In Part 1, I showed you where and how to find connections.

In this post, you will learn how to connect and what to say to connect with someone who has the job or works in the industry you want to learn more about. 

I focus on LinkedIn, but you can apply the principles to any platform.

Step 1: The initial request to connect

This is the note to invite someone to connect. 

If you have a free LinkedIn account, You can send a 300-character limit message with your invitation to connect. 

If you have a Premium (paid) LinkedIn membership, you can send 5 messages/month to people who are not in your network. These messages go directly to their email account. 

Suggested invite outline:

1. Personalize the message by commenting on something you noted in their profile. You might say you admire how they made a career change, or mention something you have in common- an alumni connection, a mutual friend, or a group membership. 
2. Then ask to connect. 

Example:

Hi Dr. Brown. I came across your profile while searching for Duke alumni physicians who now work in the insurance industry. I graduated from Duke medical school in 2007 and I am interested in transitioning into the insurance industry. I would love to connect with you! Respectfully, Karen.

Step 2. The request for an informational interview

Once your connection request has been accepted, you can now send a longer message. It can be up to 8000 characters.

Suggested message outline:

Connect with something personal that shows you’ve read their profile and are genuinely interested in their journey. For example, you admire, or are inspired by their career success.

Be clear about why you’re reaching out.

Respect their time. Ask for 15 minutes.

Make it easy for them to say yes to meeting by having a specific ask that can be answered in 5-10 minutes. 

1. 1. For example, “I have 1 or 2 questions about your role in the company.” Or, “I would like to know how you transitioned from clinical medicine.”
   2. Once you get on the call and the conversation is flowing, you can ask if they have time for more questions.

Don’t take No’s or ghosting personally! 

Step 3. Prepare your elevator pitch

Chances are the other person will want to know about you too. Prepare a brief story about you before you meet or talk. 

Keep it to a few concise sentences, 1-2 minutes long.

Practice your elevator pitch out loud so it comes naturally.

Suggested basic outline:

Where you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re going. “I’m an X who’s done Y and wants to do Z”

Example:

I have over 10 years of clinical experience as a physician where I regularly review drug indications and safety, manage outpatient chronic illness, and lead a cross functional team. I’m interested in taking these skills into the pharmaceutical environment where I can have an impact on a large population of patients.

Step 4. The interview/meeting

Bring your curiosity and listening skills!

If you can avoid it, don’t mention finding a job or sending your resume.

As you’re talking, listen to what the other person might need that you can help with and offer to return the favor.

Sample questions:

Can you briefly describe the role and what you like about it?

What is your day-to-day like?

How did you make the transition?

Do you know anyone else I should connect with?

Step 5. After the interview/meeting

Schedule 10-15 minutes reflection time. 

Make notes of important points and compose a brief thank you note.

Nurture the connection. Even if the person can’t help you directly, ask if you can stay in touch.  

Final words

Set aside dedicated time to network each week.

The more you reach out and have conversations with people you don’t know, the more comfortable you will become. 

Networking is a useful skill to have under your belt. 

Don’t expect every phone call or email to lead to a job. Think of each meeting as an opportunity to get to know someone new and build a relationship.

It’s a marathon, not a sprint.