – the informational interview.

Scientech Resumes is dedicated to helping science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals find fulfilling work through targeted, branded, and keyword-optimized resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and other career marketing documents. Schedule a FREE 20-minute discovery session to get some real-time feedback on your current resume and job search strategy or connect with me on LinkedIn. Let’s get you where you want to go, with greater results!