Haveo · Networking when you need a job
LinkedIn messages to someone you have never met
Short, specific, and asking for something they can give in three sentences. Reference their actual work in the first line — a message that would make sense sent to a hundred people gets treated as if it was.
The structure
One line proving you know who they are, one line on who you are, and one question they can answer quickly. That is the whole message.
Under eighty words. Longer messages do not get more replies, they get fewer.
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Asking about their path
"Hi [name] — I saw you moved from consulting into product at [company], which is roughly the move I am trying to make. Was the transition as hard as people say? I am [one line about me]. Any answer appreciated, even a short one."
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Asking about their work
"Hi [name] — your post about [specific thing] stuck with me, particularly the part about [detail]. I am working on something similar at [context]. Did you end up keeping that approach?"
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Asking for twenty minutes
"Hi [name] — I am trying to work out whether to move into [field] and you have actually done it. Would you be open to twenty minutes in the next couple of weeks? Happy to work entirely around you, and happy to send questions in advance if that is easier."
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After a mutual introduction
"Hi [name] — [mutual] suggested I get in touch. I am [one line], trying to [specific thing], and they thought you would have a view on [topic]. Do you have twenty minutes in the next fortnight?"
A named mutual is worth more than everything else on this page combined. Always lead with it.
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The two mistakes
No specific reference. If the first line could be sent to anyone in their industry, it reads as a mail merge.
Asking for too much. "Can I pick your brain?" has no shape, so it has no easy yes — where "twenty minutes" and "one question" both do.
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Rehearse it before you walk in.
Haveo builds your intro, lets you practice out loud with an AI coach, and keeps your notes one tap away in the room. Free on iPhone and iPad.
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