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Indeed: How To Network for a Job (Why It's Important and 7 Tips)

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Indeed: How To Network for a Job (Why It's Important and 7 Tips)

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LinkedIn: You should be requesting informational interviews. Here’s how

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LinkedIn: You should be requesting informational interviews. Here’s how

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Networking is one of the cornerstones of a successful career and job search. One of the most effective networking tools is known as an informational interview, which is a discussion focused on learning - about a role, a person's career, a company, industry and so much more. Informational interviews can help you plot your next career move and create strong bonds with people who can help you along the way.

Yet, few people ask for informational interviews. If they do, many end up spoiling the experience by asking for too much too quickly or showing up unprepared for the conversation.

Rosie McCarthy, who is the founder of Badass Careers and a former recruiter, mentioned the ins-and-outs of informational interviews a couple of months ago when we were chatting for another edition of Get Hired focused on communicating with potential employers. You can read that edition by clicking here.

I called her up to revisit the topic for this edition.
What are informational interviews?
"It's a way to connect with people who are already doing cool stuff, or in cool companies," said McCarthy, who is also a 2020 LinkedIn Top Voices in Job Search and Careers. "It can literally just be labeled a career curiosity conversation, a coffee catch up, whatever it is."

"It's an exchange that allows you to get more information about a certain person's profession or a workplace that they're currently working in. Or, during the job search phase, potentially a certain team or role itself."

The part that tends to scare people away from informational interviews is asking complete strangers for 30 minutes of their time, she said.

One way to counter your trepidation about asking for an informational interview is to have these conversations while you're employed or go into the discussion without any expectation that it will directly lead to a job.

"It's just so much easier to make the ask when you know that it's coming from a genuine place of curiosity."
The right people to reach out to for conversations
"In my coaching programs, people have thought about their strengths, values, experiences and the problems they love to solve," said McCarthy. "All these kinds of things. They come up with these sort of keywords and we put these keywords and different combinations into LinkedIn."

Then, she said, they try to find "cool people doing cool stuff" in the search results. Target people and people at companies that you want to learn more about.

"My biggest thing is trying to find people you have a connection with in some way," she added. "And I am a big fan of going in at what I call the peer level - people who you would actually be colleagues with or they'd be on your team."

If you're a job seeker, you probably instinctively think you should have informational interviews with recruiters and hiring managers, but that can actually often be a losing strategy. Recruiters and hiring managers are often inundated with requests for meetings on top of their existing work. Therefore, it may be better to reach out to people who are more likely to say yes.

"You can speak to someone on the team, get that genuine insider information, some tips - maybe for the interview if you're going through a job search process," said McCarthy.

If you hit it off with the other person and they think you'd be a good fit at their company, they may suggest sending your resume. Then, they can forward it to the hiring manager or recruiter.

"That can be more powerful than trying to reach out sometimes to the hiring manager themselves."
Asking for an informational interview
One of the most important things to remember during a job search or career exploration is that you will often be told no or rejected, but you need to keep going. The same applies when asking for informational interviews. McCarthy said you'll likely need to send several requests just to get one yes.

To increase your odds of success, she suggests doing some research - about a half-hour's worth - on the person before you reach out to them. Start off with any connection you may have with them. Then, explain the genuine reason you're reaching out to the person. Also, give two or three questions you'd like the person to answer. Don't make the questions general, such as "tell me about your career journey" or "tell me about your company." Be specific. Finally, offer a few possible 15- to 30-minute timeslots for the person to accept.
What about the actual conversation?
As with most parts of career planning and job searching, preparation is a key part of informational interviews. McCarthy suggests preparing specific questions in advance and - since most meetings are still over video - keeping them next to your webcam for guidance. Those questions are especially helpful when there is a natural dip in the conversation.

Another tip she offered is to own the time. If a person agrees to a 30-minute conversation, be respectful of that amount and keep the conversation moving. Give the person clues about how much time is left so they don't keep checking the clock. For example, you can tell the person "we only have 10 minutes left and I have two more questions." Also, you should ask them if they know of anyone else you should talk to about a role, profession, industry or company.
The conversation should continue
McCarthy said you should keep the conversation going beyond that initial chat. McCarthy says it's important to send some kind of thank-you note - digital or physical. Then, follow-up with the person if they say it's OK. Tell them about your career progress and keep in touch. Finally, support them if you can by liking their posts on LinkedIn and engaging with them when possible.

"They will form a part of your 'committee,'" she said. "If you're having these informational interviews - no matter where you eventually land - get back to everyone who's in your job, or who was a part of this 'committee.' They helped you in some way, they gave you some time, and let them know, like, 'hey, just landed a sick job at Amazon. I thank you so much for your time, it really inspired me.' You never know where people will end up."
What advice do you have for people wanting to set up informational interviews? Join the conversation .
#GetHired Live broadcasts every Friday at 12:00 p.m. ET from the LinkedIn News page to discuss important issues affecting job seekers and to answer your questions about looking for work. Kyle Elliott, who is a career and interview coach, will join me on the next episode on Friday, March 26! We'll discuss how you can identify and own what makes you special. Also, we'll answer your job search and career questions. or the image below to RSVP for the show!

▶ The follow-up

Beth Galetti helped hire 500,000 people during the worst pandemic the world has seen in more than 100 years. As Amazon's senior vice president of human resources, Galetti oversees the hiring of everyone from the people who work in the company's warehouses to those who are sending satellites into orbit. She recently chatted with #GetHired about her job and her advice for job seekers. She suggests people looking for work find roles that keep them learning. "For me, I've been most satisfied in my career by always being in an environment where I'm continuously learning." Here's what people are saying about her advice.

A note from the heart. Ryan Lowry recently posted a letter on LinkedIn asking that employers "take a chance" on him even though he doesn't learn like "typical people do." You see, Lowry is among the one in 54 people on the autism spectrum. He wrote that he would like a job in animation or IT. Lowry received an outpouring of support and possible career leads. The letter also shined a light on the struggle many people on the autism spectrum face in the job market, with typically higher unemployment rates. Here's what people are saying about the letter and issue.

Diversity should also help lift up people with disabilities. The renewed focus on diversity and inclusion in workplaces should and could lead to much-needed help for people living with disabilities, say experts. To make that a reality, employers will need to be open to making reasonable accommodations to positions and the workplace. Also, they should commit to inclusive hiring practices. Here's what people are saying about the topic.

