Linkedin etiquette

jos28

I am currently job searching having been made redundant after more than 20 years. I've decided to use it as an opportunity to follow my dream and go in a completely different direction. I have identified the place I would LOVE to work and have done a bit of research on Linkedin in the hope of finding a connection there. I viewed the profile of the CEO and noticed that he in turn checked me out. Would it be completely inappropriate to contact him and explain why I was viewing his profile.
This world of Linkedin is new to me and I don't want to appear to be cyber stalking

generic2012

jos28 wrote: »

I am currently job searching having been made redundant after more than 20 years. I've decided to use it as an opportunity to follow my dream and go in a completely different direction. I have identified the place I would LOVE to work and have done a bit of research on Linkedin in the hope of finding a connection there. I viewed the profile of the CEO and noticed that he in turn checked me out. Would it be completely inappropriate to contact him and explain why I was viewing his profile.
This world of Linkedin is new to me and I don't want to appear to be cyber stalking

First off, fair play in changing direction! I'm far from an expert in LinkedIn etiquette but the fact that viewing who viewed your profile is possible, would suggest it's beneficial to the whole exchange and the sites purpose as a career related social platform. Also the fact the CEO looked at your page knowing you would also see it would suggest it's not seen as 'cyber-stalking' or if it is, it's not frowned upon. And finally, and most compellingly, have you anything to lose by contacting him? At worst he'll let you know either implicitly or explicitly that it's not the norm, but if that's the case then at least you'll know not to do it again!

If it was me I'd contact him, or someone in a similar position in a company you have less reservations about contacting.

Mrs OBumble

Contacting him is OK. But even better, find a mutual contact, and ask them to introduce you.

Irish_Elect_Eng

A good way of making contact to anyone in LinkedIn is to make it a mutually beneficial interaction.

For example;

• Brief note of introduction,expressing interest in the company an providing some relevant information about yourself. Perhaps letting him know how you discovered his company in a complimentary way.
• (Remembering that he can get the rest of the information from your profile.)
• Share a link to an article or academic paper that may be of interest to him or possibly relevant to the role that you would like at the company.
• Finish with a polite request that he accept your invitation to connect as you feel that such a connection my be of mutual benefit.

Personally I would avoid the "I want a Job" message on first contact.

jos28

Thanks everyone for the sound advice. I am meeting someone on Monday who may know the CEO. I will suss him out first and then make contact. Love the idea of sharing a paper or article. LinkedIn is an essential tool when job hunting and I don't want to make a mess of it. Cheers everyone