How to network on LinkedIn to get a job
Read time: 4 mins
As a corporate recruiter, I will explain how to network on LinkedIn to get a job.
Unless you’ve lived under a rock, you’ve heard that networking can lead to some of the best quality jobs. And in my experience as a recruiter, I can say with a high degree of conviction that this is the case.
Many of the best candidates for some of my biggest jobs came through networks. Ever heard of the “hidden job market”? It’s real.
So, building solid networks is well worth the job seeker’s time and effort.
Unfortunately…
Most people have no idea how to network on LinkedIn.
A vast majority of job seekers see LinkedIn as a glorified job board. In other words, they only go there to search for jobs.
But if used properly, LinkedIn can be an incredibly powerful tool to help you land interviews, higher salaries, and opportunities.
The most common reasons people struggle to make actionable progress with networking are:
- Lurking but never engage
- Never posting content of their own
- Have incomplete or unoptimized profiles
- Not building meaningful, targeted connections
Not to worry, I’m here to help you fix it and leverage networking to your advantage to land a great job.
Here’s how to network on LinkedIn to get a job.
Company Pages
The company page is a treasure trove of potential connections and a place to start your networking journey.
You’ll find:
- recruiters
- hiring managers
- employees in similar roles
- former employees
Make introductions to relevant employees.
By connecting with recruiters and other hiring authorities, you can easily stand out and be seen by the right people.
(Pro tip: forget the cover letter…follow up your application with a quick note to the recruiter instead!)
It’s also a chance to discover who’s already on the team and their backgrounds. Who knows, you may find that you already know someone working there.
Employee referrals are powerful, so don’t let an opportunity slip!
You can also learn more about the company’s culture or boss’s leadership style by conducting informational interviews with current (or former) employees. (ps…ask for a referral!)
Don’t discount the power of reverse reference checking to ensure the opportunity you’re interested in is worth your time. Seek former employees and ask if they’d return to their previous employer.
Industry voices
Industry voices are the key influencers in your industry or career. They are usually well-connected and know the latest developments in the field.
In fact, they often influence the minds of others.
By connecting and engaging with the key influencer’s content, you’ll give yourself an opportunity to be associated with the best and brightest as well.
The industry’s most active and forward-moving people are often found in the comments section. Don’t discount the power of having your name associated with them!
Not sure who the key influencers are in your space?
Find the movers and shakers in your target companies – especially those who’ve progressed in organizations relatively quickly. Look at who they engage with in their LinkedIn activity feed.
Pay attention, and you’ll start to see the same people popping up consistently.
PS…Follow me on LinkedIn for more career tips!
Known networks
Your known networks are people you know “in real life.” They might be former coworkers or classmates. Or people in your family, neighbors, church, or circle of friends.
While not as targeted, these networks can still produce amazing and often unexpected opportunities.
Your neighbor may know a hiring manager at the company you’ve been applying to.
Or your former coworker (or boss) may have moved to a new company and have an opening on your team. Hit them up and let them know you’re looking for a new job. You may find yourself with an interview without even applying.
Pro tip: If you are unemployed, make sure to announce it properly on LinkedIn.
Personal branding
Your personal brand is your legacy. It’s what people know you as.
- Do people view you as an expert?
- A trusted voice?
- Or do you present yourself as helpless?
- Or do you just blend in?
In networking, your personal brand becomes even more important. If you want your efforts to truly work, others need to view you as an authority.
- Post valuable, relevant content.
- Show you’re knowledgeable and passionate.
- Add your expert opinion to a topic of conversation.
- Answer a question in a group chat.
Be consistent. You can’t establish your expertise if you only post sporadically a few times yearly. (unless you have celebrity status).
If your contribution is good enough, people will take notice.
LinkedIn Networking Is Powerful
Building your networks is the single most impactful thing you can do long-term for your career. In fact, I’d argue my network is more valuable than my resume.
If done properly, networking on LinkedIn can help you attract better jobs, garner more attention, and skip the recruiter altogether.
And this is just scratching the surface of how you can leverage LinkedIn in your job search.
If you want to unlock the power of LinkedIn for your job search, I’ve created a course called Unlocking LinkedIn.
It takes you step-by-step through setting up your profile for maximum discoverability. And how to leverage targeted networking to increase the chance you’ll get a callback for that perfect job opportunity.
Your networks are your most valuable asset. How developed are yours?
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Whenever you’re ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:
1 – If you’re still looking for traction in your business, I’d recommend starting with an affordable course:
Resume Rocketfuel: This best-selling course will teach you the exact system I use to help you write your own professional-quality resume, quickly and easily.
The Ultimate Jobseeker Bootcamp: This A-to-Z guide takes you from job search all the way to offer negotiation, provided detailed, recruiter-proven strategies. Don’t leave a single dime on the table ever again!
Unlocking LinkedIn: Walks you step-by-step on how to set up a profile for maximum discoverability, techniques for accessing the hidden job market and how to cut in front of the long application lines!
2. Gain extra personalized clarity with private 1×1 coaching
Have a specific question or strategy that requires more tailored help? I offer limited private coaching sessions. My clients have had too many “ah ha!” moments to count.
Happy hunting!
-Bryan
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