14 Tips to Grow Your LinkedIn Network

Job seekers will spend a lot of time on LinkedIn during their job search. You definitely should. Success will depend to a large extent on how you grow your LinkedIn network.

The most significant benefits will accrue to those with an active and engaged network, so it is well worth putting in the effort to grow your network ahead of any job search activity. Here are fourteen ideas about how to make the most of LinkedIn:

Write a profile/summary that outlines your value and experience. You are not just someone who will be asking for help on their job search. Write the profile for hiring managers, but also show why you are worth following for potential connections.

Get discovered with relevant keywords. While keyword stuffing is not advised, both recruiters and employers will search for potential employees with LinkedIn’s advanced search facilities. You can find people to connect with in the same way.

Invite everyone that you know – past and present. LinkedIn offers the chance to import your email contact list. You can edit it before downloading so you don’t invite the plumber or your annoying cousin. Build a network of personal as well as professional contacts.

Write updates and articles and share other content. Content makes the LinkedIn world go around, so play your part on the platform. Share a mix of personal and professional content but resist the temptation to get too personal (much as it will bring great engagement).

Be visible. But not annoyingly so. The key to growing a network is visibility, but don’t get carried away. Sharing two or three posts a week is fine if you have a dynamic network. Visibility will also come from your comments on other posts. Give in order to receive.

Grow your community

Build a community. Nearly everyone needs something from one another on LinkedIn. Within reason, many of these things are not hard to give. A community of like-minded industry experts appears when successes are celebrated and problems are solved.

Write a compelling headline. The first few words of your headline will be visible every time you comment on someone’s post, so make sure they grab your attention. If someone is curious about your headline, they will click through to your profile and maybe connect.

Be yourself. It is hard to keep up a consistent “act” on social media over the years – especially when past colleagues and friends are on the platform. Be yourself in what you share and what you say. This is important when looking for the right job “fit.”

Participate in industry groups. It is not the most active part of the LinkedIn ecosystem, but if you want to get a job in a specific industry, group networking is an excellent way to build contacts. You can message a small number of group members every month.

Consider a paid membership. There are many benefits of premium membership. For me, an investment in Sales Navigator for the few months leading up to a job search will enable you to create a personalised CRM system and allow you 50 crucial InMails a month.

Grow your LinkedIn network consistently

Send 100 connection invites every week. LinkedIn has limited connection invites, but that means that you can be so much more selective. Personalise each connection with a message to demonstrate the value that you can offer. Be warm and friendly.

Set activity goals – and stick to them. Ideally, you should pop onto LinkedIn every day for 10-15 minutes if you want to grow your network gradually. Much of the activity can be accomplished on your mobile. Decide on activity that contributes to your mission.

Make use of automation. Now, be careful here. There are lots of companies that offer to automate your LinkedIn activity, but some of them breach LinkedIn’s terms of service. If you do your research, you can find the right kind of automation for what you want to achieve.

Connect with those who view your profile. LinkedIn shows you who has popped by to view your profile, so it makes sense to connect with them to see if you share mutual interests. The value of making contact with a total stranger should not be underestimated.

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This blog is shared with Job Seeker Duetists. 

Written by former recruitment ghostwriter Paul Drury (not AI).