This LinkedIn cold-outreach template helped job seekers land roles at companies like Amazon and Airbnb

If you’re on the job hunt, you’re likely tired of being told that you have to network.

Sending out dozens of applications can be an ego check on its own. And flooding strangers’ inboxes or LinkedIn DMs to ask for a job referral can feel downright degrading.

The bad news is that networking is still one of the most reliable ways to find a new role, especially as so many people are job hunting and as AI continues to automate parts of the process. The good news is that it doesn’t have to feel so agonizing.

Albana Gega, founder of tech career-coaching platform Alza, told Business Insider that he refers to networking as “prospecting at scale,” and thinks of networking chats like a sales call.

As a coach who has successfully placed clients at companies like Amazon, Klarna, and Airbnb, he said the goal is to boost the job seeker’s visibility as a valuable asset, rather than depending solely on a résumé.

While many job seekers reach out to recruiters or hiring managers, Gega said that they should aim to target people in adjacent positions to the role they want. It’s what Gega refers to as “lateral networking,” and he said it gives job seekers a better chance at getting referrals, insider information, and early interview invitations.

This is the template he shares with his clients:

Gega’s three-part LinkedIn template

Message 1: The Hook:

Hey [Name], you’re at [Company]?

Why it works: It’s under 40 characters. It’s a question that triggers a natural “yeah, what’s up?” response. It doesn’t ask for anything — just opens a door.

Message 2: Build Rapport:

Nice. I’ve been following [Company/Product]. Looks like you’ve been there a bit… How’s it going so far?

Mention something specific here if you can, like a product launch or a recent post. If you have common ground like school, industry, or mutuals, work that in casually.

Message 3: Light Intent And A Friendly Ask:

Honestly, one reason I reached out, I’m lightly exploring new roles and [Company] is on my shortlist. Been chatting with a few folks just to get a feel before diving into apps or interviews. Would it be cool if I asked a couple quick questions? Totally fine to keep it here or hop on a 20-min Zoom, whatever’s easier.

Why it works: It’s non-pushy and honest. You position them as the expert and it gives them two easy options.

Common Hooks to Try:

Use these to vary your openers:

• You’re at [Company]?
• Mutuals with [Name]—small world?
• Saw your post on [Topic], super helpful.
• How’s it going on the [team or role or project]?

Next steps for job seekers

If the person agrees to take a networking call, Gega advises his clients to start with light conversation, thank them for the call, and give a genuine compliment.

Then, job seekers should ask two to three questions, such as inquiring about their favorite part of working at the company. They should end the call with a “soft ask” about anyone else they think they should chat with while they’re exploring things, Gega said.

In general, Gega said that the strategy has nuance and that “less is a lot more.” Job seekers should never inundate anyone with requests, says Gega.

“The same rules that maybe apply offline should apply online,” Gega said. “You never go to somebody and spam them.”

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