YMCA Employment Programs
5 ways to move your networking online through LinkedIn
27 April 2020 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
When it comes to networking for employment opportunities, many people prefer to connect face to face. Of course, that’s just not possible these days, while we all do our part to flatten the curve by practicing physical distancing and staying home as much as we can.
The good news is, job seekers have been networking virtually for years. LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform, with 675 million members worldwide. And people don’t just go there to chit chat. One study found that over 1.2 million people have landed job interviews on LinkedIn, and over 35 million have been hired by people they connected with on the site.
In short, LinkedIn is a great place to start if you’re looking to keep up your networking from home and build professional connections in your industry and beyond. Here are five tips to help you grow relationships with experts, recruiters, and potential employers.
1. Optimize your LinkedIn profile
Before you start sending invitations out to connect with others, fix up your profile so you’re putting your best foot forward. Upload a professional headshot, and make sure your summary of skills and qualifications tells an appealing story of who you are and what you have to offer. The more complete your profile looks, the more likely other professionals in your field will want to connect.
2. Join groups
Becoming a member of a LinkedIn group is the online equivalent of attending a networking event. A group gives you access to a large number of people who are in your industry, share your interests, want to discuss relevant ideas, and might even share postings for job openings. So, do a little research and join a variety of groups relevant to your profession. Once you’re in, be visible; introduce yourself and share your thoughts to draw people’s attention and strike up conversations.
3. Engage your network
Networking on LinkedIn is all about give and take, so when you’re sharing, be authentic and genuine. Post thoughtful comments that showcase your point of view and your insights, and share relevant articles, including job postings you think your connections would be interested in. The better your presence, the more likely you’ll find yourself connecting with others who are also making helpful contributions — maybe even contributions that will surface some opportunities for you!
4. Acknowledge
One of LinkedIn’s best features is its updates. You’ll get notifications showing you your connections’ posts, new jobs, work anniversaries, and more. A simple comment or a congratulatory message shows your connections you care.
5. Go at your own pace
At some point, every one of us was new to social media. It’s okay to start slow. In fact, it's easy to tell when people are pretending to be someone they're not; if you're naturally shy and reserved, excessive commenting is going to feel forced, and if you do end up meeting any of your connections for an actual opportunity, your online presence won't match up with your in-person one. So, if you’re feeling unsure, try just sitting back and observing. Take a look at how people engage in LinkedIn groups to get a sense of what’s expected. Or browse a few people’s profiles to see how they present themselves. Just remember: people are notified when you look at their profile, so try checking out your friends' and family members' pages, and don’t return repeatedly to the same one.
Looking for more tips and support finding a job? Book a free remote appointment with one of our employment experts today.
The good news is, job seekers have been networking virtually for years. LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform, with 675 million members worldwide. And people don’t just go there to chit chat. One study found that over 1.2 million people have landed job interviews on LinkedIn, and over 35 million have been hired by people they connected with on the site.
In short, LinkedIn is a great place to start if you’re looking to keep up your networking from home and build professional connections in your industry and beyond. Here are five tips to help you grow relationships with experts, recruiters, and potential employers.
1. Optimize your LinkedIn profile
Before you start sending invitations out to connect with others, fix up your profile so you’re putting your best foot forward. Upload a professional headshot, and make sure your summary of skills and qualifications tells an appealing story of who you are and what you have to offer. The more complete your profile looks, the more likely other professionals in your field will want to connect.
2. Join groups
Becoming a member of a LinkedIn group is the online equivalent of attending a networking event. A group gives you access to a large number of people who are in your industry, share your interests, want to discuss relevant ideas, and might even share postings for job openings. So, do a little research and join a variety of groups relevant to your profession. Once you’re in, be visible; introduce yourself and share your thoughts to draw people’s attention and strike up conversations.
3. Engage your network
Networking on LinkedIn is all about give and take, so when you’re sharing, be authentic and genuine. Post thoughtful comments that showcase your point of view and your insights, and share relevant articles, including job postings you think your connections would be interested in. The better your presence, the more likely you’ll find yourself connecting with others who are also making helpful contributions — maybe even contributions that will surface some opportunities for you!
4. Acknowledge
One of LinkedIn’s best features is its updates. You’ll get notifications showing you your connections’ posts, new jobs, work anniversaries, and more. A simple comment or a congratulatory message shows your connections you care.
5. Go at your own pace
At some point, every one of us was new to social media. It’s okay to start slow. In fact, it's easy to tell when people are pretending to be someone they're not; if you're naturally shy and reserved, excessive commenting is going to feel forced, and if you do end up meeting any of your connections for an actual opportunity, your online presence won't match up with your in-person one. So, if you’re feeling unsure, try just sitting back and observing. Take a look at how people engage in LinkedIn groups to get a sense of what’s expected. Or browse a few people’s profiles to see how they present themselves. Just remember: people are notified when you look at their profile, so try checking out your friends' and family members' pages, and don’t return repeatedly to the same one.
Looking for more tips and support finding a job? Book a free remote appointment with one of our employment experts today.
