How to Message Someone on LinkedIn When You’re Not Connected
LinkedIn can be a great tool for building professional connections, whether you are exploring a career, researching an industry, preparing for an informational interview, or simply hoping to learn from someone whose career interests you.
The free version of LinkedIn gives you many ways to network, but there are some limits when it comes to messaging people you are not connected with. The good news is that there are several strategies you can use when you find someone you would like to reach out to. Here are some options to try:
Outreach Strategies:
Check if you have a shared LinkedIn group:
- Scroll to the bottom of the person’s profile and look at their Interests section to see whether they belong to any LinkedIn groups. If they are a member of at least one group, you may see a Groups button.
- If you find a group that makes sense for you to join, consider joining it. Once you are a member, you can select See all members and search for the person you are hoping to contact. Depending on the group’s settings, you may then have the option to message them without being connected.
- Tip: If you find this approach helpful, check out the Networking Guide for a sample outreach message you can customize. Look under Sample LinkedIn Connection Request in the Outreach section.
See if you are eligible for a LinkedIn Premium free trial:
- LinkedIn sometimes offers eligible users a one-month free trial of LinkedIn Premium, which may allow you to send messages to people you are not connected with.
- If you decide to try this option, make sure you understand when the trial ends and set a calendar reminder if you do not want to continue with the subscription.
Send a connection request with a note:
- You do not necessarily need to send a full message right away. When you send a connection request, LinkedIn may give you the option to Add a note.
- The note is limited to 200 characters, so you will want to keep it short. Introduce yourself, explain why you would like to connect, and give them enough context to understand why you are reaching out.
- Example: Hi [Name]! I’m a Binghamton University student interested in [Graduate Program]. I’d love to connect and, if you’re open to it, ask you a few questions about your experience.
- If they accept your connection request, you can then send a longer message through LinkedIn.
Ask a shared connection to introduce you:
- Check the person’s profile to see whether you have any shared connections. If you know someone who is connected with them, consider asking whether they would be comfortable making an introduction.
- For example, your shared connection could let the person know that you are interested in learning more about their career and would like to ask them a few questions. If they are open to connecting, your shared connection can let them know that you will be sending a LinkedIn connection request.
- A personal introduction can make it easier to start the conversation and gives the person some context before they receive your request.
- Tip: If you find this approach helpful, check out the Networking Guide for a sample outreach message you can customize. Look under 2nd Connection Support in the Outreach section.
Look for an Open Profile or contact information:
- Some LinkedIn users have an Open Profile, which allows people outside their network to message them without being connected. If you see an option to message the person directly, you can use it to introduce yourself and explain why you would like to connect.
- You can also check the person’s Contact info section. They may have provided a professional email address, website, portfolio, or another way to contact them.
Look for another way to contact them:
- LinkedIn does not have to be your only option. If the person is currently a student, graduate student, faculty member, or employee at a university or organization, check whether their professional email address is publicly listed in a directory or on their organization’s website.
- If you find an appropriate professional email address, you can reach out that way. You can even mention that you found them on LinkedIn but were unable to message them there without being connected.
- Remember: Only use contact information that the person or organization has made publicly available for professional purposes.
Networking Scenarios:
When might you use these strategies?
You might use one of these approaches when:
- You find a graduate student or professional whose career path you would like to learn more about.
- You discover someone working at a company or in a role that interests you.
- You are researching a career field and find someone who could provide helpful firsthand insight.
- You are attending a conference or professional event and see someone you would like to connect with.
- You find a Binghamton University alum whose career interests you and would like to ask about their experience.
The goal is not simply to “get a message through.” It is to find a professional and appropriate way to start building a genuine connection.
Career Support & Sources:
We are happy to help! Whether you need help figuring out how to contact someone, writing your outreach message, coming up with questions for an informational interview, or deciding which networking strategy makes the most sense, the Fleishman Center can help.
Check out our Networking Guide for additional resources and sample messages.
You can also stop by Drop-Ins Monday through Friday, 12:00–4:00 p.m. while classes are in session, or schedule an appointment through Handshake. See the information below to connect with our office.
| Reminder | What This Means for You |
|---|---|
| Use Multiple Sources | Information about careers and education can vary depending on where you look. Try checking several websites and resources when researching anything related to your career development (for example: job outlooks, salaries, industry trends, graduate programs, or fellowships, etc.). This will help you get a fuller, more accurate picture of what employers or admissions committees are looking for. |
| Make Sure to Network | Talking directly with people associated with your career goals or the programs/companies you’re interested in can give you the clearest and most useful insights. Reach out to professionals, recruiters, alumni, or current students to learn what really matters in your field (for example: company expectations, hiring timelines, résumé preferences, graduate program requirements, etc.). Even within the same industry or graduate program type, different organizations and admissions committees may value things differently. Listening carefully to their guidance can help you put your best foot forward. |
| Use AI Ethically in Career Development | AI tools can be a great resource for brainstorming, polishing materials, or practicing interview questions (for example: outlining position description details to guide your documents, generating practice questions, etc.). But it works best when you use it thoughtfully and make sure the final work reflects your own skills and voice. Some employers and graduate programs may not allow AI, so always check instructions carefully. Think of AI as a helper, not a replacement, and remember, Career Consultants are happy to guide you on how to use it effectively! |
| Be Aware of Employment Scams | When searching for jobs or internships, it’s important to stay alert for potential scams, especially when exploring positions outside of Binghamton’s Handshake. Common warning signs include requests for personal or financial information upfront, job offers without interviews, or anything that seems “too good to be true.” To learn more about what to watch for, see real examples, and find out how to protect yourself or respond if you encounter a scam, check out Employment Scam Information – Binghamton University. Staying informed helps you pursue opportunities safely and confidently. |
Drop-ins: When classes are in session, Monday-Friday, from 12-4 p.m., you can visit our office to schedule a 20-minute drop-in with our staff.
Appointments: You can schedule your 30-minute career session on Handshake. These are offered all year and can be done virtually and in person.
Online Resources: Visit uConnect, our virtual career center that is always accessible to support your career needs.
Picture Source: AI-generated image by Chat GPT
Website Sources: Special thanks to the organizations, industry experts, and thought leaders who share valuable career resources, research, and articles with the public. Your work provides important insights that support students’ career development.
AI Assistance: Portions of this resource may have been developed with support from AI tools (such as ChatGPT by OpenAI or Gemini), used to help synthesize research, generate summaries, and refine formatting. All final content has been reviewed and customized for Binghamton University students.
External Site Statement: External websites may not fully comply with accessibility standards, and we cannot guarantee the accessibility of content outside the University. Please email careers@binghamton.edu if you encounter significant accessibility issues on these sites.
