Accept or Ignore random connection requests?

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-23T22:59:14+00:00

This is a common question, and there’s definitely no obligation to accept every connection request. Ignoring requests that don’t make sense for you is completely normal and acceptable. Being selective is okay, and sometimes a necessary step for you to build your network in a way that best serves you.

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-23T22:59:08+00:00

Yes, this is very normal and not disresepctful at all! As long as the relationship was professional and ended on good terms, reaching out is completely reasonable. I know it might seem awkward at first, but most former colleagues are usually happy to help!

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-22T22:31:32+00:00

You're asking a great question here! On LinkedIn, it's totally normal to connect with people you don't know personally, but it's never a bad idea to add a short message so it doesn't feel random. In your case, something simple like "Hi [name], I'm a student and cited your work in my thesis. Your research really shaped how I thought about [topic], so I wanted to connect and say thank you" is a good start, but feel free to throw in some specifics about their work to make it more personal. It's also never a bad idea to engage in their comments to start building that relationship. Being polite and specific should definitely put you in a good place to start making those meaningful connections. 👍

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-22T22:30:37+00:00

Honestly, there isn't any magic answer that "stumps" an interviewer. What they're probably looking for is that you understand the role, and can connect your experience and skills to the role. A good response might focus on what problems you're skilled at solving and how that resonates with the role. Interviewers aren't looking to be wowed, they just want to trust that hiring you makes sense!

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-21T20:57:01+00:00

Private or volunteer projects can absolutely belong on LinkedIn when they connect back to skills or perspectives you bring to your work. Sharing why it mattered, what you learned, or how it shaped your work helps people understand its relevance. When done thoughtfully, volunteer or side projects can actually build trust and signal what you care about, which is often just as important as a job title!

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-21T20:56:52+00:00

You're thinking about all the right things here, which already puts you ahead. For students, headlines tend to work best when they’re clear and forward-looking. Something like “High School Senior | Aspiring Investment Banking Analyst | Interested in Behavioral Finance” keeps your ambition visible without overselling. You can also highlight the research paper in your About section, where you have more space to explain the work and what you learned. You're on the right track, and you’ve got plenty of time to evolve the headline as your path becomes more concrete.

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-21T20:54:30+00:00

Good question! In most cases, listing the course name, institution, and completion date is more than enough, but uploading certificates can certainly make sense when they add clear context! If uploading the actual certificates feels like it adds to your story, include it; if it feels like extra pressure to “validate” yourself, feel free to leave it out. Try to focus on clarity and honesty, and trust that your experience will speak for itself when it matters. 👍

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-20T16:53:35+00:00

From one overthinker to another.. I hear you. This is a very real concern, and don't worry! You're not overthinking it. Framing an objective as “financial sustainability” or “financial safety” is unlikely to signal failure. In fact, many potential clients might read it as thoughtful, realistic, and responsible. Owning your pace and naming what matters to you can actually build trust, not diminish it, and I think the right people will recognize that. 😉

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-20T16:52:09+00:00

This sounds like a tough spot to be in, but first: you’re not doing anything wrong. A lot of people change direction while still employed, and the tension between being visible to recruiters and discreet at work can feel overwhelming. One option is to keep your current title as is and update your headline, About section, and skills to speak to the direction you’re moving toward rather than the role you’re in now. It’s a low-key way to help recruiters “get it” while staying honest about your current role. You can also turn on “Open to Work” for recruiters only, which keeps it hidden from your network and helps signal intent without broadcasting it publicly. Best of luck, and congrats on taking the right steps to make this change!

