30 Days to Your Dream Job: Day 8 Expand Your LinkedIn Network

[Reyed Mia (Apprentice, DIU)]

30 Days to Your Dream Job: Day 8 Expand Your LinkedIn Network

LinkedIn is currently the largest professional networking site. It is therefore important that you establish an active presence on LinkedIn early on in your job search.
If you have not already, first set up a profile on LinkedIn. Use your updated resume (from Day 1 of 30 Days to Your Dream Job) to create your profile and background. Use the photo you took and selected from Day 6 as your profile picture.
Once you have created your profile, you can begin to develop and expand your LinkedIn network to include professionals and organizations that can either help you with your job search, or seek you out as a potential job candidate. Below are steps to follow to expand your LinkedIn network today.

Step One: Connect With 10 Contacts in Your Industry
The more connections you have on LinkedIn, the more opportunities you have to meet someone who can potentially connect you to a job opportunity. While you want to have a lot of connections, make sure you connect with people you know and trust.

Today, connect with 10 LinkedIn members who are connected, even indirectly, to your career interests. Make a list of the companies you would like to work for, and think of anyone you know who works for those companies (if you are having trouble thinking of connections, consider using a job search site like SimplyHired, which allows you to see Facebook friends at various companies).

Step Two: Join Three LinkedIn Groups
There are many LinkedIn Groups that can help you with your job search – job search groups, company groups, alumni groups, etc. Groups can help you network, learn about job listings, and discuss industry trends. Today, find and join three LinkedIn Groups.

Search the Groups Directory on LinkedIn (you can reach the directory by clicking on "Groups" under the "Interests" tab) for groups related to your industry or professional interests.

Some groups are private, and you may need to be affiliated with a group member to join.

Once you become a member, you can join group discussion pages, and begin to meet and connect with other group members.

LinkedIn and Networking
These simple steps will help you expand your professional network, not only increasing the chance that a contact will be able to help you with your job search, but also that other industry insiders might come across your profile and see you as a prospective job candidate.


Source: https://www.thebalance.com/expand-your-linkedin-network-2059459