How to Leverage LinkedIn to Get Recruiter Responses (Even Without Experience)

If you're an engineering student applying to companies like SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, or Google and getting zero responses, it's not because you're unqualified. It's because you're competing against hundreds of applicants who look exactly like you on paper. LinkedIn changes the game—if you use it strategically. ## Stop Sending Generic Connection Requests Most students send the default "I'd like to add you to my professional network" message. Recruiters ignore these. Instead, send a note that's specific and low-pressure: > "Hi [Name], I'm a junior studying aerospace engineering at [University]. I saw you recruit for [Company]'s propulsion team—I'm currently building a small liquid engine project and would love to follow your posts to learn more about what you look for in interns. No response needed, just wanted to connect." Notice what this does: it's specific, it shows you're doing real work, and it removes the ask. That makes people *want* to respond. ## Engage Before You Ask Before reaching out to a recruiter or engineer, engage with their content for 1–2 weeks. Like their posts. Leave thoughtful comments—not "Great post!" but something that adds value or asks a real question. When you eventually message them, your name is already familiar. ## Target the Right People Don't just message recruiters. Engineers on the teams you want to join are often more responsive and can refer you internally. Search for people with titles like "Propulsion Engineer" or "Avionics Engineer" at your target companies. Filter by people who graduated from your school—alumni respond at a much higher rate. ## The Follow-Up That Works If someone connects but doesn't respond, wait 5–7 days and send one follow-up with something concrete: a project update, a relevant article, or a specific question about their work. One follow-up. Not three. The students who land roles at top aerospace and tech companies aren't necessarily the ones with the highest GPAs. They're the ones who build relationships early and get referred before jobs are even posted. This is exactly what we teach inside FormAWin—how to build a real networking system that gets you conversations with the people who can actually hire you.