How to Network on LinkedIn
and get more results
How to use LinkedIn to get results for your job search.
Someone told you to use LinkedIn and other social media sites to let people know you’re looking for a job and could use some help.
So you did. You got a few likes, and a couple of people reaching out about their franchise or MLM opportunity - and one sorority sister who called to tell you about her company across the country that could start you out on the phones in a field completely different than yours. And you are no further in your job search than you were before the post.
It’s frustrating and overwhelming! I’ve created a template that you can use to start meaningful conversations and build connections that can lead you to your next job.1
Let’s back up a minute.
Networking is about relationships - it’s not about pushing yourself on others, nor presuming that anyone has time to give you feedback if they don’t already know, like and trust you.
(Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash)
Networking is the tool you use to build trust and connections - it’s not the trust and connection in and of itself.
EVERYONE CAN network. Yes, it’s easier for people who have had the skill modeled for them throughout their life. This isn’t about being extraverted or introverted. It’s a learned skill that most “natural” networkers picked up from observation (or maybe osmosis). If you have had the privilege of watching parents, peers, siblings and others go into the world, make friends and make introductions, you watched people networking.
If you had someone who answered your questions when you asked them how to do something, or how to navigate a particularly tough spot in your academic career, social group or job, you were networking.
Networking works because people genuinely want connection and they want to help people they know, like and trust. Building the KLT (Know, Like, Trust) is paramount to successful networking. Online, a few things can make this easier:
Be seen.
Be curious.
Be helpful.
Be specific.
If you only post on LinkedIn once a year and that’s to ask for connections to help you get a job, you’re less likely to be seen - because the algorithm likes people who remain consistent and active on the site.
If you resist asking questions in groups or others’ posts for fear of looking silly, you’re missing an opportunity to be seen. Be curious, ask the question that came up when you read their “fact” that felt wrong. You can do that in a professional way, “I’m so intrigued by your statement that 99% of jobs are hidden from the general public, would you be able to point me to the citation so I can read more?” Of course, if you’re already an expert in that field, you can ask questions more directly that also show your level of expertise.
If you’ve found a resource that has been particularly useful for you (whether a coach, a book, a podcast or a particular industry group) tell your network about it in a post with a viable link to the site or person.
If you need help finding a job, be short and specific.
(Photo by Rodion Kutsaiev on Unsplash)
Here’s the template:
“[Social Media job needed]! During my 3 years in the [Sustainable Clothing Club] at [SCHOOL] I led the communications team as we grew our membership from X to Y, and increased participation in our clothing swap on campus and in the community by XX percent. I’m looking to bring these skills to a [mid-size organization] in the [greater Atlanta region]. Any and all introductions are welcome. Please DM or comment below.
Notes on the above:
Lead with the general area/title of the role - but don’t limit yourself by giving a title that may not be used at all organizations.
Give a specific example of how you’ve implemented the role in school/up to now.
Share some clear results.
Include an example of where you’d like to be - “mid-size” and “greater Atlanta region” help the audience zero in on someone they know that can help you.
Specify how to reach out - aka - call to action.
> By listing the club and the results you let the reader understand more about you without diving into lots of background information. There are no wrong clubs - although the club or organization can help center you in a field you want to enter. Imagine if the above Template mentioned the AI in Biomechanics Club and the specific results you helped generate for them.
>When you remember that everyone online is BUSY (like you) and appreciates someone getting to the bottom line quickly, you’ll be crafting more effective “help me” posts in no time.
One other thought - in job hunting - it’s important to remember that companies (and the people who work for them) are wondering what results you can bring to them - which of their big problems you can solve if they hire you.
Before you hit post, ask yourself, does this demonstrate the results I can bring to my dream organization?
What about you? Feel free to share your post in the comments or in the thread - I want to help you get connected with the companies who are hiring now.
This template is not meant to substitute applying for, interviewing for a new job. It doesn’t negotiate a contract for you. Results vary based on industry, experience and geographic locations.