How to Network Using LinkedIn

Social media is a great resource to use when building a network and searching for a job. Specifically, LinkedIn is the social media platform to use in your job search—especially when it comes to connecting with other business professionals. So, once you have created your LinkedIn profile, it’s time to start networking! Use the following tips to learn how to use LinkedIn in your job search.

How Can I Use LinkedIn to Network?

1. Start with a Goal in Mind

Ask yourself, “What position(s) am I targeting?” and “Which companies am I most interested in?” Use the search bar in LinkedIn to look up your target companies and positions. Follow the company’s posts and updates and start researching who you know that currently works there.

2. Connect with the People You Already Know

Connect with colleagues, friends, and other acquaintances and let them know that you are open to work. These are your first level connections: people you personally know who can provide you with warm contacts and leads.

As you build your network, use the “My Network” button to find even more people that you may know and want to connect with. As you send connection requests, it is always a good idea to include a personal note, saying why you would like to connect and thanking them for their time.

3. Make Second Level Connections

Once you have connected with some of the people that you already know, go back to the companies and jobs that interest you. Do you personally know anyone who works at that company? Is there anyone currently in a role you want to explore? Reach out to them! Let them know you’re interested and if they’re open to meeting with you.

If you don’t personally know anyone, don’t panic! This is where networking on LinkedIn is powerful: LinkedIn will show you who from your second level contacts work at a company or position of interest. Second level contacts are individuals that are connected with your first level contacts. When networking, one of your goals should always be looking for ways to tap into your second level connections. LinkedIn helps with this—just look at how your network can grow!

As an example,

• Let’s assume you have 100 first level connections.
• Let’s also assume that they are each connected with an additional 100 people, none of which are currently connected to you.
• What does that mean? It means that you could network with up to 10,000 new people, just by reaching out to your 100 first level contacts!
• The question now becomes: how can you tap into and leverage that network?

Remember: in addition to working with your first level connections, networking on LinkedIn is all about getting your second level connections into your first level.

4. Use LinkedIn’s Search Feature

Much like other websites, LinkedIn has an internal search functionality. This is one of its most important features. Try searching for a company or position you are interested in—for instance, “project manager” or “accountant.” In so doing, you’ll see new filters and options to help you narrow your search and network with others.

For example, you can save jobs you are interested in, discover people that often reference your searched terms, find people within your network in that company or position, and more.

5. Reach Out to Recruiters

Contact recruiters in your field and connect with them, especially if you’re not connected with someone who works at your target company. Consider connecting with recruiters or other individuals who have large networks. This will build your network quicker than solely connecting with those you know.

You can find a recruiter’s email address under “Contact Info” on his or her profile or send them a message through LinkedIn. In your message to the recruiter:

• Describe your experience, qualifications and what you’re looking for.
• Use concise sentences.
• Attach your resume.
• Always express why you’re interested in why you will be a great fit with the organization.

When recruiters contact you, be sure to thank them. Let them know what type of position you are seeking. Ask them how to be notified of jobs that you are interested in from their applicant tracking system. Responding to recruiters’ messages increases the probability that other recruiters will reach out. They can filter candidates by those who are more likely to respond to their message based on a candidate’s past responsiveness to other employers. This will help you create a better online reputation on LinkedIn.

6. Seek Endorsements and Recommendations

 “Skills” and “Recommendations” are sections that you can find on your LinkedIn profile and can be used to not only enhance your profile, but network, as well. In addition to highlighting the skills you have acquired throughout your career, people can endorse your skills, giving enhanced legitimacy and credibility to your profile.

To receive a skill endorsement, select people who know your work and abilities, navigate to their LinkedIn profiles, and endorse them for specific skills. Then, invite them to return the favor! Providing skill endorsements to people within your network can help you maintain strong relationships. Additionally, recruiters often search for candidates based on listed skills. Make sure to attach specific skills to your work and education experience.

Recommendations, on the other hand, provide depth, context and support to your listed skills—particularly with recruiters and hiring managers. Find several people you know and write them a recommendation, focusing on a specific skill, role, or accomplishment. Then ask them to provide a recommendation of your work.

Be sure to thank those who provide endorsements and recommendations.

7. Build a Following

To build your network on LinkedIn, join occupation or industry groups, and frequently post interesting information around your field of study or expertise. Ask friends and associates to add comments and share your posts with others. Doing so leads to hits on your name, making you more visible to recruiters and hiring managers. Meanwhile, your peer network can keep you informed of opportunities and provide referrals to specific employers.

Find your school’s organization page and review the ‘Alumni’ section. There, you can search and filter alumni by title, keyword, company, and year attended, leading to additional networking opportunities.

8. Make It Clear You are Open to Work

LinkedIn has a way for its users to indicate that they are openly looking for work. On your profile, click the “Open to” button. There, you can indicate that you are interested in finding a new job or highlight services that you offer so clients can discover you.

Though you can set permissions limiting who can see your “Open to” status, be careful. If you are currently employed and searching for a job, you may want to think twice before showing yourself as “Open to Work.”