If you’ve been job searching, career-pivoting, or even just “keeping an eye out,” chances are you’ve stared at a LinkedIn profile and thought:
“What do I even say?”
We have all been there:
You spot a role you’re interested in.
You find someone at the company.
And you either say too much… or nothing at all.
For me, the fear of rejection would stop me from shooting my shot and I’d conveniently find a way to talk myself out of reaching out. Lost opportunity.
For others, the mistake they make is not being afraid to reach out, it is starting the wrong conversation.
The Right Way to Reach Out (When You See a Role You’re Curious About)
This is not about asking for a job.
It’s about opening the door before you need anything.
Use this script:
Hi [Name], I came across your work on the [Team / Function] at [Firm] and would love to connect. If you’re open, I’d enjoy learning more about your experience and the work your group is doing.
or
Hi [Name], I’m a fellow [School] alum and came across your profile while learning more about [Firm]. I’d love to connect and, if you’re open, hear about your experience there.
Why this works:
You’re positioning yourself as thoughtful and proactive
You’re signaling firm interest, not that you’re desperate for a role
Pro tip: you increase your chances of receiving a response when you reach out to people with a shared background (alumni, mutual connections, city, industry)
Generally Avoid (Context Matters)
Leading with “I’m actively looking”
Asking for a call in the very first message
Saying “I applied and wanted to follow up” as an opening line
Overselling yourself or pitching your resume
Optional Follow-Up After Connection Acceptance
Thanks for connecting, [Name]. I’ve been spending time learning more about [Firm] and have been following the [theme related to the Firm]. If you’re open to it, I would enjoy hearing about your experience there when timing allows.
If You Want More Language Like This
I’ve written a practical networking playbook designed for professionals who want clarity on what to say in real-life scenarios. If you’re struggling with any of the below, then this playbook is for you:
How to introduce yourself without rambling
How to follow up without sounding generic
How to ask for guidance or referrals without feeling transactional
How to move a conversation forward without forcing it
This detailed 22-page playbook includes:
30+ exact scripts for LinkedIn, networking events, follow-ups, and introductions
Guidance around when to use these scripts, what to avoid, and how to adapt the language
A framework for how to show up to virtual and in-person events
If you want the language you can use immediately, the playbook is available on its own:
If You Want to Go Deeper
If you want more than scripts, and prefer live teaching of how to build a repeatable networking strategy, when to use these scripts and how to adapt them, I’m hosting a live session:
Using Relationships to Open Doors
📅 Sunday, February 8 at 4pm - 5:30pm EST
💰 Flash sale until Saturday Feb 7: $99 (regularly $129)
The live session includes:
A walkthrough of my repeatable networking framework with real-life examples
Details on how to navigate existing relationships and build new ones
Space for questions and real scenarios
The networking playbook included for free
Regards,
Oyin Bayode
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