How to network using LinkedIn

In a recent survey, we asked followers what led to their biggest breakthrough in their job hunt and 59% cited networking. A pretty conclusive result!

However, in an earlier poll when we asked followers what aspect of job-hunting they found most challenging, by far the highest percentage was also networking at 45%.

What this clearly shows is the staggering gap between the requirements to find a job in the current market and the practical skills job-hunters need to meet those requirements.

So how or where do job-hunters learn these skills?

This is exactly why we decided to develop our updated Hub platform, so that we can empower users with the information they need and support them on their job-hunt journey. Not only that, but we will giving them access to experienced personnel to answer questions and they will be able to connect with other job-hunters in similar positions. ?Job-hunting won’t need to feel quite so impersonal, lonely, confusing or frustrating again!

We’d love to tell you more about this, so if you’d like to be one the first to hear about the upcoming launch and have an opportunity to join us with an exclusive founding member rate, sign up on for our Hub mailing list here.

In the meantime, we’re sharing some useful tips about networking on LinkedIn that might help supercharge that job search and bring more opportunity into your life.

Tips for networking on LinkedIn

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1.?????Complete your profile in full

Make sure you’re using your profile to it’s full potential. This is your opportunity to stand out to connections and potential employers.

Are you presenting a professional image and showcase all you have to offer based on skills, experience, projects, education, training, interests and relevant passions?

2.?????Gather connections from people you know

It’s always great to start with what you have. Often, we have more connections than we realise – you can start by simply importing the contacts on your phone and go from there.

3.?????Connect with strangers in your field

Look for connections in the field or job role you’re interested in and send invites to managers, recruiters, or company representatives in the relevant field or business.

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4.?????Ask for introductions

It can be surprising to see the connections of our connections. Often you might find among your connections will be people connected with others in organisations or industries that you wish to work in. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask for an introduction as long as you're polite and friendly.

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5.?????Join LinkedIn groups

To find relevant groups, search for a keyword related to your field, such as "human resources or “hospitality," and you'll be presented with multiple groups dedicated to this subject. These forums are filled with professionals who share their knowledge, ask questions, and engage in conversations about the topics they want to learn more about

6.?????Develop relationships

Take time to get to know people, rather than moving in straight away with a request. Make sure any contact you make with connections via LinkedIn is professional and friendly, take an interest in who they are, what they do and any content post.

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7.?????Have a connection strategy

Keep your connections warm by revisiting them regularly. You could try making a plan that includes a list of key contacts you want to stay visible to, how often you work on your LinkedIn contact base (once a month, once a week?) and what type of contact you plan to make with them.

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8.?????Message contacts

Starting conversations with relevant contacts can be a great way to pave the way for opportunities.

Of course, it’s important as with all other communication, that your approach is polite, friendly, professional and you focus on relationship building and genuine connection.?

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9.?????Regularly write relevant content

If you want to raise your profile in your industry, start by actively engaging with your LinkedIn connections – reply to their posts with friendly, positive, polite, insightful and relevant insights.

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With all your contact, writing and discussions, it’s important to remember to:

• Make sure you are always polite, professional and considerate of the contact.
• Never spam contacts with multiple messages, pushy requests or continued contact when they have ceased to respond.

We’d love to hear which one of these suggestions as helped you most – let us know in our LinkedIn comments.