Automation is coming - quietly. Companies are starting to turn to robots to do things like handling purchase orders, transferring data, handling expense reports, reviewing bank statements and much more, writes Kevin Roose in The New York Times. In some cases, automation is doing work typically reserved for lawyers, bankers or even doctors. While the move to automation has existed for decades, Roose says the pace has quickened during the pandemic. Much of that movement has been quiet, though. In many cases, it's being done by programs and companies the average person has never heard of before. Here's what people are saying about the robot revolution.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to reach if you have ideas on topics or questions I should address in future editions of . You can also email me at GetHired[at]LinkedIn.com.
▶ Up next:

Applicant tracking systems send fear and anger throughout the job search community. The systems vary but are meant to help recruiters and employers keep track of the application they receive. Also, they can help recruiters shepherd applicants through the hiring process. We'll take a look at these systems in the next edition of #GetHired.

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You should be requesting informational interviews. Here's how

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Networking is one of the cornerstones of a successful career and job search. One of the most effective networking tools is known as an informational interview, which is a discussion focused on learning - about a role, a person's career, a company, industry and so much more.

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Career Contessa: The Perfect Informational Interview Template: A 5-Step Guide

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Career Contessa: The Perfect Informational Interview Template: A 5-Step Guide

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We love an informational interview around here because they're truly the best way to get a clear picture of companies (or jobs) that interest you.

It also happens to be how our founder, Lauren McGoodwin, found her career in recruiting. Over a nine-month period, she reached out to 70 people about having informational interviews and 30 of them got back to her. In the end, she found her dream position working for Hulu through one of those professional connections.

When we began to put this article together, we figured we might as well use our in-house expert Without further ado, here's Lauren's 5-step guide to running a perfect informational interview every time. Because while they aren't meant for asking for a job directly, informational interviews do often open doors to new opportunities.

How to Plan the Ideal Informational Interview

1. Research a Specific Person

There are plenty of ways to find people to reach out to about informational interviews (we recommend starting by making a list of dream companies and potential job titles, then searching for names via LinkedIn), but once you find an ideal person to speak with, you also need to convince them it's worth their time.

Lauren recommends looking up their work history, educational background, and past awards or certifications on LinkedIn but also Googling them to see if they've been interviewed or featured on the web and checking whether they have a bio on their company's team page. Twitter is another great resource. When you cold email them, you'll use one or two of those tidbits to explain why you want to meet with them-and them specifically. People love to feel singled out for doing great work.

2. Have a Learning Goal in Mind

What do you want to get out of this informational interview exactly? "Too often, people say 'I just want to ask you about where you got your start,'" says Lauren, "But why? What does that matter to you?"

Long before reaching out to anyone about an informational interview, sit down and make a list of three or four goals for yourself. Then, each time you get someone to agree to speak with you, make another list of goals specific to that meeting. Everyone's career is different, so you should make the most of their experiences by adapting your learning goals according to the research you did in step one.

3. Prepare Questions to Ask Them

Do not come without them and don't ask them a question you could have found answers to online (this is one of Lauren's biggest informational interview pet peeves). Fortunately, we've rounded up our favorite informational interview questions for you, although you'll want to write some custom questions based on your research as well.

4. Do Not Waste Their Time or Energy

Lauren recommends suggesting a phone interview rather than an in-person networking date because these require less energy for the other person. While an informational interview by phone really can take 20 minutes, asking someone to commit to a commute and coffee requires a lot more time. Think of it this way, which option would you rather say yes to?

When you email, include your availability for several dates and times so all they need to do is pick one.

Run the informational interview like you'd run a meeting-one where you're the boss. Let them know what you're planning on asking them about, and get down to it. They shouldn't for a minute feel obligated to lead the discussion or make awkward small talk.

Keep an eye on the time. If you're getting close to that 20-minute mark, point it out. They can tell you if they feel comfortable going longer.

5. Always Write a Follow-Up Note Within 24 Hours

You need to send a thank-you email just like you would do for any other form of interview. And no, the informational interview does not end here. Every three to four months, regardless of whether you're actively job searching or just want to stay in touch, reach out to them to check-in via email or LinkedIn.

And there you have it. The perfect informational interview, every single time.

Bonus: A Template for Requesting an Informational Interview
Subject Line: Informational Interview Request
Hi [NAME],

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [NAME], and I'm reaching out today because I've read up on your career and the work you've done with [A SPECIALTY OR PROJECT YOU LEARNED ABOUT IN YOUR RESEARCH], and I was hoping to learn more. Would you be willing to hop on the phone for 20 minutes to discuss your career so far and some insight into your industry?

If you're open to this idea, I am available to speak by phone at the following times in the next two weeks:
[INSERT A BULLETED LIST OF DATES AND TIMES]

Please let me know if one of those dates and times works for you and a good number to reach you, and I'll send over a calendar invite!
Thank you for taking the time, and I hope to speak to you soon!

All the best,

[YOUR NAME]
[EMAIL] | [PHONE] | [LINKEDIN] | [WEBSITE]

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The Perfect Informational Interview Template: A 5-Step Guide | Career Contessa

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Ace your next informational interview with these 5 steps and an easy-to-use informational interview request template. All you need to do is copy + paste! Career advice for women, Best careers for women, Career tips for women

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LinkedIn: The Software Engineer's Guide to a Stellar LinkedIn Profile

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LinkedIn: The Software Engineer's Guide to a Stellar LinkedIn Profile

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Check out these pro-tips! How does your profile stack up?

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So you're a software engineer ready to look for a new job. You've already written a resume and linked it to your LinkedIn page. Now you realize you need to update your LinkedIn Page as well. But what makes a good LinkedIn page? How will you stand out to recruiters?

I've worked with lots of engineers who struggle to get interviews, and they often feel:

It can be frustrating to spend weeks or months job searching, especially for engineers who:

🎓 Are finishing school with no job lined up

🛂 Have a tight visa deadline they have to work with or leave the country

🤬 Hate their current jobs, especially if they have a terrible manager

💸 Need to pay bills!

The good news is that the tech sector will continue to grow in the next decade, and software engineering is one of the most in-demand jobs in the world. You can take control of your job search, find a job that's a good fit, and continue building your career if you have the right approach.

In my 10+ years of software engineering and engineering management experience, I've reviewed thousands of resumes and LinkedIn profiles and worked with dozens of technical recruiters. So, I know what recruiters and hiring managers look for. I've also coached dozens of candidates on improving their resumes, GitHub, and LinkedIn profiles to stand out and get their foot in the door for interviews.

