3 Easy Steps for Keeping in Touch Professionally With Your LinkedIn Connections

The most challenging time you have to focus on your LinkedIn profile, CV, and networking is right after losing your job.

Most people realize they should have a robust professional network; they're going to need a prominent LinkedIn profile and resume at any time, right?

But, it takes effort and time to do that.

Too many job hunters waste time until they lose their jobs, have no achievements to mention to prove their value and ask their network for jobs.

Consequently, their latest position, which almost all recruiters are looking at, is "Unemployed," which means no tangible achievements or successes that can force the recruiter to invite you for the job interview. 

Here're simple tips you can follow to avoid that happening to you.

3 Easy Steps to Optimize Your LinkedIn Networking

Step 1: Set A Job Searching Plan

Ask yourself if your target companies announce a list of job openings. Today, what kind of job would match your qualifications? Are you able to do the job?

Set a list of companies that you'll apply directly to their jobs and companies that you need to develop skills to join them.

Don't postpone your research until COVID-19 is gone. It's a perfect time now. Looking for a company in a specific sector? Of any particular size or in a preferred location, huh? Don't dwell on the company's new job opportunities. Convey that you'd be happy to join them if they have the position you're looking for.

Job seekers tend now to post feedback videos about their interview experience in any company. This will be a great resource to understand the company requirements and the qualification you need to develop.

Once you define your weaknesses, try to strengthen them depending on the free online courses available on many leading platforms and on Linkedin itself.

You'll find career-specific workshops and tools related to the new-ordinary of remote employment.

By pursuing this approach, you'll be able to get selected for jobs that are hiring today and for your dream job tomorrow.

Step 2: Choose Your Connections Professionally

Start by listing 30 of the LinkedIn contacts that you like, but you didn't contact regularly.

Evaluate the list and classify the connections into:

• VIP Connections: the top 10-15% of people you choose to contact immediately.
• Hiring managers and headhunters you've reached before.
• Influencers whom you think will benefit you
• (Any names that you like)

This will help you in filtering more connections and setting new goals and possibilities. Having too many people on your list may make you miss important notifications. You will also find people who have moved to new companies which may themselves looking for candidates. Moreover, you'll get in touch only with people who may really help.

Get in touch with people in your final list in a friendly way without asking for a job. Just ask how they are, hoping there's a way you can help them somehow. Being proactive is also going to help you stay positive and not feel disappointed during this challenging period.

Update Your LinkedIn Profile

Your profile must be convincing and catchy. It's the first thing that attracts online recruiters and potential employers to your talents. Upload Video, Audio, or images that demonstrate your latest achievements and regularly publish articles to show your skills and experience.

Read here: 6 Ways to Build Your Personal Brand for A Successful Career

Step 3: Keep in touch Professionally

Now that you've got the guidelines, an updated profile, and you know whom you want to contact, how you will achieve your targets?

The secret is a simple process that can be tweaked as significantly as you wish to support your specific goals.

Spend 15 minutes/week in:

Sending two LinkedIn connections to people you think can add value to you (a job, experience, or new information).

Toggling on two LinkedIn notifications, such as birthdays and job postings, to refresh your activity on the platform.

Most LinkedIn users ignore the importance of Birthday notifications in building more strong relationships beyond getting a job.

Instead of sending the default birthday message, "Happy Birthday!", visit the person's profile, copy his email, and send him a nice short message wishing him a happy birthday. It's an informal Email, and you can also do it by phone. Any way away from LinkedIn will be a smart decision for you.

New job notifications, on the other hand, are essential in hitting the foundation with others. Don't merely comment with the default reply, "Congrats!". You've always to aim to shine among others.

Visit the person's profile, copy his email, and send a short email to sincerely congratulate him, wish him luck, and attach a personalized message. If the new job is in another sector, you can ask for some information about it. This will kickstart a professional, friendly conversation.

Spend 30 minutes/month in:

• Selecting the best content you've read in the last month and share it on LinkedIn.
• Getting in touch with 1-3 inactive connections and people you liked but remained with no conversations.

Spend 30 minutes/3 months in:

Updating your LinkedIn profile and ensuring that you've uploaded your latest qualifications and achievements.

Almost everyone hates being contacted only for self-interest. Stay in touch with your potential employers or people who may offer you a job one day so that you could ask them freely if they have available openings.

You will be more comfortable if you need a service from these persons if you contact them 2-3 times a year when you need nothing.

You'd rather pay for your health insurance before and after being sick, right? Your strong network is your professional insurance.

Build more valuable relations before you need them. Maintaining good ties means less time and more job opportunities.