Topic 2: Relationships MatterConnecting with Other

Students and Professionals on LinkedIn

At LinkedIn we believe that when it comes to building your

dream career, nothing gives you a head start like forging a

professional network in your uni days.

Do you ask yourself if it’s necessary or even possible to start networking while you’re still at university?

If you’ve been following the series, you’ll know from Topic 1 how to create a winning profile on LinkedIn.

It starts with a great picture, headline, and summary. A fully completed education and experience section is vital too. That

will help you get a job now and in the future.

But often it’s also about knowing the right people – or knowing people who know the right people…

Topic 2 is all about the importance of relationships and we’ll show you some tips

on how to build your network like a pro.

Let’s jump in and start connecting!

Step 1: Build your network

Networking can be intimidating for those on the first rungs of the career

ladder. If you’re at university, you might not know where to begin.

Want to know a secret? Your student years are the ideal time to start mapping out who you are in

the world of work – and where you want to go.

Whatever stage of education you’re at - whether you

have a job to subsidize your studies or not – your network

is probably far bigger than you realise.

So, start close to home.

Begin by sending connection requests to those that know you well

- friends, family, neighbours, teachers, colleagues and classmates.

You can also import your contacts via selecting

from your email address. Simple!

To make things easy, LinkedIn also offers suggestions for people you may

know based on contacts you already

have.

Building your network is not just about who you know.

It’s about who your connections know too.

Think of it as setting up a framework for opportunity. You never know where the next one will come from, so it pays to connect with people of different industries, professions and countries.

Use keywords like the title of your ideal job or

company and look at their LinkedIn pages for

inspiration.

Use the search bar to find contacts that could help map your

career goals.

You can also narrow down your search and filter results by experience or seniority

(This is why having keywords in your headline is so important!)

But what do you do once you’ve found someone who’s

living your dream?

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all invitation

message, so be honest and professional and explain

why you’d like to connect.

Don’t be shy! Drop them a

personalised invitation to connect.

Let them know how you know them - whether that’s

through a friend, via a website or through LinkedIn search results. It’ll help get the

conversation started.

Bear in mind - people

aren’t mind readers. If you’re looking for career

insights and admire their profile, let them know.

Open communication is always best!

Step 2: Keep in touch with your network

So now you’ve built an awesome profile and got plenty of connections with family, friends, colleagues, professors…..

What next?

Bolster your image by sharing regular updates to remind

people who you are and what you’re all about. Share industry

news, stories and events that demonstrate your interests and

passions.

Like other social networks, status

updates are a great way to stay top of mind.

Remember: Spelling and grammar

are a reflection of you, so proofread posts before you hit

update. You don’t have to scribe like Ernest Hemingway, but try to eliminate

errors.

Rather than regurgitating on-brand bulletins, aim to offer your own insights on trending topics and posts

by Influencers.

Always be authentic.

And don’t forget to say ‘thanks’ whenever it’s due.

You never know which conversation might lead to

a new opportunity down the road.

If people engage with you by writing a

comment or sending an inMail always reply.

And if you’re looking to connect with like-minded people, groups are a great

place to build your network and share ideas.

You might be finishing an essay or your thesis and want share an interesting insight, or

an enlightening quote.

As you grow in confidence, you might wonder how to grow a captive audience.

Forming connections

with alumni groups and organisations that share your

interests will increase the likelihood of engagement

and conversation.

As you network, keep in mind, it’s always better

to give than take.

Comment on a fellow student’s status update or forward a job listing to a friend. What goes

around comes around.

And of course always say thank you when somebody puts an

opportunity your way.

So, there you have it! A guide to establishing great relationships on

LinkedIn in 7 simple steps. Get all this nailed and you’ll be building your

network (and prospects) in no time at all.

Remember these key points:

Start by connecting with family and friends

Import your contacts using your email address to further expand your network.

Use the search functions to find people who could help you map your career

Send personalised invitations to people you’d like to connect with but don’t know - always explain why you’re making a connection

Keep in touch with your network via status updates

Join groups to demonstrate your passion and prompt interesting conversations

Always respond and say thank you to those that connect with you