In this article, I'll explain everything you need to know about updating your LinkedIn to help you get interviews and get recruiters reaching out to you!

First, let's understand a bit more about how your LinkedIn profile fits into your job search strategy.

What is your LinkedIn Profile?

You probably think this is a stupid question, but software engineers often don't understand their LinkedIn profile's role in their job search.

Your LinkedIn profile is a sales page for your software engineering services.

Its purpose is to convince recruiters and engineering managers that you have the skills and experience necessary to solve their problems, create value for the business, and improve the lives of their customers.

Hiring managers have a roadmap of features they want to build and a backlog of problems they must solve for the business. To make progress toward their goals, they want to hire software engineers with specific skills they believe will be able to help them solve their problems. Sourcers and recruiters work with the managers to search for software engineers who will be good fits for their teams.

Your LinkedIn profile must show you are a good candidate for the role by showcasing your skills and accomplishments.

A great LinkedIn page converts visits from recruiters and hiring managers into emails and DMs asking if you're interested in the role they're hiring for.

Let's dive in on how to improve your LinkedIn!

First Impressions Matter!

Whether on messages, connection requests, job applications, or search results, the person on the other side will see 3 main things-your name, profile picture, and headline.

Profile Picture

When you reach out to connect with people, respond to recruiters, or apply for jobs, you don't want to appear as a gray dot, do you? Selecting a great profile photo is like wearing nice clothes for an interview.

Message from a person with no profile photo

Make sure you select a profile photo with a clear view of your smiling face and minimal background clutter, so the viewer doesn't get distracted. When the recruiter thinks about you, this will be the mental image, so make it a good one.
Good Examples

No background and a clear view of the face.

Bad Example

Busy background. The face is not clearly visible.

Simple background with a clear view of the face.

Headline

After your profile picture, your headline is the first thing viewers will see. It should let people know what you're about and draw the right people to click on your profile and view your page. Here's what to include:

Remember to ensure your headline is short and catchy since many people will view it on a mobile device.

Some formulas you can use are

Profile Banner Photo

No profile photo or banner means you don't leave much of an impression.

The banner photo on your profile takes up a quarter of your page and is a lost opportunity if you leave it blank.

Billboard: Advertise yourself and your services immediately when they land on your page

Hobbies and Interests: Show off some cool photos of your hobbies. A view of a hike, a gorgeous sunset, or a furry friend.

Personality: Don't be afraid to be creative and think outside the box

Feel free to get creative with what you put as your profile photo. There's no right or wrong, but here are a few routes you could take

Short & Sweet

Whatever you choose, make sure to use a high-quality photo and check the dimensions. The LinkedIn banner photo size should be 1584x396 pixels.

Bio showcasing the career journey and highlights.

"About" with too much information and jargon.

Core Content

You can also add media to your experiences to make them more engaging.

DO DON'T
About Section

Keep your about section updated, but don't waste it by repeating what's already in your resume.

This is your opportunity to tell your story.

Readers should walk away with a 3D impression of who you are, what it'd be like to work with you, and what unique qualities you bring to the table. It also makes it easier for a recruiter to reach out to you and strike up a conversation if they can get to know your human side.

There's a fine line between a bio that neatly showcases the narrative of your career and one that overloads the reader with too much jargon and buzzwords. Don't try to compress all your resume bullets into the "About" section.

Experience

Of course, you have to fill in your experience section, but remember that your LinkedIn profile is open to a broader audience than just software engineers. Make sure to fill in your job title, location, and dates of employment. And try to link it to the organization's LinkedIn page as well so you can connect with the alumni network of your school or company.

Ask a coworker or mentor to help you review the content in your experience section. Be patient, and keep revising. I usually work through a few iterations of writing and editing with my clients to make it shine. ✨

Featured Articles/Posts

The "Featured Posts" section lets you showcase the projects and accomplishments you're most proud of.

The library at my university.

Sharing blog posts, product pages, and other materials allows you to highlight your work for recruiters and other viewers easily.

Sharing case studies, white papers, and other content helps you show what you are all about. Besides, it helps people understand your passion and commitment to a particular field as well. To feature content on your profile, head over to the specific post and click the three dots on the right side. Then, you choose the first option to pin it to your profile.

Additional Content

Projects with good thumbnails to entice people to learn more.

Your profile picture, headline, about section, and experience are all high-priority areas to thoughtfully write out on your LinkedIn profile. The following sections are lower priority and should be filled out more on a case-by-case basis.

Education

If you left school a while ago and already have more than 10 years of working experience in software engineering, your education section is not as significant anymore.

On the other extreme, if you're currently a student and are applying for a summer internship, your education section is probably the bulk of your resume and LinkedIn profile. If that's the case, you want to include your GPA, classes, and any relevant extracurricular activities.

Most people are somewhere in the middle where you want to highlight your academic achievements and any certifications you've earned. Include your degree, major, and any honors or awards you received. If you have a computer science degree or went to a coding boot camp, even better!

Projects

Recommendations from former coworkers.

If you've worked on any interesting or noteworthy projects, be sure to highlight them on your profile.

For students, class projects might be the only thing you have to showcase. When you link to your project, you want your readers to easily understand what the goal of the project is and how you accomplished it. Your readers, especially recruiters, will NOT read the code of your project.

Include a brief description of the project and your role in it. To make it even easier for a reader to understand, link out to any resources you have on the project. A live site is always best, but you can also link to a case study, screenshots, or a demo video if you don't have a working version ready.

Publications or Patents

If you've published any articles, papers, or patents, be sure to include them on your profile. You can write a quick 2-3 sentence summary of what the paper was about and provide a link to the publication if they want to read more. Patents are also a great way to showcase your work, as it likely has direct value to the business.

Recommendations

Just like positive reviews give buyers more confidence in their purchases, positive social proof gives recruiters and hiring managers more confidence that you will be a good fit for their company.

Recommendations from your coworkers give visitors an idea of what it's like to work with you and what qualities they found especially valuable. Personal testimonials can be a great way to build trust with your potential hiring manager.

Don't be afraid to reach out to previous contacts and request recommendations, but make sure it is someone you worked closely with that can write a good, genuine review. And make sure to pay it forward when other people ask you for recommendations!

Certifications and Skills Assessments

Certifications and skills assessments can be good third-party validations of your skills.

It shows that you have a certain level of expertise and have been evaluated by a reputable organization or platform. Employers may look for these types of credentials as evidence that you have the necessary skills to perform a specific job or expertise in a particular technology.

