Tips for Networking Success on LinkedIn

If LinkedIn feels like shouting into the void, maybe it’s time to stop shouting and start whispering to the right people. As an international student, networking can feel like a full-time job. But what if I told you LinkedIn can actually work for you — without going viral or messaging 200 people? Here are 4 low-key, high-trust ways to network on LinkedIn that people rarely talk about: 1. Boolean search — but with heart Instead of blindly searching “Finance Analyst Intern,” try this in the search bar: ("Finance Analyst" AND "NYU" AND "OPT") Now you’re not just finding job posts. You’re finding people like you. People who might get it. When you DM, say: “Hey [Name], I noticed we’re both international students from [School]. Would love to connect and hear how you navigated job search during OPT.” It’s thoughtful. It’s relevant. It works. 2. Hidden plugins that quietly help you shine No, you don’t need to automate everything. But here are a few tools I wish I knew about earlier: Folk.app – A contact relationship manager that actually reminds you to follow up. AuthoredUp – Helps format and write your posts clearly. Taplio – Use it to generate comment starters from someone’s last few posts. Helps when you're not sure what to say but want to show up. According to LinkedIn, commenting regularly increases your profile views by up to 200%. 3. AI for humans, not robots Use ChatGPT to draft your About section based on your resume — then edit it with your voice. “I moved to the U.S. with two suitcases and a dream to solve problems with data.” Now that’s something people remember. Also: ask AI to help draft comments. Just paste a post and say, “Help me write a reply that’s thoughtful and adds to this conversation.” 4. Your profile = your handshake Add a banner that tells a story (a quote, a goal, a vision) Pin a video intro or voice message in your featured section End your About with: “If you’re reading this far, thank you. I’m always happy to meet new people who are figuring things out too. Let’s connect.” Networking starts with trust. And trust starts with a little humanity. Final Thought: You don’t need 10k followers. You need 10 people who believe in you. Show up like you’re already part of the community — because you are. #InternationalStudent #LinkedInNetworking #JobSearch2025 #OPTtoH1B #HiddenTips #HumanConnection #ProfileGlowUp #BooleanSearch #CareerGrowth #LinkedInTips

Want to get in early at the next big start-up? You’re not going to land it through applications alone. When most people start job searching, they spend 90% of their time on applications, and 10% on networking. It’s backwards. Every big opportunity I’ve landed started with a conversation. Here’s what you need to know before you start: 📩 Clarity → know what you’re looking for and where you’re headed, so others can actually help you. 📩 Curiosity → reaching out because you’re genuinely interested in talking, not just asking for a favor. 📩 Consistency → doing it often enough that luck has a chance to find you. The best networkers I’ve coached aren’t the loudest in the room. They’re the ones who take time to listen, follow up, and show genuine interest. Swipe through for the exact framework I use to help founders and operators build real relationships that lead to the top startup jobs. And follow these five bonus tips to build your network: Research every person you reach out to. See what they’re interested in, what they’re working on, what they care about. Find small, genuine ways to offer value. Maybe they love coffee and Paris, and you send them a café recommendation for their next trip. Small details like that build a real connection. Reconnect with loose ties. Send a simple “Congrats on X - would love to hear how things are going.” message on LinkedIn. Use asynchronous networking. Comment on LinkedIn posts, reply to newsletters, or share an article someone wrote. Low-pressure, high visibility. Follow up every time. A thank-you note, an update, or a helpful link shows you value their time. Play the long game. Networking isn’t about what you can get today, it’s about building trust so opportunities come to you tomorrow. Networking is a skill, not a personality trait. And it’s one anyone can master with consistency.

