Monday, March 17 - "How Do I Start Networking on LinkedIn?"

Happy Monday!

Here’s what’s on the job description for today:

1. New roles from a small digital consultancy.

2. Today’s Question: “I’ve heard people use LinkedIn for networking but it feels awkward. Where would you start?”

IN HIRING

Stratt

• A smaller, boutique consultancy focused on enterprise digital consultancy is hiring for a few positions in London.

• Here are a few of the most interesting roles available

  • Junior Consultant, Digital Transformation - Click here for full details

  • Associate Consultant, Digital Transformation - Click here for full details

  • Consultant, Digital Transformation - Click here for full details

Click here for the company’s career page

TODAY’S QUESTION

Today’s Question: “I’ve heard people use LinkedIn for networking but it feels awkward. Where would you start?”

Recommendation: I see LinkedIn and networking as playing an important role in the job search but it isn’t always the right move. Here’s when and how I’d start:

• First, consider where you are in your job search and how networking can play a part in you getting to the next level.

  • If I’m just in the beginning of a job search or will be doing one in the future, I would consider aiming to get information that will help me better understand fit in the market so I can apply to better jobs.

  • If later in the job search, networking may help more with mock interviews, referrals, and a conversation regarding industry trends, challenges, and new technologies.

• Second, while many candidates find reaching out directly to recruiters or a company’s HR useful, I have not seen this first hand.

  • I would reach out to those with jobs that I want or one step above. I’d aim to ask questions and follow up questions for the first 50-70% of any calls I got and end by asking what they would do if we switched spots.

  • If they offered a referral or help, I would take it but I would be unlikely to ask directly unless it felt right.

• Finally, connections with notes have always felt like a waste of time.

  • I would send all the free connections without a note I could each week.

  • For those that connect, I’d try to send them a note and ask how their current school or job is.

  • If they respond, then I’d try to ask for a meeting to better understand the company and their experience there.

Conclusion:

Networking on LinkedIn is not a requirement but I do consider it a valuable tool in your belt. Find a process that works for you and let it snowball.

The 2-Hour Job Search: A book I used during and after the MBA to find my first interviews. It’s a foundational resource for anyone who wants actionable steps to get more interviews.