Linkedin has recently grown to become the next Instagram or Facebook for the professional world. With recruiters constantly searching for talent, it is a one-stop-shop for recruiters and job seekers alike. Linkedin is a great platform to expand your network and build lasting relationships with professionals across multiple fields.
Why Linkedin?
LinkedIn has been around for a while but especially through the pandemic, it has gained large popularity. It makes networking and recruiting not only easier but more efficient for employers and job seekers. Through data listed in zoom info, we can see that 88% of recruiters have hired someone through LinkedIn. This goes to show that LinkedIn is a real tool that real people are using to hire talent.
I downloaded LinkedIn, now what?
Step one is done! Once you have downloaded LinkedIn, the first thing you want to do is create an account and set up your profile. You want to make sure you're using an email that is professional and that you check regularly.
How do I set up my profile?
Now that you have created an account, the next step is to set up your profile! Start by uploading a professional picture of yourself. It’s important to use a professional picture as this will be the first thing that a potential employer will see. Next, input all of your experience and awards. You did all the hard work already, now let's show the world!
How do I get noticed?
To get noticed on LinkedIn, you have to be active! Create meaningful posts and engage with other people's content. Connect with professionals and send personalized messages. You may not always get a response, but it's the one yes or one response that makes it worthwhile.
No one is responding to my messages, what do I do?
Just like anything in life, you may have to send a million messages before you get that one response. Keep pushing through, the end result will be worth it! Some steps to take can be to send gentle follow-ups after a week or two. Another step you can take is to continue to engage with others' content and create your own. It's important to note however, content should be meaningful and have a purpose. You should always ask yourself, “what can the viewer gain from my post?” Whether it's sharing your story or your success or just sharing general tips, there should always be a meaning behind your posts.
The Power of Networking
Think about the last time you reached out to someone, or someone reached out to you, for professional reasons. Have you followed up with them since? Did you build a strong connection with them? These are all important questions to keep in mind when building relationships with not just professionals but anyone.
The power of networking can be so strong that a relationship you build can come in handy at any time. Whether it's when you are searching for a job, a recommendation, or even just to learn more and grow your skillset, having solid relationships with people can be important in driving sustained impact.
How do I network?
There is no right way to network. This can be done through cold calling, LinkedIn messaging, and emailing. The options for networking are endless but the important part includes being consistent. If you reach out to someone and have a conversation with them just once, that is not going to be sustained. In order to build powerful relationships, it's important to follow up and be consistent. The other person should be able to recognize your name and think of you when an opportunity comes about. They should know your story and you should know theirs as well. It is also crucial to keep them updated on new things going on in your life as well as these people are investing their time in you and deserve to know how things are going.
When it comes to networking, the biggest thing is taking that first step. It's important to step outside of your comfort zone and get started. After the first few tries, it gets easier and before you know it, it will become second nature.