I used to think networking was all about sending generic LinkedIn connection requests. But I was wrong ⬇️ Genuine relationship building completely changed my perspective. 🤯 Here's what I've learned as a college student trying to break into my dream industry: → 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆: It's not about how many people you know, but how well you know them. Focus on building meaningful connections with a few key individuals rather than trying to network with everyone. → 𝗕𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂: Don't try to be someone you're not. People can sense inauthenticity from a mile away. Share your genuine interests and passions––that's how you'll connect with like minded people. → 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲: Always think about how you can provide value to others. Maybe it's sharing an interesting article, offering your skills, or making an introduction. When you give first, people are more likely to want to help you in return. → 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵: Networking doesn't end after the first meeting. Set reminders to check in with your connections regularly. Share updates on your progress and congratulate them on their achievements. → 𝗨𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆: LinkedIn isn't just for connection requests. Engage with people's posts, share your own insights, and join relevant groups. It's an easy way to stay on people's radar. → 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱: Don't be afraid to reach out to professionals in your desired field for a quick chat. Most people are happy to share their experiences and advice with students. ⭐ 𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬'𝗦 𝗧𝗜𝗣: Create a networking tracker spreadsheet to keep notes on your connections, when you last spoke, and potential follow up topics. This has been a game changer for me in managing my professional relationships! Remember, networking is about building genuine relationships, not just adding names to your contact list. Don't get me wrong...it definitely takes time and effort, but the connections you make can open doors you never even knew existed! #networking #studentlife #careeradvice #professionaldevelopment #linkedintips #jobhunting

The key to successful networking isn’t about who you know. It’s about how you ask. And asking for help is one of the most powerful ways to build trust and strengthen relationships. In fact, research from Harvard Business School shows that people feel closer to you after helping you, not before. Why? Helping someone activates a sense of reciprocity and purpose. It makes the other person feel valued and invested in your success. In plain English, it makes them feel all warm and fuzzy inside 😊, which makes them like you more, which makes them want to help. This is especially true during a job search. By letting your network know how they can help, you give them a chance to support you, and to become part of your success story. But there’s a catch: You have to make it easy for them to help. Ambiguous asks like “Let me know if you hear of anything” won’t work. As soon as you walk away, it’s forgotten. Instead, give them the tools they need to be effective. Here’s how to train your circle to help you in your job search: ✅ Be specific about your target role. Share your ideal job titles, industries, and even companies you’re excited about. ✅ Highlight your unique value. Tell them how your skills and experience solve a company’s problems. (Bonus points for including an example!) ✅ Provide simple ways to take action. Ask for introductions to people in a specific company or department, or feedback on your LinkedIn profile. ✅ Teach them what to listen for. Say, “I’m looking to help healthcare organizations get projects across the finish line” and immediately they’re thinking of who they know that works in healthcare. And the next time they hear someone say, “I’m having trouble getting projects to completion,” guess whose name will come up?? When you empower your network with clarity and direction, they’re more likely to take action. And when they do, it’s a win-win: - You move closer to your next opportunity. - They feel good about being part of the journey. Don’t underestimate the power of asking for help. How have you asked for help recently? What kind of help could you use right now? Share in the comments!

LinkedIn has brought me career opportunities and friendships I never could have predicted. Yes, I have a large following now. But I started at zero (just like everyone else). Here are 8 LinkedIn tips to help you land your dream job and build a strong network: 1. Post thematically (not randomly) LinkedIn rewards activity. Instead of posting whenever inspiration hits, choose themes your network expects from you: • Industry insights • Insider lessons from books or conferences • Personal projects • Inspiration • Advice or asks 2. Talk about your industry, not yourself Industry insight = authority. The frequently shared LinkedIn content (in no particular order): • How-to posts • Lists • Deep, neutral analysis Teach first. Reputation follows. 3. Be a strategic “liker” Likes are memory cues. When you intentionally like someone’s post, you: • Stay top of mind • Create an instant conversation starter later • Build relationship momentum without DM’ing 4. Your profile is not a résumé It’s a living signal of who you are and what you care about. LinkedIn favors complete profiles, yet nearly half of users leave sections blank. Those extra sections (courses, volunteering, boards) make you more searchable and more human. Incomplete profile = invisible profile. 5. Kill buzzwords (they blur you) Words like strategic, passionate, expert are everywhere. Replace them with language you’d actually say out loud: • “Strategic” → decisive, judicious • “Experienced” → seasoned, practiced • “Leader” → guided, directed Your vocabulary is part of your brand. 6. Be an “adder,” not a commenter Comments aren’t for agreeing, but for adding value. Great comments: • Expand an idea • Share a relevant example • Offer gratitude or context If you want to impress someone, help their post become smarter. 7. Send smart connection requests Never send a blank request. Always answer: • How do I know them? • Why this person? • What’s in it for them? 8. Optimize for your audience Your profile shouldn’t appeal to everyone. Ask: Who do I need to succeed? • Freelancers → clients • Climbers → leaders • Switchers → future industry peers • Speak directly to them. 9. Network after you connect Connections decay without touchpoints. Once a month is enough: • Congratulate promotions • Share relevant info • Make an intro • Invite for coffee when traveling Consistency beats intensity. 10. Use “People Also Viewed” This section tells you: • Who LinkedIn thinks you are • Who you’re being compared to • Who you might be missing If you don’t like the comparison, adjust your language and connections. You don’t need to do all 10. Start with 1-2 and let the momentum compound. What’s one LinkedIn change you’ll make this week?

