Have you ever been curious about how to use LinkedIn’s networking capabilities? Not many I speak to use it to its full capacity.  The reason why? The lack of knowledge on how to do so. Also, there’s this BIG fear when it comes to networking. 

Why? It could vary but what I see is that we are either not used to it (only comfortable with the traditional job applications) and then there’s that fear of sending a message to someone. 

That’s okay, it’s never too late to learn! LinkedIn is a powerful social media platform that has 774+ million users! Crazy right? It’s growing each day. 2 years ago it was less than what it is now! So the opportunities that are available are massive. I really want to discuss networking because that clearly is what LinkedIn was created for. I am going to provide you the top 3 ways that you can network on the platform TODAY. 

So before getting into the nitty-gritty networking tactics, let’s discuss your profile first. Your profile is the light that shines when it comes to networking. Prior to using the tactics, I am suggesting you make sure that each section is filled in and your profile isn’t empty looking. You can also jump ahead and make sure your profile is cohesive with your Resume. Let’s say networking is a success to you, but your Resume is asked and it doesn't go with your profile that is a big “UH-OH” Having each section filled on your profile will be helpful for you to get noticed through the LinkedIn algorithm and the back end which is called LinkedIn recruiter. So yes, you need to write a nice about me. I know how hard that can feel this is the #1 struggle with my clients and students. Because of this, I have created an easy-to-use About Me Manual that will walk you through ideas, formatting, and the structure of writing a successful LinkedIn about me. Included with this is LinkedIn Banners to help give your profile the extra visual flare for an employer to see your personality and professionalism, to access this amazing freebie

YOUR SKILLS ON YOUR PROFILE

Skills and keywords are great on a Resume, also even better on LinkedIn. You can add skills whether it is a soft skill or hard skill anywhere in your profile. In the individual skills section itself, you are allowed 50 maximum so make sure you use all 50! Skills are also great to be used within your job experience and your LinkedIn summary. You may wonder why skills are important to be used throughout your profile and the reason is recruiters. You want people to be reaching out to you! Recruiters are able to go into their database search on LinkedIn and search for any keywords or skills that apply to the available job(s) they are recruiting for. If your profile expresses a match then you are more likely to be visible to the recruiter and they are then able to reach out to you with their pitch. HOW GREAT! Seriously, just by skills, you are networking with recruiters without putting a crazy amount of effort.

*LINKEDIN TIP: skill endorsements are great for your profile credibility, easily gain these endorsements by endorsing others in your network 8/10 times they will endorse you right back!* 

RECOMMENDATIONS

A feature I feel we don’t use enough! Recommendations help you with your credibility and also bring recruiters, hiring managers, etc. to your attention. A lot of fear comes with recommendations, it's clearly a bit more time-consuming than clicking a button for skill endorsements. 

You can just like skills do a recommendation exchange with anyone in your network. It can be less likely they will do it back so to ensure that they will return the favor simply send them a kind message stating you just provided them a recommendation and you are currently in the process of seeking a new job and a recommendation in return will help you during this process. Don’t be afraid to ask! The reason why we don’t get what we want is because of the fear of asking. 

What's the worst that could occur? They say no or they don’t do it. That’s okay there are others out there within the platform that are sure to help you. Also, to make this easier for the person submitting the recommendation you can also copy write your own recommendation (making sure it is professional and not personally written of course) and provide it to them in a message. This makes the action of giving you a recommendation an easier task and you are much more likely to get the recommendation in return.

GROUPS

There are sooooo many groups on LinkedIn for various companies, positions, topics, etc. Find a few groups that pertain to your job area or skills. 

Those for one are great when others are lurking in your profile, but they are also great when you want to network. Follow some of the topics in the group’s area and when someone posts or replies to something to where you have knowledgeable feedback or opinions on you can join in. 

You are then creating and building relationships in the group itself that may then lead to be discussed personally and then that person can be your next job reference, employer business partner, manager, etc. Crazy this chain of effects. See why you shouldn't neglect the groups? You can think of this as something similar to Facebook groups which if you have just discovered that it’s filled with job seeker tips, exclusive trainings, and file

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Since LinkedIn is so important hiring managers will browse through your profile and see the groups you’re involved with and your interests. If you are in these groups it’s just a great perk, they see your passion for the career target and so much more. Plus there could be opportunities for networking and job advancements. You never know what’s out there unless you give it a try, am I right? 

So there you have it simple networking, growing, and relationship building at its finest. Don’t forget if you haven’t already to download my freebie below, which is an easy and helpful way to get your LinkedIn profile optimized for your career success!