If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking to shake up some serious shit in your career, right? Bet. Let’s gone ‘head and do a deep dive into the art of networking on LinkedIn.
And before you come at me with all that mess about “I don’t like networking …” or “I don’t even have a LinkedIn” imma need you to get it all the way together and get out of your own damn way.
Because sis, if you know how to use Facebook, I promise you can use LinkedIn. It’s a legit goldmine of opportunities, connections, and new job offers. So stop all that noise and let’s get into it.
Fix Your Profile
First things first, your profile should be as snatched as your waist. If it’s not, then you got some work to do, love. It’s your digital first impression and, like all first impressions, you should do everything in your power to make sure that it’s a good one.
That means you need to have a professional looking profile picture. From the tatas on up. Nothing provocative or full body in length. Also, no drunken selfies, filters, or photos of you on vacation in Cancun. Aim for something clear and high-quality. And make sure to smile. You want to look approachable, not like you want to murder anyone who take a look at your profile.
Next is your headline. Please make this more than just the damn job title that applying for. Use this space to highlight what you do and what you’re passionate about. For example, our Marketing Manager’s profile says she’s a “Marketing Manager | Storyteller | Copywriter” … her headline reflects her unique blend of skills and interests and yours should too.
And your summary? It’s a further extension of that. It’s your chance to tell your story. Who are you? What are you passionate about? What drives you? What do you enjoy doing in your free time? The first paragraph should be all about how much of a badass you are but that second paragraph? It should make people want to reach out to you about their similar interests. Make it personal, engaging, and don’t be afraid to sprinkle in a bit of ✨ personality ✨ … because your summary is your chance to connect. It isn’t about regurgitating your resume. Pro tip though, leave out any mention of kids or being a caregiver. There’s an unfair bias against women and femme presenting people when they have kids and, though we know it’s not fair, sometimes we gotta play the game to get the results that we truly want.
Next up is your experience. You should have already redone your resume using our Ultimate Resume Writing Guide. Obviously, if you haven’t then go do that first. This article will still be here when you’re done. If you’ve already revamped that bad boy, now you’re going to copy and paste in all the relevant positions and points that will get you the job you’re currently looking for. Don’t just list your job duties.You should be highlighting your achievements and the impact you’ve made as well. Use bullet points (just like in your resume) for easy reading and keep it concise.
Last but not least, your key skills should show that you’re qualified for whatever position you apply for. As should your endorsements. The more you have, the better since they boost your credibility. If you haven’t yet connected with any coworkers, colleagues, or mentors then get to it. Lean on the people you know until you’re able to build more connections in your field.
Building Connections
Now that your profile is as stunning as you are, it’s time to start making connections. But hold up, sis—this isn’t a numbers game. It’s all about building quality relationships.
Like I mentioned above, start with people you know. Connect with colleagues, classmates, coworkers, family, friends, professors, and anyone else you’ve worked with or know personally. This creates a solid foundation for your network. Then you’re going to find and join groups related to your industry or areas of interest. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and connect with group members. This is a great way to meet like-minded professionals.
If you want to take it a step further (which I recommend) connect with people who do the job you want to do and people who work at the companies you want to work at as well. Don’t be like everyone else and just send a million connection requests to every recruiter that you can find. Most of the time, they’re not actually a recruiter for the role you’re specifically looking for. Work smarter and not harder.
Get Personal
When reaching out to new connections, always personalize your request. A basic ass connection request is likely to be ignored. And no note at all is something I’d def advise against. Mention how you know them or why you’d like to connect. Say something about what you read in their summary (because, at a minimum, you should be reading their summary before sending a connection invitation). A little effort goes a long way. Not sure what to say? Try this:“Hi [Name], I noticed we both attended [University] and I’m impressed with your work in [Industry]. I’d love to connect and learn more about your career journey.” Obviously change it to suit your needs but I promise you, even those two sentences are better than nothing. You wouldn’t randomly walk up to someone on the street and ask them to be your friend without context right? Don’t do it on LinkedIn.
Engage with Content
You don’t ever have to become LinkedIn famous in order to land a better job. I promise you, consistently liking, commenting, and sharing posts from your connections and industry leaders will do all the heavy lifting for you. This not only keeps you visible but also shows that you’re active and engaged in your field. And guess what hiring managers love to see? 👀
I promise, this shit isn’t complicated. Just make sure your comments (at least two a day) are purposeful, insightful, and demonstrate your expertise. “This is great!” and other lame ass comments like that are useless fluff and will make exactly zero people perk up in interest when your name is suddenly in their notifications.
Leverage Your Network
Alright, you’ve built a solid network. Now what? It’s time to leverage those connections and turn them into tangible opportunities. Reach out to people in roles or industries you’re interested in and ask for informational interviews or what I like to call coffee chats. These are a low-pressure way to learn more about potential career paths and get insider advice from people who are already doing what you want to do.
Don’t be shy about letting your network know what you’re looking for. Share your goals. Post updates about your job search and career aspirations. If you get laid off, tell them. If you get hired, tell them. Regularly engaging with your network by sharing articles, posting updates, and commenting on others’ posts. keeps you on their radar and shows that you’re active in your field. Hell, if you know of a really great job that will soon be available, you can even tell them that. You never know who might have a lead for you. Or who you can help with the knowledge you possess.
Which brings me to another point. Networking isn’t just about what you can get; it’s also about what you can give. Share job postings, offer to make introductions, or provide insights from your own experience. The more value you provide, the more people will want to help you in return. And no, you shouldn’t do all of that with the expectation that someone will do the same for you because that’s the fastest way to end up disappointed and pissed off. But I’m a firm believer that what you put out into the world always finds a way of coming back to you.
Stay Positive & Keep It Moving
Let’s bffr, networking isn’t always smooth (or easy) sailing. Sometimes, you’re gonna be ignored or even get rejected outright. It happens to all of us, sis. The key is not to take it personally. Keep it positive and remember that every “no” is just bringing you one step closer to a “yes.”
And if you’re not getting the responses you want, take a step back and figure out why. Maybe your approach needs tweaking, maybe you’re targeting the wrong people. Maybe you’re coming on too damn strong and you gotta ease up off the gas a lil bit. Use rejection as an opportunity to learn and improve because persistence and consistency are key. Keep reaching out, making connections, and putting yourself out there. The right opportunity will come your way if you stay committed to your future success.
Let’s wrap this shit up …
Networking on LinkedIn can feel like a lot but, with the right approach, it can open doors you never imagined. Doors you didn’t even know where there. Let you into rooms you couldn’t have known existed. It’s all about building genuine relationships and adding value to your network. Be patient, be persistent, and most importantly, be yourself.
So, go ahead and start building that LinkedIn empire. With your talent, drive, and all these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to landing that 6 Figure Future of yours.
And if you need some extra help or advice, you know how to find us!
Comments