It’s not enough to create a LinkedIn account, add the people you know, and wait for an opportunity to materialize. Use LinkedIn for more than just your professional profile – dedicate a certain amount of time per week to network and start conversations with professionals like you.
How?
Consider using the following LinkedIn tools when searching for people to connect with:
• Alumni Tool: Find Miami University alumni who can help you learn more about your field of interest.
• Advanced Search: View employers and people by city and profession to help you narrow your internship or job search.
• Pages: View professionals’ pages to learn about their interests and use what you learn to begin a conversation with them.
Once you’re connected, go beyond just sending LinkedIn messages.
Find professionals’ email addresses and phone numbers online. Contact them individually via email to introduce yourself and tell them about your interests. When beginning this initial conversation, ask to schedule a phone call to chat more about his/her professional experiences and to discover opportunities that align with your career aspirations.
Don’t give up.
Not every email you send out will receive a response. In fact, the first five or ten attempts might not work, but don’t get discouraged. The more messages you send out, the more likely you will hear back. If you persist over time, this strategy can pay off enormously and give you the power and motivation you need to leverage your potential.