LinkedIn makes it easy to send a quick message to a Human Resources professional, claiming that you are “friends” and stating “I’d like to add you to my professional network.”

After you hit send you obsessively check your inbox to see if you have been accepted and wonder why no one has gotten back to you because you’re such a great candidate!

One of the many possible reasons you did not receive a response could be because you and the HR professional are not actually friends and you didn’t even introduce yourself!

There are ways around this “networking” approach. Other options may take longer, while you actually spend time on an introduction letter, but the time spent makes it worth it.

  • Check to see if you are connected through one of your contacts on LinkedIn. If yes, request an introduction.
  • If you have a LinkedIn premium account send an “inmail” with a cover letter or job inquiry.
  • You can also send a hard copy (yes they still exist) of your cover letter and resume to the HR contact on LinkedIn. Make sure you include your creative personal card!

There is a chance, for you idealists, that sending an “add to network” may spark a connection and possible job opportunity. Waiting around for that to happen is time that can be better spent INVESTING in the relationships you are creating. Take it slow, walk don’t run, on your way to your next opportunity.