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Weekly Newsletter Vol. 71 - January 8, 2025

Generating your Lead Story…

How to Network on LinkedIn in 2025

LinkedIn continues to be the go-to platform for professionals looking to secure their next big opportunity. But the game has changed—networking isn’t just about sending connection requests; it’s about building genuine relationships and showcasing your expertise. Here’s how you can leverage LinkedIn to position yourself for career success.

1. Optimize Your Profile for 2025

Before reaching out to others, make sure your LinkedIn profile reflects your skills, achievements, and goals. Think of it as your digital resume—polished and purposeful.

• Use a professional photo and write a compelling headline that showcases your value.

  Instead of saying "Project Manager," try something more descriptive:
  
  "Senior Project Manager | Led teams delivering $2M+ projects | 10+ years of experience in construction management"

• Update your “About” section with key accomplishments and career aspirations.

• Add relevant keywords to your profile so recruiters can find you. For example, if you’re a software engineer, terms like “API development” or “cloud solutions” are essential.

2. Engage Authentically

Networking isn’t about broadcasting—it’s about connecting. Engage with others by being thoughtful and genuine.

• Comment meaningfully on posts in your industry. Instead of saying, “Great post,” share an insight or ask a follow-up question.

• Share your own content—whether it’s an article, a brief post about your work, or even a question to spark discussion.

• Don’t just like a post; take the time to message the person and share why you found it valuable.

• Try voice notes or videos in 2025. It’s the next wave of connecting.

3. Leverage Advanced Search to Find Key Connections

LinkedIn’s search tool is a goldmine for finding the right people to connect with.

• Use filters like industry, location, and job title to identify decision-makers in companies you’re targeting. Try Boolean searches. Try this:

  A Boolean search uses operators like AND, OR, NOT, and symbols like quotes and asterisks to refine search results and find specific information efficiently. For example, a recruiter looking for front-end developers skilled in React or JavaScript might use: ("Front-End Developer") AND (React OR JavaScript) AND NOT "Senior".

• Example: If you’re an HR professional, search for “HR Directors” or “People Operations Leaders” in your preferred city or industry.

• Don’t just send a generic request. Personalize your connection note by mentioning something specific, like their recent post or project.

4. Tap Into LinkedIn Groups

Joining groups can expose you to like-minded professionals and key industry players.

• Participate in discussions by answering questions and sharing your expertise.

• Use groups to learn about upcoming trends, events, and even job opportunities.

• Example: If you’re in recruitment, join groups focused on talent acquisition or diversity hiring to stay informed and connected.

5. Turn Connections into Conversations

It’s not enough to connect—you need to build relationships. Start by scheduling virtual coffee chats or informational interviews.

• Example: Message someone with a note like, “Hi [Name], I see you’ve been working on [specific project/role]. I’d love to learn more about your journey and insights. Would you have 15 minutes to chat next week?”

• Prepare for these calls by researching the person’s profile and having a few thoughtful questions ready.

• If you’ve applied for a job, try this:

  
  I was researching the VP of Customer Success role on your team. Your search for someone who has worked on and caught my attention.
  
  Over the past 8 years, I have:
  – Led and mentored teams of 8+ CSMs
  – Managed $25M+ ARR while implementing effective upselling strategies.
  – Grew ARR 17% YOY by articulating the platform's value to customers and decreasing churn from 5.4% to 3.1%
  
  If you think it makes sense, would you be open to hopping on a call to share a bit more about this role and how you’ve liked working with ?

Closing Thoughts

In 2025, LinkedIn is more than a platform—it’s your ticket to career opportunities. By being intentional, authentic, and proactive, you can build a network that not only supports your job search but helps you grow as a professional.

Let’s make 2025 the year of meaningful connections! What’s your first networking goal for this year?

You can’t make this stuff up

_{(*Disclaimer: these are real experiences provided by RME's community of job seekers and hiring managers)}

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