Clueless - question about Linkedin

[PaperDreamsHoney]

Apologies if this is a daft question but I'm hoping someone can tell me - if I hear of someone who's doing a job I'd absolutely love to do, can I message them on Linkedin to ask what path they took to get into it?

I have no idea if that's actually possible or if it's considered rude/cheeky/inappropriate. Can anyone enlighten me?

[Chemenger]

You need to link with them first, I think, which they can refuse. I don’t accept link requests from people I don’t know.

[doadeer]

In your invitation to connect you can exain why you'd like to talk to them - more likely to accept

[Kelsoooo]

I'd say that's one of the core points of LinkedIn actually. To connect, network and expand job chances.

It is not for selling/airing personal life

[CottonSock]

Yes do it. If they don't reply try someone else.

[thewinkingprawn]

Absolutely. I find it a bit strange not to link with anyone you don’t know (unless there is a clear reason not to - selling something you don’t want etc) - the whole point of LinkedIn is to expand your network. I’d respond to you if you send me a well thought out message with your request.

[PullingMySocksUp]

The way I did it recently was to contact the named contact in my ‘dream’ job ad. I explained that I wasn’t ready to apply yet but I asked them what experience they’d like to see in a candidate.

[Especially4u12]

Hate LinkedIn.... No idea how it works and you can't have a snoop without anyone knowing. I looked up someone I worked with in 1982 and they definitely saw me snooping as they then added me on Facebook! Cringe

[MaybeDoctor]

You can change your privacy settings so that someone can’t see you looking.

[Bumply]

I saw a job I wasn't sure would accept me without a particular skill. Someone I used to work with was listed as a contact so I asked him if I was in with a chance. He said go for it.
I didn't make it first time, but they liked me enough at interview to keep me in mind when another role came up that I was more qualified for and I got that job.
Without that contact I wouldn't have tried.