How to use LinkedIn and networking to accelerate your career growth

The job market can feel competitive and overwhelming, but the good news is that LinkedIn and professional networking are incredible tools to help you stand out. With a little strategy and consistency, you can build connections, showcase your expertise, and uncover opportunities that align with your career goals. Whether you’re gearing up for your next big role, building your personal brand, or simply expanding your network, here’s how to position yourself for career success.

‍

LinkedIn: Your digital resume and more

Think of your LinkedIn profile as your professional highlight reel. It’s more than a list of jobs you’ve held—it’s your opportunity to tell the world who you are and what you bring to the table. To make sure your professional story stands out:

• Be authentic. Share the story behind work gaps—parental leave, studying abroad, or career pivots. It’s part of your journey!

• Customize your profile. Use your pronouns, a custom LinkedIn URL, or name pronunciation to make your profile feel approachable.

• Show, don’t tell. Include samples of your work, like articles, videos, or designs, to give people a real sense of what you do.  

• Lean on your circle. Ask former managers, professors, or colleagues for skill endorsements and recommendations.

Friendly tip: Think of the “About” section as your elevator pitch. What’s the first thing you’d want someone to know about you? Lead with that.

Want to ace your elevator pitch? Check out our step-by-step guide to make sure your story shines!

‍

Expand your network (without the awkwardness)

Building connections doesn’t have to feel forced. It’s all about starting conversations and being genuinely interested in others:

• Use your LinkedIn QR code to connect with new people at events—it’s a great icebreaker.

• Send personalized messages with connection requests (no one likes generic invites).

• Join groups that align with your industry and start engaging in discussions to meet like-minded professionals.

• Set aside a little time each week to interact with posts. A simple comment or thoughtful share can make you more visible.

Quick tip: Networking is like planting seeds. Nurture those connections with time and attention—they’ll grow when you least expect it.

‍

Stand out by sharing your voice

Beyond your profile, LinkedIn is also about how you interact with others. When you share or engage with content, it’s a chance to show your expertise and personality:

• Post articles or ideas that resonate with you and explain why they matter. Tag people who might enjoy them, too.

• Join trending conversations in your industry using hashtags. You might catch the attention of someone important.

• Even if you draft posts with AI tools, ensure your personality shines through. People connect with authenticity, not robots.

Pro insight: There’s no magic time to post. Try mornings or evenings, but ultimately, it’s about finding what works for your audience.

‍

Networking on LinkedIn: Focus on adding value first

The best networking feels natural, not transactional. Here’s how to approach it with the right mindset to make meaningful connections:

• Think about how you can help first. Sharing a resource, offering advice, or showing genuine interest in their work is a great way to build rapport.

• Start small. Junior or mid-level employees are often more open to connecting since they receive fewer requests. When sending a connection request, always include a short, personalized message to introduce yourself.

• Build relationships over time. Like and comment on their posts to nurture the connection before asking for anything.  

Requesting an informational interview over LinkedIn is an excellent next step in this process. It’s a low-pressure way to gain valuable insights about a role, industry, or company you may be interested in:

• Keep it casual. Your goal is to learn, not ask for a job.

• Ask thoughtful questions. Use the time to understand their experiences and gain clarity on if the role, industry, or company aligns with your goals.

• Be concise and memorable. Share a short, compelling story about your career aspirations—it helps leave a lasting impression.

Pro tip: Here’s a short and impactful LinkedIn message template you can use to ask for an informational interview:

Hi [Name],

I’m currently [briefly describe your situation, e.g., exploring opportunities in your field, transitioning to a new industry, or seeking to learn more about their area of expertise], and would greatly appreciate the chance to learn from your experience.

If you’re open to it, I’d love to connect for a brief chat to learn more about [specific detail about their role, experience, company, or industry]. I’d be happy to work around your schedule.

Thank you for considering, and I hope to connect soon!

Best regards,

[Your Name]

By approaching LinkedIn and networking with purpose and authenticity, you’ll create meaningful connections and uncover opportunities you didn’t even know were out there.

And if you’re looking for your next opportunity, we can help. Discover our open roles on our Job Portal and apply today!

‍