The act of obtaining certifications demonstrates that you are continuously learning and improving, which is a valuable trait. Employers want employees who are constantly seeking to improve their skills and knowledge.

Make your Profile Public

Now that you've spent all this time sprucing up your LinkedIn profile, you want to make it visible to the public. If you have it on private, you'll still show up as an anonymous profile to the person you're trying to connect with until you've established a connection.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to find and adjust your visibility settings.

1. Click on your Profile Picture in the Top Right Corner

2. Click on "Settings and Privacy" in the dropdown

3. Click on "Visibility" in the left-side menu

4. Click on the setting you want to adjust

5. Make sure it's set to the most visible option

Launch!

When you're ready, slap on that #OpentoWork banner on your profile. LinkedIn will prompt you if you want to share that with a post. This is a great way to announce to your network that you're looking for new opportunities and get your profile in front of recruiters and potential employers.

Make sure to share information, including the type of job you're looking for, location, other criteria, and what you bring to the table. Once you make the post, ask your friends and colleagues to help you out by liking, commenting, and reposting it to their networks.

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If you want hands-on coaching with your resume and LinkedIn, acing your interviews, and landing your dream job, fill out this form to work with me.

#SoftwareEngineering #SoftwareEngineers #SoftwareDevelopers #LinkedInTips #Resume #JobSearch

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The Software Engineer's Guide to Writing a Stand-Out LinkedIn Profile

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So you're a software engineer ready to look for a new job. You've already written a resume and linked it to your LinkedIn page.

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LinkedIn: A Better Way to Message Hiring Managers on LinkedIn (with 6 message templates)

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LinkedIn: A Better Way to Message Hiring Managers on LinkedIn (with 6 message templates)

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Last March, my husband Eric decided after 10 years of entrepreneurship he was ready to make a career change. He wanted to move into the non-profit sector in a role focused on community health and wellness. While he knew people locally, his online presence was a big zero. His LinkedIn profile was empty, and he had about 19 connections - mostly made up of military members he'd worked with 20 years ago.

Eric definitely didn't have any connections to hiring managers on LinkedIn who he could message. We were starting from ground zero. So that's what we did - and I used the templates I'm sharing in this article to quadruple his network, connect with hiring managers at his target companies, and even connect with the CEO at his number-one target company.

In this post, you'll discover how to find the hiring manager on LinkedIn, choose the right person to connect with, and what to say to the hiring manager when you reach out to connect and after applying for the job. Let's jump right in.
I also put together this free 5-day video series to show you the changes I made to my husband's LinkedIn profile that led to an 8500% increase in his profile views.
How to Find the Hiring Manager on LinkedIn

When searching for a hiring manager or decision-maker, the first place you want to start is the LinkedIn search bar.

Using the search bar to find the hiring manager on LinkedIn

You can search by keyword, name, company, or any variation. If you don't know the person's name but you know their company, you can search for the job title and company name.

For example, "Talent acquisition Pfizer" or "Editor LinkedIn News."

Then, filter by people and it will show you profiles of those who fit the search results.

You can also search for recruiters in specific industries by using terms like "recruiter pharmaceutical" or "recruiter data analysts."

When I searched for the hiring manager at the company my husband was targeting I used the search terms "human resources YMCA" then filtered by location. Using these search terms, I not only found the person responsible for recruiting and hiring but also their manager, the decision-maker for the role, and the CEO.

We sent connection requests to all three. Surprisingly, the CEO was the first to respond and accept his message. The VP of Human Resources was the next one to accept his message and connection request. Don't feel like you're limited to connecting with just the hiring manager. Go ahead and try connecting with other employees too - yes, even the company leadership!

Using Company pages to find the hiring manager on LinkedIn

One of the easiest ways to find connections is to head to the specific company you're targeting and click on their People tab. There, you'll see employees of the organization that are on LinkedIn, and you can locate the hiring manager, decision-maker, or recruiter you want to contact.

I also recommend connecting with employees at your target company so that you can expand your connections. A referral from a current employee is four times more likely to be hired.

You can also visit the company's Life tab on their company page. Most of the larger organizations have this feature on their company pages, and many smaller companies are adding it. On the Life tab, you'll see great insights about the company and their culture, but the real value lies in the section titled "Trending Employee Content."

This section is a gold mine for your job search. First, you'll see what employees of the company have to say about working there. Secondly, you'll discover active LinkedIn members that you can connect and engage with on a regular basis. This leads me to my next tip.

How to choose the right person to connect with on LinkedIn

One question I often hear from job seekers is: How do I know if I'm contacting the right person for the role? You won't always know with 100% assurance that you have the right person. That's OK. You can always ask them to direct you to the right person if they're not the one you need.

There's another way to ensure you're contacting the hiring manager that is filling the role. I love this strategy because it makes the connection process simpler. Head over to the Jobs tab on LinkedIn. Search for the role you're interested in, and click on the job.

You'll see a section called Meet the hiring team on the job post. This is the hiring manager for the role. If you have LinkedIn Premium, you can message the hiring manager. You may also have a first or second-degree connection to them, in which case you could message them without using your InMail credits.

How to find the hiring manager on a LinkedIn Job post

his is really important, and I want you to hear me out on this. Not every hiring manager will respond and that's OK. Steve Dalton, the author of The 2-Hour Job Search, and Career Director at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business states that only about 40% of your messages will receive responses.

For every 10 hiring managers or employees you message, only about four will reply. This is normal. It does not mean that there is anything wrong with you, your skills, your application, or anything else other than that person is likely either too busy to respond, receives too many messages and cannot respond to them all, or isn't active on LinkedIn.

You can get responses to your messages to hiring managers on LinkedIn by focusing on connecting with the people who are most likely to help you and by using the templates I share in this article.

That said, when you're searching for new connections, I strongly recommend focusing on active LinkedIn members.

If you run a search for project managers in finance and it gives you a result of ten people who are second-degree connections, visit each of their LinkedIn pages and check out their posts and activity. You'll likely see one of three things:

1. They haven't posted on LinkedIn or engaged with anyone else's posts in a year.

2. They have commented and liked other people's activity but haven't posted anything themselves.

3. They post status updates and comment on other people's posts regularly.

Prioritize the people in group 3. They're your first choice.
These are the people who it will be easiest for you to build a mutually beneficial relationship with. It will be easy to support and engage with them because they post frequently. The more they see your name on their posts and your support, the more likely they'll be to comment and engage on your posts.

You'll end up supporting each other, getting to know each other, and helping each other.