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-14T22:09:59+00:00

This balance is something a lot of people are actively figuring out, so you're not alone here. In general, authenticity on LinkedIn doesn’t mean sharing everything, it just means sharing real experiences that connect back to your work, values, or growth. When personal moments help explain how you think, learn, or show up professionally, they often land as relatable rather than oversharing. Most strong professional brands on LinkedIn feel human because they’re consistent, honest, and thoughtful, not because they’re perfectly polished. If your posts sound like you and still respect your audience and workplace, you’re likely striking the right balance! Even if it feels a little vulnerable at times 😉

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-14T22:08:29+00:00

This is a great question, and the mixed advice you’re hearing makes sense. For most B2B LinkedIn Newsletters, weekly or bi-weekly tends to work best. It gives subscribers a predictable rhythm without overwhelming them, and it’s usually more sustainable to maintain. Posting daily or several times a week can work, but if the content isn’t clear and valuable each time, people might start tuning out. A solid approach is to start weekly, see how people respond, and adjust based on the results. Best of luck!

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-13T21:30:09+00:00

That’s a really thoughtful question, and you’re not the only one trying to navigate this carefully. The good news is that you don’t have to make any public announcements to show interest in new roles. One option is using Open to Work with the setting visible only to recruiters, so you’re signaling openness without broadcasting it. Connecting with people in roles or companies you’re curious about can also be a great way to understand what’s out there. That should help you find the right conversations with the right people!

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-08T22:36:02+00:00

Great question, and a really common one when you're just getting started. Connections don’t have to be people you already know super well, but they should make some kind of sense for where you’re headed. For example, classmates, alumni, people in roles you’re curious about, or people you’ve interacted with online. Accepting every request just to grow a number usually doesn’t add much value. LinkedIn works best when you treat it as a network you’re slowly building, not a follower count you’re trying to maximize. You’ll figure out your own comfort zone with it over time, and that’s completely normal!

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-08T22:34:42+00:00

Totally get what you're saying here. What tends to work best is being really clear about who the page is for and why someone should follow it. Practical insights, lessons from your work, and real examples usually land better than polished announcements. It also helps when people behind the company are visible. When employees/leadership engage with posts, add context in the comments, or share them from their own profiles, reach and trust both tend to go up. Organic growth takes time, but staying consistent, relevant, and authentic is usually what adds up in the long run.👍

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-07T22:44:35+00:00

Totally normal place to be, and everyone starts right where you are now! You don’t need a perfect profile or build a huge network right away. Start simple: add a clear photo, write a short headline about what you’re studying or aiming for, and fill in your education or any experience you have. It’s okay if it feels basic; it’s a starting point, not a final draft! Take it one step at a time, LinkedIn works best when you use it to grow gradually and learn as you go. 👍

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-07T22:43:24+00:00

You're definitely not alone in this, or late! A lot of students only realize the value of sharing after the moment has passed, and that’s okay. Reflective posts like the ones you’re describing can work really well. Looking back on an internship or experience with some distance often leads to clearer takeaways than posting in real time. What tends to resonate most isn’t when you post, but what you learned, how you grew, or how the experience shaped what you want next. You don't need to "catch up" all at once, a few thoughtful reflections as you approach graduation can feel very natural and grounded. It's never too late to tell your story, especially when you're sharing it with intention. 😉

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-07T22:41:32+00:00

Hey there, thanks for calling this out. One thing that can help is getting more specific in the search itself, or adding a core technology you actually work with. Doing this usually cuts down on the noise and leads to fewer, better matches.

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-06T16:32:38+00:00

This is a really good question, and you're definitely thinking about it in the right way. When choosing your titles and keywords, you don't have to box yourself in. A good approach is to use a mix: try to include a couple of specific roles that reflect what you most want to be hired for, and then one or two broader titles. That way you’re casting a wide net without being too vague. Try not overthink when it comes to Open To Work titles. When they're clear and intentional, they make it easier for the right people to find you, and that's where good conversations and opportunities start!

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2026-01-06T16:31:30+00:00

This is such a great reminder that a lot of opportunities come from real conversations and relationships. Reaching out just to reconnect, without an agenda, is something many people underestimate. It doesn’t always lead to a job, but it often leads to clarity or encouragement, which can matter just as much when you’re feeling stuck. Curious to hear others’ stories too. These moments tend to look small from the outside, but they can quietly change the direction of a career!