I've officially been on LinkedIn for 10 years (as of today), and have been sharing Career & Job Search content for the last 4. The job market has changed, hiring skills have adapted, but one piece of advice always sticks... use LinkedIn to *network when you don't need to network.* If you can learn anything from this platform, it's that you can generate conversation - authentic conversation - through comments, messages and content sharing. LinkedIn doesn't need to be a place you only use for a job search, or when you need something. Every time you sign in, use this chance as a new opportunity to meet, network and grow. For 10 years on LinkedIn, here are 10 of my best networking tips: 1. Always. Be. Curious. 2. Don't start networking conversations with paragraphs about yourself. 3. Lead with questions. 4. Genuinely comment on people's posts. 5. It is ok to DM people you don't know. Get over this fear. 6. Don't be afraid to share your value on LinkedIn - how can you help others? 7. Use humor in communication, we don't have to be so serious all the time! 8. Find a commonality, it is the best way to connect with someone you don't know. 9. Don't be afraid to follow up. And follow up again. 10. Be yourself. Don't overuse messaging templates that are not your tone, let your personality shine through how you network with others. #networking #linkedintips #networkingtips #careergrowth #linkedincoach

I disliked LinkedIn networking. It felt impersonal. It felt like everyone was sending the same template: "I found your profile interesting, let's connect!" Then I realized something: Most people are networking completely wrong. LinkedIn networking isn't about collecting connections. The best opportunities, the most valuable relationships, and the biggest career breakthroughs come from people who actually know who you are. But if your approach to networking is just sending connection requests with generic messages, you're wasting everyone's time. Here's how to network the right way: • Start in the comments, not the DMs. Before you ever send a connection request, engage with their content thoughtfully. Ask questions. Share relevant experiences. Build recognition first. • Network with people in the comments. Don't just focus on the original poster—some of the most valuable connections are the smart people commenting on posts. Engage with their insights too. • Send connection requests only after you've built rapport. When someone recognizes your name from multiple thoughtful interactions, your request feels natural, not random. The best part? This takes 15 minutes a day. I call it the 7-5-2 rule: • 7 minutes commenting meaningfully on industry posts • 5 minutes engaging with interesting people in comment threads • 2 minutes sending connection requests to people who already know you exist Do it while drinking your morning coffee, waiting for meetings, or during your commute. The worst networking mistake? Leading with "Let's connect!" instead of "Let me add value first." People hate template messages because they scream "I want something from you." Instead, build relationships through consistent, valuable interactions. The connections will feel natural when they happen. #networking #linkedin #relationships #careeradvice #professionaldevelopment