You can still connect with the people in the second group (those that comment on or engage with other posts but don't post updates themselves). Chances are, they'll connect with you and may even comment on your status updates. However, it won't be as easy for you to engage with them if they aren't posting.

You'll have to do a little more work by finding where they're joining conversations - and then jumping in. This is a great strategy for a priority contact, by the way, like a key decision-maker you've identified that you really want and need to get to know.

The people who aren't engaging and posting probably came to LinkedIn, created a profile, and haven't been on since. Or, they're likely only using LinkedIn when they're job searching instead of using it as a career management and networking tool. They may respond to your request to connect - or they may not.

If you send a message to someone who falls in this category, it's highly likely your message will go unanswered. This is where a lot of frustration comes in for people when they're job searching and trying to make the right contacts and build their network. They try to connect with someone who isn't active.

Instead, I'd focus your time on narrowing down the active members and engaging with them. That way, you're sowing seeds that will reap a harvest.

In my LinkedIn Unlocked course, I teach you how to research companies, people, and connections so you can grow a stronger network of contacts to advance your career. I also dive into becoming a thought leader and posting authentic content that gets you two times more interview invitations.

What to Say to a Hiring Manager on LinkedIn

Now that we know how to find the person we need to message, it's time to discuss writing messages that will get responses. Before I give you a script for what to say when reaching out to connections, I want to share a couple of best practices with you.

1. Consider the people you know best - friends, family, past colleagues, and those you've built a solid relationship with on LinkedIn. These are the people you can ask for a referral.

2. You need to build rapport with someone BEFORE you make an ask of them. Do not ask people you've never spoken to for a referral, recommendation, etc.

OK, now that we have that out of the way, let's start with the easiest ask first: a connection request.

When you find a hiring manager you want to connect with, send them a message with the request to let them know why you'd like to connect.

LinkedIn Hiring Manager Connection Request Template

When sending a connection request to hiring managers, try to find common points of connection so that you can mention those in your message.
I saw your post about the challenges that recruiters are facing in the midst of this rocky economy, and it resonated with me. I'd appreciate connecting with you so that I can follow your posts. Hi Jennifer, I'm new to the field of sales, and I saw your post hiring entry-level sales reps. I'd like to follow you so that I can stay up-to-date with roles you're posting and share them with my network. I'd also appreciate the opportunity to connect and learn from the content you share. I read your recent article in the Harvard Business Review and enjoyed hearing your perspective on career management. I'd like to connect with you on LinkedIn so that I may follow and engage with your work. I see that we're both graduates of UNF with a focus in human resources. I'm also in the Jacksonville area and looking to expand my network of industry connections. Would you be open to connecting with a fellow Florida native?
In each of these sample messages, I'm sharing the reason that I want to connect. One of the best things you can do is mention common points of connection. In the message to Michael, it mentions that the person is an alumnus of the same school, works in the same industry, and is in the same location. Three common points of connection mean this active member is going to be way more likely to connect and build a relationship.

Is it guaranteed? No, but it's much more likely because the two people share more in common.

LinkedIn Hiring Manager Message Template After Applying

Here's an example of what you can say to a hiring manager when you message them on LinkedIn about an opening they posted.
I noticed your profile linked to the posting for the digital marketing strategist position with 3M. I applied to the role and wanted to follow up with a quick message to let you know how excited I am about this opportunity. I've followed the company's growth this past year and am impressed that 3M is the biggest producer of N95 respirators, which I know are critically important to the fight against COVID. I would love the opportunity to support the amazing work that 3M is doing, from a digital marketing perspective. I've specialized in the development of mobile marketing campaigns, and I understand this is an area of development that 3M wants to expand. In my current position, I've tripled GE's mobile marketing audience and increased their participation rates by 32%. I'm confident that I can bring similar results to a mobile marketing program launch with 3M. I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss the value I can bring to 3M's digital marketing efforts. Please feel free to contact me here on LinkedIn or via email at ________.
My favorite part of this template is that it shared with the hiring manager why the candidate was excited about the role and a common value they hold that aligns with the company. Research studies show that if you mention a common value alignment between yourself and the company in your cover letter or message to the hiring manager, you're twice as likely to get the interview.

My husband's experience backs up the research. In each message and cover letter that we sent to a hiring manager, we specifically pointed out how committed he was to community health and wellness and how this aligned with the values of the non-profit he was targeting. By day 5 of his job search, he had his first phone interview with his number-one target company, the YMCA of North Florida.

I can't say this enough - not every hiring manager will respond, but about 40% will. So don't feel too discouraged when 60% of your messages go unanswered. This is normal. Just keep on keeping on, as we say in the South.

How to Ask Connections for Job Search Help (Message Template)

As a bonus, I want to share a template that I recommend using when reaching out to ask a connection for help with your job search. To be clear, this is not the one you send to a hiring manager. This is an additional way you can get help with your job search by messaging others on LinkedIn.

Let's say you've previously had an informational interview with someone in your industry who works at one of your target companies. You met over coffee a few weeks back, and they were very helpful and provided some great industry insights.

Since then, you've identified a role at the company that you want to apply to and you're hoping this contact will give you a referral.

Here's your next step - send your contact an email message that says:
Thank you again for speaking with me last month. I'm checking in with you because I found a project manager role at LG that I'd like to apply to, but before I send in my application, I wanted to see if you had any advice for me about skills I should include that would be important to the role or information that would be good to include in my cover letter. I appreciate any insights you can share with me.
Notice that the person is not asking for a referral. They're asking for information and advice. Now, it may be that this contact replies and offers an introduction or a referral for the role. If that's the case, great! You can graciously accept the referral and submit your application.

If you want to discover more ways to connect with hiring managers and others who can help you with your job search, I explain additional strategies and teach you how to leverage them in your job search as part of my LinkedIn Unlocked Course.

OK, we've covered how to find the hiring manager, better ways to message them, and what to say after you apply for a target role.

If you've enjoyed this article and learned something new, please let me know by liking it and commenting below with "helpful."

Now you know exactly what to write in your message to a hiring manager on LinkedIn, but what about writing a headline that attracts recruiters or increasing your profile views by 1000%? I've got this free 5-day video series to help you with that.

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A Better Way to Message Hiring Managers on LinkedIn (with 6 message templates)

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Last March, my husband Eric decided after 10 years of entrepreneurship he was ready to make a career change. He wanted to move into the non-profit sector in a role focused on community health and wellness.

