Small ask. Specific reason. Easy out.

Honestly, it varies too much to promise a number — it depends on your field, who you're writing to, how specific your message is and timing. What reliably helps: starting with people you share something with, a specific reason for choosing them, a small ask and an easy way to say no. Measure conversations and relationships over months rather than replies to single messages.

With people you already know, even loosely, then people you share something with — the same school, a past employer, a group or a mutual connection. Shared ground makes the first line easy. A few thoughtful messages a week is plenty. And remember: many people like being asked for a small piece of advice, and silence usually means busy, not rejection.

Referrals work best from people who know your work or after you've had a conversation. Point to a specific role and make it easy: send the job link, your CV and a three-line summary they could forward. Then accept a no gracefully — it keeps the relationship intact.

Don't ask a stranger "will you be my mentor?" — it sounds like a big, open-ended commitment. Ask for one conversation about a specific question instead. Then follow up with how you used their advice. If there's a connection, an ongoing relationship can grow from there naturally.

No. Automation and bulk-messaging tools can breach the platform's terms and get accounts restricted, and identical mass messages rarely get replies anyway. A few personalised messages sent by hand each week will do far more.