4 Techniques for Sliding into My DMs (to network)

The first conversation is always the most awkward — if you make it awkward.

Look, I get it. It’s not fun talking to strangers, especially when that stranger can make or break your job search.

Thankfully, I’m not a stranger! I’m Taylor.

But I think I speak for most recruiters when I say that we’re human (and to the aliens among us, I’m onto you). Being human means we hold two conflicting truths at the same time: we like it when people reach out to us, but we don’t like feeling rejection.

What I’m saying is we’re just like you.

So relax.

When you’re trying out these DM techniques, just imagine you’re using them on ya boy.

1. Find me through LinkedIn search filters.

Whether you’re looking for me specifically or recruiters in your area, it’s really important that you get really comfortable with the search filters on LinkedIn.

Say you’re like me and you went to the University of South Carolina (Go Gamecocks).

Search for the University of South Carolina on LinkedIn and sort the results by Alumni. Then, filter by your location. Why? Because you need to put yourself in that person’s shoes. They’re probably going to be much more willing to respond to you if they already share other networks with you.

Once you’ve found someone that shares a network with you, check out their profile and note important details. What’s in their featured section? What are their interests? Where did they go to school? Does any of their prior work experience overlap with yours?

Make sure to “get to know” your recruiter before you reach out.

2. Help me remember your name (I forget stuff).

The most anxiety-inducing part of cold-contacting a recruiter is the “cold” part. Why not thaw out that anxiety before you even send a message?

I host a daily LinkedIn Live stream called Guidance Counselor 2.0 where I talk with job seekers and hiring managers about all things jobs and hiring. Join me at 9:30am Monday through Friday and don’t be shy to share your thoughts!

Trust me, once we start vibing, you’ll feel way less anxious about shooting me a message.

“But Taylor, what if I want to reach out to a different recruiter who doesn’t have a LinkedIn Live show?”

First off, ouch. I thought we were friends.

But seriously, there are plenty of ways to create name recognition and familiarity before dropping a DM on someone.

Check out what they’re posting about and comment on their posts.

Attend an online talk they’re giving.

Follow them on Twitter and engage with their tweets.

If you interact with them enough times, they’re bound to notice (and more than likely, they’ll appreciate it). Now there’s less anxiety about sending that first DM.

And when you do…

3. Butter me up.

I’m not being egotistical when I tell you that I like flattery.

You like it too. We all do.

I talked about this a bit in my Seven Steps to Making a Marketable LinkedIn Profile. I call it flattery or admiration, but all you’re really doing is looking for ways to connect.

If you’re reaching out to someone in an alumni network or someone near your location, start off by talking about a sports team you’re both into or an activity on campus you were both involved in. If you took the time to look at their LinkedIn profile, lead off with something you read in their “featured” section.

If you were reaching out to me, you could start your DM like this:

“Hey Taylor, I really enjoyed your Foolproof Resume on taylordesseyn.com.”

“Taylor, I noticed you went to school at the University of South Carolina. I went to South Carolina too! Go Gamecocks!”

“What’s up with those hawaiian shirts you wear all the time, Taylor?”

It doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to be authentic.

4. Ask for my time.

We’ve done a lot of work to get here. Now it’s time to get what you came for: seven minutes of my time.

Or five minutes. Or eight.

Whatever. Just ask me for a specific number, not just “some” of my time.

Why? It shows that you’re intentional and respectful of their time. Then attach a topic to it.

If you were asking me, you could say:

“Quick questions, do you have six minutes to chat about working in your current role at Vaco?”

I love talking about my work, and I’m super stoked that you thought about me! Now you have an in to network.

And now that you’ve done this for me, go through your networks and start generating intentional conversations and networking opportunities.

Want to catch all five parts of this guide in one place? I gave a complete talk about How Social Media Can Help You Land Your Dream Job on egghead.io HERE.

I’m a recruiter! I match job seekers with folks who are hiring. Check out my job board and more guides at taylordesseyn.com.

I host a daily podcast called Guidance Counselor 2.0 where I talk to job seekers, hiring managers, and tech industry professionals about all things jobs HERE.

Tweet at ya boy @tdessyn.