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LinkedIn: Reaching out to Recruiters on LinkedIn

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LinkedIn: Reaching out to Recruiters on LinkedIn

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With 30 million companies and 546 million users on LinkedIn worldwide, no wonder you're asking how to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn.

This business-oriented online service has been ruling the networking world for a while now. In fact, three people are hired every minute for jobs on LinkedIn.

If you're a new LinkedIn user, searching for a job may seem overwhelming.

However, the truth is that sending a message to a hiring manager has never been easier thanks to LinkedIn!

Are you asking about job opportunities? Wanting to connect with the recruiter after applying for a job? Or simply sending a thank you note after the interview?

We're here to guide you through the process of how to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn to make your life a whole lot easier.

How to find a recruiter on LinkedIn

Starting on a positive note, there's almost 1 million recruiters and head hunters on LinkedIn.

With that in mind, there's a high chance you can find a recruiter on LinkedIn and get in touch with one.

So, how do you search for recruiters on LinkedIn and how to find a head hunter on LinkedIn?

By rule of thumb, if you don't have a specific company in mind, you're looking for an external head hunter. They often specialize in searching for a certain industry or location of the candidates. Therefore, the search bar on LinkedIn will be your best friend. Type "recruiter" in the search bar and use different keywords and categories to refine your search.

If you're interested in a job in a specific company, your best bet is the company's internal recruiter. These people usually have a very clear idea of who they're looking for. To find an internal head hunter, look up the company on LinkedIn. On its profile look for a full employee list. Once you see all of the employees, find someone who is a recruiter, head hunter, talent scout, etc. If you search for someone on LinkedIn will they know?

When doing your research, you'll likely browse through many profiles. And you probably don't want everyone to be notified when you've viewed their profile.

Therefore, a question arises - if you search for someone on LinkedIn will they know?

Simply put, if you only search for a person, they won't know.

However, if you end up clicking on their profile, they will.

If you're not a fan of that, you can easily change it in the "Settings & Privacy" tab, under the "Visibility" tab.

Here you can choose a private mode:

How to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn: A step-by-step guide

Now, let's talk about reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn in some more detail.

You may wonder, should I connect with a recruiter on LinkedIn, first? Or should I send them a message? If yes, how to message recruiters on LinkedIn? And, what to say to a recruiter on LinkedIn?

In this step-by-step guide you'll find the best way to reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn:

Have a polished LinkedIn profile.

First, update your LinkedIn profile and add a professional profile picture and a banner. Next, write a good headline and a LinkedIn summary. Finally, complete all the sections for work experience and education, add skills and accomplishments.

Make use of LinkedIn's features.

Activate "open to work" feature, which makes you appear in searches of recruiters more often. Also, LinkedIn is a great extension of your resume, since you can link webpages or documents to your profile to make it stand out more. For example, add resume to LinkedIn or make use of the recommendation features - ask your colleague or supervisor to write you one.

Connect or send a LinkedIn InMail.

InMail is a premium LinkedIn feature, which allows you to directly message another LinkedIn member that you're not connected to. Hence, sending an InMail to recruiters on LinkedIn is what we recommend. Alternatively, you can send a personalised connection request. However, it has a character limit and is limited to 2nd- and 3rd-degree connections in your network.

Write a killer subject line for LinkedIn InMail message.

You know, because it's the first thing they see. When you're coming up with a subject line for LinkedIn message, don't waste time including your name. They can already see who's sending the message. Rather, let them know the purpose of the InMail.

Write a tailored LinkedIn message.

When reaching out to a recruiter, you should try to tailor the message - try to come up with something personal. Maybe you live in the same city? Or have a mutual connection? Perhaps you went to the same university? Try to catch their attention in a sentence or two, and then get to the point.

Attach your resume.

Yes, LinkedIn will likely have all the information they need. However, having a copy of your resume is really handy, because no recruiter goes around telling the hiring managers "Hey, I found a candidate, but all I have is their LinkedIn". Sending them a copy of your resume is a lot more professional. And if you're asking how to attach resume to LinkedIn message, just click the "attach a file" button in the message window. If you don't have a resume yet, Kickresume lets you make a killer resume in minutes. It also lets you share your resume online and you can simply send a recruiter a link to it.

LinkedIn message to a recruiter (5 examples)

Finally, let's have a look at some of the message samples for recruiters on LinkedIn. Feel free to copy and personalize them to make your life a whole lot easier!

LinkedIn connection request message (example)

LinkedIn message to ask if there's any work available (example)

LinkedIn message to ask about a role you've seen advertised (example)

How to message a recruiter on LinkedIn after applying (example)

LinkedIn thank you message after interview (example)

How to follow up with a recruiter on LinkedIn

Firstly, if you feel awkward when sending a follow-up message after an interview or after applying, you're not alone.

However, it should be encouraging for you to know that employers do care about follow-ups.

Actually, a recent survey by TopResume found that follow-up messages have taken on an even greater importance since the COVID-19 crisis began in evaluating candidates.

So, after what time should you send a follow-up message? Well, if it's the first follow-up message, don't wait too long! Make sure to get in touch within the first 24 to 48 hours after the interview.

How many times is it ok to follow up? The first follow up should be a thank you message. The second follow-up should come a day or two after they said you'd hear from them to let them know you're still interested. Check in the third time only if prompted by the recruiters. Maybe they're extending the process and need more time.

Here's a useful message template:

Follow up LinkedIn message to a recruiter (example)

How to respond to a recruiter on LinkedIn

Firstly, congrats! Getting an InMail from a recruiter means you're doing something right.

What is important is not to get over-confident about it. Stay humble and professional whether you're interested or not.

You want to thank them for reaching out to you, say a few nice things about the company, and finally, express whether you're interested or not.

But remember, even if you're happy in your current role, you want to leave the door open rather than closed.

Here's how to do that if you're interested:

How to respond to a recruiter on LinkedIn when you're interested (example)

In case the article didn't cover something you were looking for, feel free to ask in the comments!
This article was originally published on the Kickresume Blog >>>

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How to Reach Out to a Recruiter on LinkedIn? Use These 7 Proven Messages

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We're here to guide you through the process of how to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn to make your life a whole lot easier.

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Indeed: How To Email a Hiring Manager Directly (With Examples)

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Indeed: How To Email a Hiring Manager Directly (With Examples)

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Please feel free to use the links and attachments to explore, copy, paste, edit and send outreach message templates as you see fit for your messaging and outreach goals. Drop your message drafts into the review queue for add'l coach feedback (optional)

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Please feel free to use the links and attachments to explore, copy, paste, edit and send outreach message templates as you see fit for your messaging and outreach goals. Drop your message drafts into the review queue for add'l coach feedback (optional)

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Do you have an outstanding template of your own that you'd like to share? Please DO! Add your own hot templates to this section!! 

