Worst LinkedIn Responses

What is the worst response someone has ever given you after a cold LinkedIn message? Have you ever been blocked for sending someone a polite message?

Someone just told me the intern class was full and blocked me. I had applied for full-time.

16 Comments
 

Lol that's brutal, I'm sorry this happened. Question though, why didn't you just try emailing them using the company email format?

 

I was thinking about following up with this dude via email after he blocked me but decided its probably not the best decision. I felt like we could've connected due to similar past experiences, but I'd rather not ruin my name in regards to the firm.

In regards to your question, I have always prefered reaching out via LinkedIn. I seem to have a slightly higher success rate and its usually easier for me. I usually reach out via email when someone redirects me to their email or I need to send a longer introduction (that won't fit in the word limit on LinkedIn).

I'd love to hear why you prefer reaching out via email rather than LinkedIn.

Yung Bull
 

Also curious to hear if you have ever had any similar experiences. This was the first time it's happened, but I'm sure it won't be the last.

Yung Bull
 

I just like emailing because my LinkedIn isn't very impressive to begin with, and also analysts are checking their email inboxes all day rather than their LinkedIn profiles. I've never had an experience like yours though, the worst that's happened is getting ignored or stood up for a call lol. What has been your response rate contacting people on LinkedIn? Do you connect with them first and then send a message? Have others been more receptive than the guy you speak of?

 
Most Helpful

I definitely agree with the fact that your message is more likely to get viewed via email because analysts need to check their inboxes constantly. However, I still feel as if I have better success with LinkedIn. To back your point up, I contacted an alumnus from my university via LinkedIn a week ago. I hadn't heard from him so I followed up yesterday via email and he got back to me that same day.

It's pretty tough to give a response rate via LinkedIn. All depends on who I am targeting and if they are an alumnus, if we have mutual connections, or are purely a stranger. Not too sure.

I attach a message with every connection I send out unless the person definitely knows me. Most people won't randomly accept your connection without a message that signifies you are networking and would like to meet them/talk with them/etc. In general, most people that respond are receptive to jumping on the phone. This guy was not the case.

Yung Bull
 

wow that was harsh, did you message the person before/after applying?

from what I'm guessing is that instead of trying to remove you as a connection the person may have accidentally blocked you. I wouldn't take it personally, someone might just be having a bad day or something. You did what a lot of people do, nothing wrong in that

 

I reached out to the person on LinkedIn after applying. However, I did not mention in my initial message that I had applied and usually do so in a follow-up message or on the phone. I feel it is self-explanatory that I am interested in a career in my message because I am trying to initiate a phone call.

Yung Bull
 

I've found that emails are better suited for cold blasts. There is an element of "hey I know you so I'm going to add you to my network" on LinkedIn.

I've responded to a few, but I am more likely to respond to a well-crafted email.

 

I messaged an alumni while still recruiting and heard back nothing. I get a summer job at another firm, work there for two months, then find out that the alumni had called my boss and yelled at her about her "pestilent" intern and his LinkedIn messaging.

 

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