Over 75% of jobs are filled through networking, not job postings! But traditional networking events are not an option in today’s post-COVID environment. So how can we network for career development?

One of the best ways to build your professional network is to use LinkedIn. A LinkedIn connection can lead to an information exchange, which can lead to a phone call, an interview, and eventually a job.

If you’re looking for a new role, it’s important to have a great LinkedIn profile. But something even more important, which many supply chain professionals overlook, is to strategically build your LinkedIn contact network. Consider these 3 factors in building your network.

Identify Your Target Network

Who should you invite to join your network? Probably not the same people you’re connected to on Facebook!

First, identify your target job. What is the ideal job title and responsibilities? What industry do you want to work in? What companies within that industry are you targeting?

Next, clarify what sort of individual may be able to help you get into those companies. If you want to work in warehouse management, reach out and connect with other warehouse managers. If there’s a particular company or industry you want to work for, connect with people who work in that sector. Want to connect with a recruiter? Make sure they work in your target industry.

Personalize Your Invitations

Over 95% of the invitations I receive are generic. It’s just too easy to click the CONNECT button beside someone’s name. Very few people take the time to add a note to personalize their invitation.

Before you hit CONNECT, take a moment to review the person’s profile. Is there something you have in common? Is there a way you could bring value to that individual? If you personalize your invitations, your rate of acceptance will increase dramatically. Plus, a more targeted initial approach can lead to an effective follow up.

Follow up and Engage

Again, about 95% of the people who connect with me never follow up! Building your LinkedIn network is not the end goal. The reason you’re building a network is to find a job. So make sure you follow up with your contacts. Send them a personalized message explaining why you wanted to connect with them. Try to focus on how you can bring value to them, instead of how they can help you.

Engaging with your network will increase the visibility of your profile, making it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to find you. Spend a few minutes each day looking at your LinkedIn feed. If there are key people in your network that can help you in your career growth, check on their activity. Like their posts, and write comments. Reply to others’ comments. Share interesting posts with your network, or share your own content.

Contact Us

Looking for more resume writing or interview tips? Check SCLSearch.com for ideas, or take a look at our jobs page to see what opportunities we have available. Connect with us on LinkedIn. And let’s see if we can help you find that perfect opportunity in supply chain and logistics.