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Do you have an outstanding template of your own that you'd like to share? Please DO! Add your own hot templates to this section!! 

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App Academy's Creative Outreach Templates (Doc)

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App Academy's Creative Outreach Templates (Doc)

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Not sure who to direct your outreach to? Drop the company name, job title of interest (if applicable) and any other helpful information below and I will respond with links and /or email addresses to recommended contacts. 

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Not sure who to direct your outreach to? Drop the company name, job title of interest (if applicable) and any other helpful information below and I will respond with links and /or email addresses to recommended contacts. 

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Get feedback on a message you want to send out to an employer contact, recruiter or professional connection. 

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Get feedback on a message you want to send out to an employer contact, recruiter or professional connection. 

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If you're present during the session, and you happen to have an answer to any of the below questions from your peers, please do chime in and share your insights as well! Thank you for your questions and contributions!

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The Muse: 4 Email Templates to make Job Searching Easier

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The Muse: 4 Email Templates to make Job Searching Easier

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What's the best job for you?

Use The Muse to find a job at a company with a culture you love. Select the career path that aligns with you:

How many years of experience do you have?

What company benefits are most important to you?

Calculating your job matches...

But, here's the thing: There's also a little bit of shame that comes along with that approach.
SEARCH OPEN JOBS ON THE MUSE! See who's hiring here, and you can even filter your search by benefits, company size, remote opportunities, and more. Then, sign up for our newsletter and we'll deliver advice on landing the job right to you.
Not only do you need to openly admit that you're on the hunt for something new (which is extra embarrassing if your last job didn't end on great terms), but you also need to throw yourself on the mercy of the people in your professional circle and ask them for help.

I get it-as important and beneficial as these sorts of requests ultimately are, that doesn't necessarily mean they're easy to make.

So, to take some of the palm sweat out of the situation, I've pulled together four different email templates you can use to let different people in your network know that you're currently open to new opportunities.

Email #1: Someone You Used to Work Closely With

Perhaps it's your supervisor from your college internship. Or, maybe it's your favorite colleague from one of your previous jobs. Either way, nobody knows your skills and preferences better than the people you used to work side-by-side with-meaning they can be a huge help in your job search.
I hope you're having a great week! I've been keeping up with you on LinkedIn, and it looks like things are going awesome with [job or professional interest]. I'm getting in touch to let you know that I'm currently searching for a new opportunity in [industry]. With my background in [field] and skills in [area], my ideal position involves [detailed description of ideal job] for an employer who [detailed description of ideal company]. Since we used to work so closely and I know you're so well-connected, I'd love if you could let me know if you hear of any opportunities that you think I'd be a good fit for. I've attached my resume to this email, just in case that helps. Of course, I'm always willing to return the favor if you ever need. Thanks so much, [Name]! I have so many fond memories of our time together at [Company], and I hope things are even better for you since then.
Email #2: Someone Who Works in Your Desired Industry

Sending a note to someone who is already employed in the field you're eager to be a part of is always helpful, but especially when you're making a career change. Chances are good that he or she is connected to other people in the industry-some of whom might even be hiring.

I hope you're doing well! I'm reaching out to let you know that I've decided to make a career change. Thus, I'm currently exploring different opportunities in [industry]. Since I know you've worked in the industry for quite a while, I thought you'd be the perfect person to get in touch with. If you become aware of any open roles that might be a good fit for someone with a background in [field], skills in [area], and a desire to learn, I'd love if you could give me a heads up. You can also find my resume attached to this email to get a better understanding of what I bring to the table. I can't tell you how much I appreciate any help as I work on making this switch. Thanks so much, [Name]!
Email #3: Someone You're Hoping Will Make an Intro

You've identified someone that you know could be a huge asset to you in your job search. The only problem? You don't know him or her yourself. Fortunately, someone in your own network is connected to that person-and you're hoping you can get introduced.

I hope things have been going great for you! I'm touching base today with a request. I'm currently pursuing new jobs in [industry] and am actively working on making more connections within this field. I noticed that you know [Name], and I was hoping that you'd be willing to connect me with [him/her]. As I'm sure you know [Name] has a ton of great insights into my area of interest, and I'd love to get connected so that I could ask [him/her] a few questions about the industry and [his/her] experience in general. Would you be willing to send a brief email introducing the two of us? I'd appreciate that so much. Don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions, [Name]. Thanks for your consideration!
Email #4: Anyone Else

Then there's everybody else in your network-the acquaintances that you're somewhat in touch with, yet don't fall into any of the categories above.

Rest assured, it can still be worth updating them on your job hunt (provided it's not a totally out-of-the-blue message to somebody you've never actually met or interacted with). The more people you have keeping the ear to the ground, the better your search for a new position will go.
I hope things have been awesome! I'm jotting you a quick note to let you know that I'm currently searching for a new career opportunity in [desired industry]. With my background in [area], I'm ideally looking for a [type of position] role with an employer who [describe ideal employer]. For a greater understanding of my professional qualifications, you can find my resume attached to this email. If you hear of anything within your own network that you think might fit the bill, I'd so appreciate if you could send a heads up my way. Let me know if I can ever return the favor, [Name]. I'm happy to do so!

Enlisting the help of your network in your job search can feel a little awkward. However, your professional contacts can also be a huge benefit-meaning it's worth it to swallow your pride, send that note, and ask for a little bit of assistance. And fortunately, these email templates make that a whole lot easier.

Just remember to return the favor when the opportunity presents itself!

Kat is a Midwest-based freelance writer, covering topics related to careers, productivity, and the freelance life. In addition to The Muse, she's a contributor all over the web and dishes out research-backed advice for places like Atlassian, Trello, Toggl, Wrike, The Everygirl, FlexJobs, and more. She's also an Employment Advisor at a local college, and loves helping students prepare to thrive in careers (and lives!) they love. When she manages to escape from behind her computer screen, she's usually babying her two rescue mutts or continuing her search for the perfect taco. Say hi on Twitter @kat_boogaard or check out her website.

More from Kat Boogaard

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4 Networking Email Templates for Job Searchers

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Your professional contacts can be a huge asset during your job hunt. These four email templates will make it easier to politely ask your network for job search help.

