Reach out to Recruiters on LinkedIn (the right way!)
About this video
Jeff Su explains how to reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn by ending your message with a request to be put in touch with someone currently working in the role you are applying for, rather than a generic request to pick their brain. He gives three reasons: it shows you are proactive and helping yourself, it shows problem-solving because as an outside candidate you cannot judge fit without talking to someone in the role, and it is more polite and meaningful. The three-step process is: first connect with the recruiter with a personalised request that relates to them, compliments them or adds value, without mentioning the position (his example to Annie at Apple notes shared Shanghai tech backgrounds and her UNNC degree); second, after connecting, ask if they know anyone on the team for a casual chat to understand the day-to-day and team culture before bothering them with application questions; third, follow up after that conversation, citing something specific you learned, reaffirming your interest and offering to send your resume. He notes that even if the recruiter declines to connect you, the alternatives, such as answering your questions themselves or forwarding your resume to the hiring manager, are still better than a generic outreach.
Key takeaways
- End your recruiter message by asking to be connected with someone currently working in the role, not with a generic ‘pick your brain’ request
- That request signals proactivity and problem-solving, and shows consideration for the recruiter’s time
- Step one is to connect first with a personalised message that relates, compliments or adds value, without mentioning the job
- Step two is to ask for a casual chat with a team member to learn the day-to-day and culture before asking about the application process
- Step three is to follow up citing something specific from that chat, reaffirm interest, and offer your resume; even a refusal usually yields a useful alternative like a recruiter chat or a forwarded resume
Episode details: published September 16, 2020 · 6:27 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. Business results and any income figures mentioned are Jeff Su’s own claims, shared for education — they are not typical or guaranteed.
← Previous: LinkedIn: How to Connect Like a Pro · Next: Why Do You Want to Work Here? (Answer this Tricky Question) →
All Jeff Su videos · Jeff Su profile · Jeff Su (official site)
