Deciding to contact someone about a remote job offer on LinkedIn can undoubtedly be daunting and scary. However, Linkedin is a platform that is built to leverage networking and the first rule of networking is to just ‘say it’. While there aren’t any shortcuts or an ultimate playbook to guarantee that you’ll get a yes, we know that asking for help from digital connections takes some finesse. So, we’ve curated five tips that will help you cut through the noise and uncertainty.

Here are 5 tips for contacting someone about a remote job offer on LinkedIn:

1. Put your best foot forward:

The most effective way to find a job on LinkedIn is by networking. Sometimes, someone knows someone that knows someone that can get you the job. So, don’t be shy about sending connection requests or selling yourself properly. If you’re sending an in-message while requesting a connection, you have only 300 characters; so you need to include the most relevant information possible. With physical elevator pitches and networking opportunities on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online networking is the next best thing.

2. Be as specific as you can be:

Being specific forces you to curate concise messages and put the punch line in the first line. The more specific the request, the easier it’ll be for the recruiter (or whoever you’re reaching out to) to have a reply or solution. If your specificity restricts you to ask for one thing only, that’s even better. One of the keys to getting a response through cold messaging is to keep it simple but concise enough not to overwhelm the reader. The easier it is to read and understand, the greater your chances of hearing back from them!

3. Customise each message:

Tailor your messages to suit the relationship level you have with the person you’re contacting and what they can offer you. The message crafted for someone you intend to ask about a remote job offer on LinkedIn should be different from a message crafted for a freelance job or for a physical job. Also, the relationship you have with the person can influence the tone and word choices. Most recruiters can differentiate between a generic message and a well-thought-out message. So, it’s more effective to put some heart into each message. 

4. Conversation first, attachments later:

Break the ice with your well-curated concise message, not an attachment of your resume or links to your portfolio. Except it’s the follow-up conversation or you’re replying to a specific message that involves sending attachments or links, this approach should be avoided. It is best to use the first conversation/opportunity to find out if the person is in a position to help you and how open they are, with talking to you.
Basically, if the person you’re reaching out to isn’t expecting your resume or portfolio links, it’s better to keep the first virtual meet text-only.

5. Three don’ts to consider:

  • Don’t send messages without proofreading
  • Don’t send short messages with just Hi, Hello or Good day
  • Don’t be rude or condescending

It’s understandable how intimidating reaching out to people you’ve never met might be. However, growth involves risks, and rejections are only a path for growth. Like everything else, practice makes perfect, so start curating those messages, and in no time, you’ll not need to contact anyone about a remote job offer on LinkedIn because you’ll have offers already! Good luck!

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