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The Muse: 4 Networking Email Templates to Make Networking Way Less Awkward 

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The Muse: 4 Networking Email Templates to Make Networking Way Less Awkward 

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The Muse is one of my absolute favorite go-to resources for creative templates and outreach strategies. Check out their other job search resources if you stop by the site!

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Whether you're searching for a new job, looking to learn more about a specific industry or role, or simply want to expand your web of professional contacts, you know that networking is incredibly useful.

But, let's face it-it can also be awkward. It takes quite a bit of courage to reach out to someone you hardly know in the interest of forging a relationship.

Fortunately, I've pulled together a few email templates to make that first step a little easier-whether you're requesting to set up an informational interview or following up with someone you recently met at an industry event.

Leverage these templates to your advantage, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a networking master-no breathing into a paper bag required.

1. When You're Reaching Out to a Stranger You Admire

Perhaps it's someone who works in a relevant department at your dream company. Or, maybe it's that experienced professional who has a stellar reputation in your field. Either way, you're eager to establish some sort of connection with this person that you respect-even though you've never actually met.
I hope you're having a great week! My name is [Your name], and I work as [Position] at [Company]. I became familiar with your work when [how you discovered this person] and wanted to reach out to tell you how much I admire your [skill or specific experience]. If you're open to it, I'd love to [grab coffee/connect on LinkedIn/other opportunity to get to know each other] to [keep in touch/learn more about your experience]. Really looking forward to keeping in touch, [Name]!
What it Looks Like
Hello Kendall, I hope you're having a great week! My name is Kat, and I work as a staff writer at The Muse. I became familiar with your work when I saw your piece about marketing strategies for Business Insider and wanted to reach out to tell you how much I admire your relatable and straightforward writing style. If you're open to it, I'd love to grab coffee to find out more about your experience and connect (and commiserate!) with a fellow writer. Really looking forward to keeping in touch, Kendall!
2. When You're Following Up With Someone You Met Briefly

You made some polite small talk and then exchanged business cards with this person at a networking event. Now-rather than letting that contact information collect dust in your desk drawer-you want to take the next step to forge a relationship.
I hope you're having a great [day of the week]. It was so nice to meet you at [place where you met] and chat about [topic you talked about]. After our conversation, I found this article about [relevant topic]. I thought you'd find it interesting and enlightening, so I figured I'd pass it along. Again, I really enjoyed meeting you and I'm looking forward to keeping in touch. Don't hesitate to reach out if you want to get together and bounce around some more ideas about [topic]. I'd love that!
What it Looks Like
I hope you're having a great Friday. It was so nice to meet you at the recent marketing association meeting and chat about content marketing trends. After our conversation, I found this article about the most effective B2B headlines. I thought you'd find it interesting and enlightening, so I figured I'd pass it along. Again, I really enjoyed meeting you and I'm looking forward to keeping in touch. Don't hesitate to reach out if you want to get together and bounce around some more ideas about click-worthy article titles. I'd love that!
3. When You're Requesting an Informational Interview

You don't just want to connect with this stranger-you want to learn from her. You're eager to setup an informational interview (or even a more informal coffee date or email chat) where you can come prepared with a list of questions you want answers to.
I hope you're doing well! My name is [Your name], and I'm a [job title] with [Company]. I really admire your [work/experience] with [outlet]. I'm interested in finding out more about [area] myself and was hoping you'd be willing to provide some insights from your experience. If you're open to it, I'd love to buy you a cup of coffee sometime soon so I can ask you some questions and learn more about you and your [journey/career path]. I understand your schedule may be busy, so I'm also happy to pass along some questions via email if that's easier for you. Looking forward to hearing from you, [Name]!
What it Looks Like
Hello Megan, My name is Kat and I'm a freelance writer specializing in career and self-development content. As a fellow writer, I really admire your advice articles for Entrepreneur. I'm interested in finding out more about writing about entrepreneurship topics myself and was hoping you'd be willing to provide some insights from your experience. If you're open to it, I'd love to buy you a cup of coffee sometime soon so I can ask you some questions and learn more about you and your writing journey. I understand your schedule may be busy, so I'm also happy to pass along some questions via email if that's easier for you. Looking forward to hearing from you, Megan!
4. When You're Connecting With a Friend of a Friend

Your friend or colleague recommended that you reach out to one of his acquaintances, as he thought you'd have a lot to connect on. Rather than making an introduction, he passed along that person's contact information and encouraged you to get in touch.
My name is [Your name], and I [how you know mutual contact] [mutual contact's name], who passed along your contact information to me. [Mutual contact's name] mentioned that we share a [passion for/interest in/experience with] [shared interest] and said you'd be a great person to get to know! So, I thought I'd reach out, introduce myself, and let you know that I'd love to find out more about you and your experience with [specific area]. Looking forward to connecting, [Name]! All the best,
What it Looks Like
Hello Logan, My name is Kat, and I'm good friends with Jane Doe, who passed along your contact information to me. Jane mentioned that we share a passion for dog rescues and said you'd be a great person to get to know! So, I thought I'd reach out, introduce myself, and let you know that I'd love to find out more about you and your experience with Saving Paws Rescue. Looking forward to connecting, Logan!

There's no doubt about it-reaching out to someone you've never met or barely know can inspire plenty of anxiety ( here are some tips to calm your nerves, by the way!). But it's a necessary step if you want to expand your roster of professional connections and maintain a positive reputation.

Luckily, these email templates can help you establish new connections with a little less unease and discomfort. Add a few personal details to the templates, use them to your advantage, and prepare to grow your oh-so-important network!

Kat is a Midwest-based freelance writer, covering topics related to careers, productivity, and the freelance life. In addition to The Muse, she's a contributor all over the web and dishes out research-backed advice for places like Atlassian, Trello, Toggl, Wrike, The Everygirl, FlexJobs, and more. She's also an Employment Advisor at a local college, and loves helping students prepare to thrive in careers (and lives!) they love. When she manages to escape from behind her computer screen, she's usually babying her two rescue mutts or continuing her search for the perfect taco. Say hi on Twitter @kat_boogaard or check out her website.

More from Kat Boogaard

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Email Templates to Make Networking Way Less Awkward

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Whether you're searching for a new job, looking to learn more about a specific industry or role, or simply want to expand your web of professional contacts, you know that networking is incredibly useful. But, let's face it-it can also be awkward.

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Indeed: Writing Cold Emails for Job Searching

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Indeed: Writing Cold Emails for Job Searching

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www.indeed.com needs to review the security of your connection before proceeding.