A lot of networking advice focuses on expanding your network – meeting new people. This is great, but reaching out to new people can be intimidating and overwhelming. I don’t hear nearly enough about how to effectively utilize your existing connections – and, by extension, THEIR existing connections. I’m not the most extroverted person ever, and reaching out to strangers was hard, especially when I first started my pivot out of academia. So I didn’t. I talked to my friends about my plans and interests. Several of them said, “oh, I know someone doing that work, do you want me to introduce you?” All I did was say yes, talk to those folks, and my network grew. But it’s not just that my network grew. Folks I met this way have shared job materials, talked to me about their work experience, introduced me to hiring managers, referred me for jobs, and been open to connecting with other friends of mine. People are, by and large, pretty darn generous. So here’s what I’d recommend: ✔ If there are organizations you’re interested in, look at their people pages on LinkedIn. Do you have any second-degree connections who work there? If so, ask your mutual connection for an introduction. ✔ Do NOT use this as an opportunity to ask for a referral. You want people to feel like you’re interested in learning from them, not that you’re just using them as a means to an end. ✔ Don't wait until you're job hunting to network. This should be a continuous, low-level practice that's always going on in the background. LinkedIn is about networking, so use those networks! #RecoveringAcademics #LeavingAcademia #Networking

'𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠...' Well, my clients (mostly LI beginners) who networked to get jobs in 15 countries might disagree 🌎. 5 tips to network right ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ 𝟭: 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 If your profile is incomplete, unprofessional, or unfriendly, you'll have a tough time networking successfully (even with great messages). If you're unsure what a 'good LinkedIn profile' looks like, check out the free guide in the comments :) 𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱, 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻... 𝟮: 𝗦𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲 The days of copy + pasting the same message to everyone are over. If you copy and paste the same 'Hi, I'm trying to get a job at your company, can you help me?' message to 50+ people, almost everyone will ignore you. The best strategy? Find something in their profile you like, agree with, or have in common with them. Mention that. 𝟯: 𝗧𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗼 '𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲' 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 With my own networking as well as when coaching my clients, we focus on networking with active LinkedIn users. People who post at least a few times per month. Before asking for anything, Like + Comment on at least 3 of their posts. It'll significantly increase the chances that they respond. 𝟰: 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱 ❌ Hi stranger, please take 30+ minutes to answer my 15 questions about your company. ✅ Great post yesterday, <name>! Totally agree about <details>. I'm about to apply to <company>. I love <something you learned about the company>.  Is there anyone on the hiring team you recommend I reach out to? 𝟱: 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗽𝗵𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗺 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲/𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆'𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 This is usually at the end of messages. ❌ Can we have a coffee chat? Thanks. Looking forward to meeting you! ✅ (Much more polite message asking for a coffee chat after engaging with their posts) Either way, really appreciate the connection and all the best with your continued success at <company>! 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲? Message me the word 'Networking'. I'll share the exact 2 messages my client sent to the HR professional in this screenshot :)

Many people think great networkers are extroverts. (They couldn’t be more wrong) Great networking favors the prepared. Sounds similar to luck, doesn’t it? Last Thursday I coached a seller for a networking event he was going to this week. Here are 3 strategies I shared: 1. Pull the Thread: Birds of a feather flock together. Prep and research at least 5 or more new people that you want to meet. Ask the following question at the end of every conversation. ↳ Who is the coolest person you’ve met at this event so far or who else do you recommend I have to meet? 2. Novelty NameDrop: Believe it or not, most people with an iPhone still don’t know what NameDrop is. Tell the other person you are going to forward them your contact card and ask them to pull out their phone. ↳ If they have an iPhone hold the top ends together and they should automatically exchange contact info. They will remember you for teaching them something new. Even if they have used it, it’s so rare that it’s cool every time. Don’t forget to add a note to their contact card reminding you where you met them! 3. LinkedIn Tracking: In front of them, connect on LinkedIn with a message stating it was great to meet them at the event. At the end of the evening, you can go back to th your sent invitations and recent connections to quickly track your follow-ups. ↳ MAKE SURE TO SEND A MESSAGE. LinkedIn doesn’t delete the history so it’s an easy way for them to remember you if you message them in the future. Just like cold calling, sellers can feel overwhelmed or scared when going to networking events. But once you get into it, and get past the first conversation, you get on a roll. Don't let anything stop you because building a solid network has the greatest returns!