How to Network on LinkedIn

I was recently speaking to a client, who is a Project Manager/Engineer and was asking questions how LinkedIn can benefit his job searching. The number one benefit I highlighted was to improve his networks and industry contacts on LinkedIn. Networking is one of the best ways to land a job that is a good fit with your experience and abilities.

How do I build my network on LinkedIn:

• Determine who to connect and communicate with?

• How do you find them on LinkedIn?

• How do you reach out to them?

• What LinkedIn networking activities work best?

1st Step: Build your Network on LinkedIn

Before you can effectively network on LinkedIn, there is a few things you need to do first:

• Make sue your LinkedIn achieves the All-Star Rating– that is making sure all recommended profile sections are complete and include a professional headshot. People are more likely to connect and engage with someone, if they can see who you are from their profile.

• Using of keywords and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) – there is 3 key areas you need to use keywords including the headline, about section and skills sections; and helps you to be found on LinkedIn and build your network. The headline is a quick snapshot of the value that you can offer to your target companies and networks.

• Show your personality– this is a great way to let your personal brand shine by telling your story.

• Add a headshot and other visuals (including videos, infographics and images)– your photo and headline follow you all on posts and comments on LinkedIn, which helps personalise your brand. Show you are tech savvy and capturing readers’ attention by posting videos, images and links.

2nd Step: Who should be in my Network on LinkedIn?

You need to bring all kinds of people into your LinkedIn network by proactively keeping yourself and your personal brand top of mind. Some suggestions:

• Recruitment agencies

• Hiring Managers at your target companies

• Other employees at your target companies

• Influencers and/or contacts in your industry

• Business associates you’ve previously worked with

• Current and past colleagues or supervisors

• Colleagues involved in the same volunteering activities

• Friends and associates.

Think of everyone you know – people from all walks of life that can help you meet your career goals. Make sure you connect with a minimum of 500+ connections – as your profile will rank higher in search results, thus making you more visible.

3rd Step: How to build the best Network?

LinkedIn’s Director of Product states “Our top recommendation is to connect with people you know and trust. If your network is filled with connections you know personally, it is real and usable, so that each and every connection has the potential to be helpful to your professional life, whether that’s a job recommendation, an introduction, or career advice”.

Don’t wait until you have lots of connections to start networking with them, start engaging with those you’re already connected with.

Strategies to build engagement:

• Comment on, share and otherwise react to other people’s updates and LinkedIn Group discussions.

• Tag (or @mention) people in your own and other peoples’ updates, comments, shares, etc.

• Use hashtags of keywords.

(Source: Executive Career Brand)

Ready to stand out?

Please contact Katie at ECM Consulting

Call at 0409 866456 or Email at [email protected] to discuss your job application needs and provide you with a quotation.