How to Ask for Advice on LinkedIn Without Sounding Desperate or Lazy
Let me preface this by saying I love LinkedIn. It’s a digital cocktail party where connections are made, careers are launched, and, yes, sometimes egos are stroked. But like any party, there’s a right way and a wrong way to approach someone. Asking for advice? That’s one of the finer arts of networking, and trust me, most people are getting it wrong.
Here’s the thing: when you ask for advice on LinkedIn, you’re not just asking for wisdom.
You’re asking someone to spend their most finite resource — time.
And people are protective of their time, especially those who have the advice you want.
So, how do you approach this without getting ghosted faster than a bad Tinder date?
First, do your homework. You’d be amazed how many messages I get that say, “Hey, can you give me advice on [insert vague topic]?” That’s like walking up to a stranger at the gym and saying, “Teach me how to lift weights.”
The response will either be silence or a polite, “Sorry, I’m busy.” If you want someone to take you seriously, show them you’ve already put in the effort.
Read their posts, listen to their podcast, or watch their TED Talk. Then, ask something specific that proves you’ve done the work. Instead of “Can you help me with career advice?” try, “I read your post about transitioning careers, and I’m wondering how you balanced risk with opportunity in your early years.”
Second, keep it short.
Brevity is respect.
A 500-word essay about your life story might be cathartic for you, but for the recipient, it’s a chore. No one has the bandwidth to wade through your professional autobiography.
Make your ask clear, concise, and actionable.
“I’m a junior designer trying to break into product management. Could you recommend one or two resources that helped you in your transition?”
That’s gold. It’s targeted, easy to answer, and doesn’t demand a dissertation in return.
Third, offer value. Networking is not a one-way street, even if you’re the one seeking advice. Show that you respect their time and expertise. Maybe you share one of their posts, write a thoughtful comment on their latest article, or mention how their advice has impacted you. This isn’t about flattery — it’s about reciprocity. When people see you as someone who contributes, not just consumes, they’re more likely to invest in you.
Lastly, and this is the kicker, follow up. If someone gives you advice, take it seriously and let them know how it helped. It’s incredible how often people forget this step. “Thanks for your advice — here’s what I did with it, and here’s what happened” not only shows gratitude but also keeps the door open for future conversations. And who knows? That door might lead to your next opportunity.
So, what’s the best way to ask for advice on LinkedIn? Respect their time, do your homework, be specific, offer value, and close the loop. Simple, right? Yet, like most simple things, it’s rarely done well. If you get it right, you won’t just get advice — you’ll build relationships. And in the LinkedIn game, relationships are the real ROI.
Brian Fink is the author of Talk Tech To Me. He takes on the stress and strain of complex technology concepts and simplifies them for the modern recruiter. Fink’s impassioned wit and humor tackle the highs and lows of technical recruiting with a unique perspective — a perspective intended to help you find, engage, and partner with professionals.
