If you’ve read my previous posts on referrals, you’ll know how powerful they can be. But like anything else in this world that’s worth more than penny’s and nickels, it’ll take some smart and hard work.

One of my favorite methods that I mentioned was using Linkedin’s enormous database of professionals along with value-driven, specific cold emails to connect with a potential decision-maker.

Let’s take a look at a real life example on how I was able to get my foot in the door for an interview at Linkedin.

Back in October 2014ish, I wanted to shift careers towards the mysterious world of recruiting. It was going to be an arduous journey but I knew there was power in networking.

Here’s what I did.

1. Research & Gather Potential Interviewees

I knew I had to start at the bottom of the totem pole so I searched specifically for job titles that contained, “Sourcer” , “Recruiting Associate” and “Recruiting Coordinator” in the San Francisco Bay Area at Big Tech companies. (aka. Google, Linkedin, Apple, and Facebook).

After digging around for more entry-level, jr type positions, the only posting that was worth a shot was for a RC contract position at Linkedin.

The blue APPLY button looked tempting and I could feel my innate lizard brain telling me to JUST PRESS IT, use your Linkedin info, and be DONE.

Nope, not this time. Let’s try something different.

I thought I’d poke around and see if there were any friendly looking RC’s that were already working at Linkedin.

2. Identifying Warm Connections

86 results, not a bad pool to look around.

So, instead of digging my trenches and preparing a night of mass emailing, I thought it would make sense to find profiles that popped out (similar interests? humorous taglines? same groups?).

Remember – we want something specific when we’re reaching out! 

A few clicks later, I settled on these two profiles that I thought I could establish some rapport with.

1) 1st Linkediner had a basketball in his hand in his profile picture, was a Orientation leader (i was too!) and interned for the Warriors. P E R F E C T. 

2) 2nd Linkediner had a tagline “Advocate for the face-to-face conversation.”  Love It. That’s what I’m all about too.

3) 3rd Linkediner was A Fellow UC Irvine Anteater. Wow. Done.

3. Crafting A Value-Focused, Specific Email

Finally. We get to reach out, say hello, and get one step closer to an interview.

Take a look below at the exact template I used.

(In hindsight, I’d give it a B grade. It could have been more catered to the individual, have more of My Voice, and have a stronger Call To Action)

There were a few highlights however..let’s break it down.

Subject Line: Free lunch @ Google? [Value – offering something first]

Hey *******!

My name is Albert, I’m a Data Analyst here at Google. I’m beginning to explore other opportunities after I finish up my contract in November. I was browsing for jobs at Linkedin and there was a “Recruiting Coordinator (Contract)” position that caught my eye.

Seeing that you yourself are already a RC [Specificity – Did some research on them], I thought it might be a good idea to reach out and learn a little more about what it’s like, what you like about it, etc. [Purpose – People are busy, they have no need to respond. Get to the point, why are you reaching out?]

I know you guys already have free food at Linkedin so this request may have lost much of its appeal, but regardless, if you are curious about our cafes here, I’d love to treat you out. [Focusing again on giving and pushing for face-to-face]

Looking forward to connecting!

Thanks
Albert

Remember, this template is a framework. We all have different voices, different people we’re reaching out to, and for different types of roles and positions.

Have fun with it, get those creative juices flowing!

4. Being Responsive, Taking Action

Status check: We’ve got the right role, the right people, and the right email typed up and sent.

Normally, if there wasn’t a response, I would follow up in 2 days with a gentle nudge email. And if there still wasn’t a response (don’t give up! ), I’d wait another 2 days and send one final email with my contact info (YouCanBookMe calendar link, email, number, etc.), and a link or blurb about something that would be useful to them.

But Linkeders are awesome.

3 messages sent, 3 responses…not too bad!

Hey Albert!

Thanks for reaching out! I would be happy to do a lunch with you and tell you a little bit about our team. I will be out of the office on Friday of next week, but any other day would work for me.

Also, if you’d like we can do lunch here and I can give you a tour of our campus.

Thanks,

*****

 

Hey Albert!

Thanks for reaching out and thanks for the lunch offer. I’m happy to chat with you about the RC role. Would you be interested in coming to LI for lunch, possibly Wed or Thu?

Otherwise, happy to hop on a call also.

Cheers,
****

 

Hi Albert!

Happy to chat about my role as a RC at LinkedIn. Have you reached out to other RCs here / heard from them? I heard you also reached out to my colleague **** for a PC role, so we can all grab lunch together so you can learn about both roles.

This Thursday 9/24 at 11:30am-12:30pm or next Friday 10/3 at 11:30am-12:30pm should work for me.

Best,
****

The lunch was fantastic.

In fact, it was the best free food I’ve ever had…that naan bread was just…oh man…

OK enough of la-la land, back to the post.

I tried to keep a casual, semi-professional demeanor conversation throughout the lunch. I wanted everyone to feel comfortable. I was curious about their experiences but also allowed room for them to ask me questions about my story.

After our 30min lunch, I got a quick tour of the campus from one of the RCs, thanked him, and went back to work.

5. Final Follow Up

We’re close. We’re got the gift all wrapped up and now we just need a finishing bow on top.

Hi ****!

Thanks again for meeting up today. I’m not quite ready to pass the Food torch to Linkedin (yet), butI’d have to say, the Naan bread was much tastier than anything I had at Google. [Highlights & Humor – any memorable moment from the day?]

I know we had a snippet of time today to chat about my story as well as what I can expect from the RC position, but I’d love to talk to you more about why I think I’d be a great fit. [Quick recap on what was covered]

I’m available 9-1pm the rest of this week, and any time next week as well. [Specific Call To Action]

Looking forward to speaking with you again!

Thanks,
Albert

That’s it, nothing fancy.

While we’re all different in our own unique way, a good universal rule to remember is to use humor at some point in your interaction. Just do it appropriately.

And if you need some tips on how to be humorous, this is NOT the right blog for that.

For that, go watch a few re-runs of Whose Line Is It Anyway.

6. Wrapping up

The ball is in their court now.

We’ve done everything we could that’s within our control. And now…we wait…YAY!

Thankfully, Linkediners are once again, awesome.

8 hours after clicking Send –

Let’s chat for a few minutes tomorrow at 11? Let me know what the best number to reach you at is.

Woohoo!

I’m scheduled for a phone interview.

I’ve met my goal.

And now I’m one step closer…Mission Accomplished!

Let’s recap:

1. I knew what specific roles i wanted. I found possible keywords that matched and did my research

2. Think of the bigger picture. We’re living in the 21st century with flying machines and talking robots. I’m preeettyy sure I can leverage technology to find the right people to get in contact with. After all, what’s the worst that can happen if I said hello?

3. Speaking of talking robots, I refrained from being one in my emails and in my lunch meeting. It can be kind of intimidating for people you’re chatting with if that’s the aura you’re giving off. Just be yourself, relax.

4. Following up. Yeah nothing more, nothing less. Show that proactive-ness!

No, this isn’t a foolproof formula that IF repeated will yield 100 phone interviews. (But I mean if it does, let me know? cause woah…).

Instead, use this example as motivation for what can be accomplished with little bit of tenacity, a little bit confidence, and a lot of you.

So now it’s your turn.

What role are you going try to interview for? Who are you going to reach out to? 

Sound off in the comments below!

Cheers

Albert