Step 3: Choose your targets · topic 3 of 3

Use mutual connections on LinkedIn

A 2nd-degree connection with someone you both know is often the best lead you have. You're no longer a stranger, and someone can vouch for you.

Where to see mutual connections

LinkedIn moves its buttons around from time to time, so the exact labels may differ on your screen. These places have worked for my clients:

1. On a person's profile, near the top, you'll usually see a line naming connections you share. Click it to see the full list.
2. In search, type the company name, choose People, and use the connection filter to show only 2nd-degree connections. You can also use the "Connections of" filter to see who a particular friend knows ^[1].
3. On a company's LinkedIn page, the People tab shows how you're connected to employees ^[2].

When you can't see someone's connections

By default, your 1st-degree connections can browse your connections list, and anyone can switch that off in their settings ^[3]. If a person has hidden their list, there won't be an option to see their connections on their profile, but LinkedIn says you can still view the connections you share from the People tab of the search results page ^[4].

Ask for an introduction

The research on weak ties suggests that people you know moderately well, measured by how many connections you share, are especially useful for job moves, at least in more digital industries ^[5]. So don't rule out someone you haven't spoken to in a while.

Make it easy for the mutual connection to say yes:

1. Ask whether they know the person well enough to introduce you. Give them an easy way out.
2. Say in one or two lines why you want to talk to that person.
3. Offer a short blurb about yourself that they can forward as it is.

Hi Sam, I noticed you're connected to the head of operations at a health network on my target list. If you know her well enough, would you be willing to introduce me? I'm moving into healthcare operations and would value 15 minutes of her advice on how the team runs its clinic openings. Here's a two-line note you could forward: [blurb]. And if it's not a fit, no problem at all.

If they don't know the person well, you can still write directly and mention the connection, for example "We both know Sam from my time at [company]". Only do this if you've checked with Sam first.