As previously written in “Strangers Don’t’ Get Hired,” your network is the primary factor in landing your next job (see Lifelete Fundamentals for May 21, 2014). LinkedIn is a tremendous professional tool sitting at your fingertips. With 100 million users in the US, 300 million worldwide, and with an estimated two people joining each second, the ability to grow your online network is limitless. But like any tool, if you don’t use it properly, you won’t get the desired result. LinkedIn takes the hard work out of growing your network by suggesting connections. Have you ever sent out dozens of requests to connect, and you get just one accepted response? It takes just a few seconds to personalize your request. By personalizing your request, you are communicating that connecting and growing a professional relationship is important enough to you that you are willing to put in some effort. You are making a great impression and setting the table for whatever the future holds.
Please read J.T. O’Donnell’s full article “Why A Request To Connect Gets Ignored On LinkedIn.” J. T. is CEO of Careerealism Media & CareerHMO, career, and job search coach and LinkedIn Influencer.
