6 Tips To Land Job Interviews Without Feeling Pushy

Hi everyone, JT here!

In today’s competitive job market, one of the most effective strategies for landing interviews—and ultimately, job offers—is a technique called backchanneling. In my recent JT Talks Jobs podcast , I discussed how this approach allows you to stand out and secure opportunities without relying on endless online applications.

But if you’re like many job seekers, you may worry that reaching out directly could come off as too forward or pushy. Let me assure you, that doesn’t have to be the case! When done thoughtfully, backchanneling can showcase your initiative and enthusiasm without crossing any lines. In this article, I’ll guide you through my best tips for using backchanneling to stand out without appearing pushy.

What is Backchanneling?

Backchanneling is the art of building connections within a company before or during the application process. It involves reaching out directly to people who work there—especially those in your desired department—so that you’re not just another name in the application stack.

This proactive approach sets you apart, not just as a candidate, but as someone genuinely interested in their organization. Done correctly, backchanneling is all about creating positive relationships that help you learn more about the role and company culture, all without being intrusive.

Tip 1: Identify the Right People to Reach Out To

The first step in backchanneling is identifying who to connect with. If you’re interested in a specific company, research employees in the department you’d be working in. LinkedIn is invaluable for this—look for people in roles similar to the one you’re applying for or others who might be on the same team. Start by focusing on team members and mid-level managers

How to Avoid Feeling Pushy: Make your initial message brief and respectful of their time. Let them know why you feel connected to the company and the work done in their department so they understand you identify as one of them.

Tip 2: Craft a Friendly, Genuine Message

Once you’ve identified people to connect with, it’s time to reach out. The tone of your message is crucial here; think of it as a friendly introduction rather than a hard sell. People are more receptive to messages that come across as personable and genuine rather than transactional.

A simple example message might be:

“Hi [Name], I recently came across your profile while researching the company, which is on my bucket list of businesses I admire. In particular, I am a fan of ________(insert specific aspect of the business that you identify with). I’d love to learn more about your experience there and what you enjoy about working on [specific team/department]. If you’re open to it, a brief chat would mean a lot. Thanks so much for considering my request!”

How to Avoid Feeling Pushy: Keep your message short, polite, and specific. By focusing on their experience rather than the job you want, you make it clear that your primary goal is to learn, not to ask for favors. Remember, most people appreciate being asked about their experiences and insights!

Tip 3: Follow Up (But Respectfully!)

If you don’t hear back right away, don’t panic. People are busy, and there are many reasons they may not respond immediately. Wait at least two weeks, then send a brief, polite follow-up message. A friendly nudge can remind them of your interest without being too forward.

For example, you could say:

“Hi [Name], I’d still love to connect and hear about your experience at [Company Name] if you have a moment. Thanks again for considering!”

How to Avoid Feeling Pushy: Keep your follow-up polite and low-pressure. If they still don’t respond, it’s best to move on and respect their decision. Not everyone has the time to engage, and that’s perfectly okay.

Tip 4: Engage with Their Content on LinkedIn

An alternative way to maintain visibility without repeated messaging is by engaging with their LinkedIn content. If they post updates, share articles, or comment on industry trends, feel free to like or comment thoughtfully on these posts. This allows you to stay on their radar while building rapport passively.

How to Avoid Feeling Pushy: Your engagement should feel natural and genuine. Avoid overdoing it—comment occasionally on posts where you have something valuable to add, but don’t try to comment on every update. This subtle form of connection-building is an excellent way to stay top-of-mind without direct messaging.

Tip 5: Emphasize Your Connection Story

When the conversation does happen, take the opportunity to share what drew you to the company. People respond well to sincerity, so focus on your connection to the organization and why it aligns with your values and goals.

For instance, you might say:

“I’ve admired [Company Name]’s approach to [specific company project, value, or mission], and I’m excited about the idea of contributing to a team with that level of impact. My background in [relevant experience] has really prepared me for a role like this, so I wanted to reach out and learn more about what it would take to be considered for future opportunities there.”

How to Avoid Feeling Pushy: Focusing on your genuine connection to the company rather than pushing for a job referral helps you come across as genuinely interested. It shows you’re a good fit culturally, and they’ll naturally think of you if an opportunity arises.

Tip 6: Be Patient and Stay Open-Minded

Finally, remember that backchanneling is about building a network, not getting an instant interview. Be patient, and don’t expect immediate results. Sometimes, the relationships you form through backchanneling may not lead to an opportunity right away, but they can pay off over time as you continue to stay connected.

How to Avoid Feeling Pushy: Adopt a long-term mindset with backchanneling. Building a professional network takes time, and your willingness to learn from others will likely lead to meaningful connections in your industry—even if not immediately at your target company.

By following these tips, you can build connections within companies without coming across as pushy. Backchanneling is all about genuine, respectful outreach and adding value to your professional network, rather than asking for favors.

PS - To dive deeper into backchanneling and other strategies that can help you stand out, check out the full episode of JT Talks Jobs where I discuss these tactics in more detail.

You can watch it here on YouTube . Whether you’re new to job searching or a seasoned professional, these insights could give you the edge you need.