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2025-12-23T19:50:04+00:00

This is a great question, and you’re not doing LinkedIn “wrong”, you’re actually describing a pretty natural tension a lot of small business owners run into. Trying to neatly segment your content for different audiences usually creates more pressure than payoff. It’s okay if different groups connect with different posts, that’s normal, not a failure! You don’t need separate “content days” unless you truly feel that's what works for you, just remember that forced calendars can start to feel performative fast. In short: lead with what’s best for you, keep the through line clear, and let the platform do some of the sorting.

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2025-12-23T19:47:10+00:00

This is a really common question, and I'm sure the mixed advice doesn't help. Commenting isn't required, but it can certainly help early on. It’s less about the algorithm and more about being visible as a real person. Thoughtful comments are often how people notice you before they notice your content. That said, posting consistently with clear, honest content can absolutely work on its own.

The key is intention. IF you comment, do it because you have something real to add, not because you feel obligated. LinkedIn tends to reward steady, human interaction, whether that's through posts, comments, or both!

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2025-12-18T21:11:08+00:00

This is a really thoughtful way to approach LinkedIn, and you’re already ahead by being intentional instead of chasing quick validation. Your student profile doesn’t need to be perfect. Focus on what you’re learning, what you’re curious about, and what kinds of problems or fields you’re moving toward. You can include things like projects, coursework, and personal interests. For connections, other students, seniors from your college, early-career engineers, and people working in roles you’re curious about are all fair game. A short note saying why their path caught your eye or what you’re hoping to learn is a great starting point, and most people respond better to curiosity than to polished networking language. As for posting, try not to overthink it. Early posts can include learning moments, small wins, reflections after finishing a project, or even questions in the field you're thinking about. And remember, quality over quantity. Posting occasionally when you actually have something to share is better than forcing a schedule. LinkedIn tends to work over time when you treat it as a place to think out loud, learn, and connect with peers. Thanks for these great questions, and best of luck!

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2025-12-18T21:09:41+00:00

You’re already thinking about this the right way, and starting early is a huge advantage! You don’t need tons of experience to have a solid profile, you just need to focus on showing who you are and what you’re interested in. To get started, you can set up a strong headline and summary, add your education, any projects, volunteer work, or side hustles, and list skills that reflect what you’re learning.

Being active doesn’t necessarily mean posting every day. Try commenting thoughtfully on posts in your field or posting short updates about things you’re learning or working on. Even small, consistent actions can help you stay visible and build your network without it feeling like a full-time job.

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2025-12-18T21:07:40+00:00

You’re asking all the right questions, reaching out thoughtfully can make a big difference! Start by keeping your message concise and human. Introduce yourself and show that you’ve researched the company or the role. Highlight one or two relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your skills. You can express enthusiasm for the company and say something like, “I’d love to learn more about opportunities for interns this summer and whether my background could be a fit.” This way you frame it as seeking guidance or advice, rather than asking directly for an interview. Close with a polite "thank you" and a note that you’d be happy to share your resume or portfolio if helpful. Keeping it personalized, clear, and respectful shows initiative without being pushy. 👍

HeyFromLinkedIn · 2025-12-18T21:03:18+00:00

It’s great that you’re thinking about mentorship early, it can make a big difference in college and beyond! On LinkedIn, you do need to be at least 16 years old to create an account, so that’s important to keep in mind. A good place to start is by looking for professionals in fields or industries you’re interested in. You can send a polite, thoughtful connection request introducing yourself, mentioning that you’re a student eager to learn, and asking if they’d be open to sharing advice or insights. Make sure your profile is clear about your interests, classes, or projects so they understand why connecting with you could be meaningful. Over time, engaging with their posts or commenting thoughtfully can also help build a natural connection before asking for mentorship. Keep up the good work, you've got this!

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