Is it okay to reach out to folks in another company through Linked In?
I'm interested in pursuing a position at a company that I don't know much about but looks very ideal on the surface. I'd like to get to know more of what it's like working at that company. In Linked In, there are quite a few "2nd degree" contacts in that company through people I'm connected with (and have worked with) on Linked In.
Possible benefits:
- Better understand what the company is looking for beyond the job posting to be able to better tailor my resume and any potential interviews to meet that need
- Begin building relationship with people IN the company.
- Know better the value I could contribute and receive out of working.
Is it okay to send a "Hey I know so-and-so, and I'd like to know what it's like working for x?" or something similar? Has anyone seen this done effectively?
Thanks!
-Jazz
first degree
Jazz,
I would talk to your direct connections that are connected to people in that organization. For me, I wanted to know more about an organization that a lot of people at my company were "migrating" to. I used my direct connections to get introduced to people who had migrated. That person is then able to let the internal connection know that you will be contacting them. Often in those "I'd like to get introduced" discussions, I got some information about the company second-hand. While not ideal, it does help begin to bring into focus what the organization looks like and helps you ask better questions when you do get introduced to an internal connection. I would only jump directly to the 2nd level connection if you can't let your direct connection know you are looking.
John