Using LinkedIn to get to know firms better while applying

[Matt_96]

Hi guys,

I'm currently debating whether or not to reach out to a few associates at a firm I'm currently writing an application for on LinkedIn. I didn't meet this firm at any open days, law fairs or networking events, and I think it would be a good way to show that I've made efforts to research them beyond just reading their website and other guides.

However, I'm not really sure what the best way to go about this is. How should I introduce myself? What questions are on and off limits? I would be really grateful if anyone could share any tips!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi guys,

I'm currently debating whether or not to reach out to a few associates at a firm I'm currently writing an application for on LinkedIn. I didn't meet this firm at any open days, law fairs or networking events, and I think it would be a good way to show that I've made efforts to research them beyond just reading their website and other guides.

However, I'm not really sure what the best way to go about this is. How should I introduce myself? What questions are on and off limits? I would be really grateful if anyone could share any tips!

Don’t contact with too many
Try to explain why you are connecting with them rather than any other associate/member of staff you could have asked
Explain what you are hoping to get out of the conversation/connection
Keep it short - I’ve lost count how many people send me essays about themselves which I don’t really need to know or could have found out if I had skim read their profile

 

[KayM.]

I agree with Jessica. I usually look for a link or an alumni connection just so I can have a concrete reason for asking them. In my experience, if you go straight to the point succinctly they are usually more receptive. Hope this helps

 

[Matt_96]

This is exactly the sort of advice I was looking for - thanks both. I've found two associates who work in different practice areas at the firm who both went to my university (although I don't think they trained at the firm). What I'm really aiming to ask about is what they enjoy about the firm's culture as that's usually the angle you can't really find out on a website!

 

[Alice G]

This is exactly the sort of advice I was looking for - thanks both. I've found two associates who work in different practice areas at the firm who both went to my university (although I don't think they trained at the firm). What I'm really aiming to ask about is what they enjoy about the firm's culture as that's usually the angle you can't really find out on a website!

Hey! Just a point to add with what’s been said above, do be concise but try to ask specifically about the culture if you’ve read something online about what the firm does, try to show you have researched and attempted to scope the answer but you’d like more depth or understand something further

 

[ath120]

Hey! I came across this post by a future trainee on Linkedin the other day which you might find useful: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/harryclarklaw_careers-networking-hc-activity-6688724186355011584-Br7y

 

[Matt_96]

Hey! I came across this post by a future trainee on Linkedin the other day which you might find useful: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/harryclarklaw_careers-networking-hc-activity-6688724186355011584-Br7y

Thank you!