Building a professional network on LinkedIn

Welcome back to our series on creating a great LinkedIn profile! Now that your profile is set up and your experience and skills are highlighted, it’s time to focus on building a strong professional network. Let’s explore how to strategically build and expand your LinkedIn network.

Connect with people in your field

Your LinkedIn network should be a reflection of your professional world. Start by connecting with colleagues, mentors, former classmates, and others you know personally. Then, expand to people within your field or industry who can provide value or insight.

• Personalize your connection requests: A personalized message can make all the difference in getting your request accepted.
  • Example: “Hi [Name], I came across your profile while reading about [specific technology/project]. I’m a software developer with a keen interest in [related field], and I’d love to connect and learn more about your work.”
• Leverage mutual connections: If you see that you have mutual connections with someone you’d like to connect with, mention them in your request.
  • Example: “Hi [Name], I noticed we both know [Mutual Connection]. I’d love to connect and share insights about [specific technology or topic].”

Join relevant LinkedIn groups

LinkedIn groups are a fantastic way to engage with professionals who share your interests, whether it’s a specific programming language, framework, or sector of the tech industry.

• Find groups that match your interests: Search for groups that align with your expertise or areas you want to grow in.
  • Example: “Join groups like ‘Python Developers’, ‘Machine Learning Enthusiasts’, or ‘DevOps Professionals’ to connect with peers and stay updated on the latest trends.”
• Participate in discussions: Share your thoughts on posts, ask questions, and offer solutions to show your expertise and enthusiasm.
  • Example: “If someone posts a question about optimizing a database query, share your experience and provide a helpful tip or resource.”
• Build relationships with group members: Send connection requests to group members you find interesting, mentioning your shared group as a point of reference.
  • Example: “Hi [Name], I saw your insightful comments in the ‘JavaScript Developers’ group and thought it would be great to connect.”

Engage with content to increase visibility

Being active on LinkedIn helps you stay visible to your network and expand it over time. Regularly engage with content to demonstrate your knowledge, build credibility, and connect with others.

• Like, comment, and share posts: Engage with content related to your expertise to show your active presence.
  • Example: “Like and comment on articles about new JavaScript frameworks or share posts about the latest trends in cloud computing.”
• Post your own content: Share your experiences, lessons learned, or opinions on industry trends. This positions you as a thought leader in your field.
  • Example: “Write a post about your experience optimizing a React app for better performance, or share a tutorial on setting up a CI/CD pipeline with GitHub Actions.”
• Use hashtags strategically: Include relevant hashtags to make your content discoverable.
  • Example: “Use hashtags like #SoftwareDevelopment, #Python, or #MachineLearning to reach a wider audience.”

Attend virtual events and webinars

LinkedIn hosts numerous virtual events and webinars on various topics. Attending these events can help you learn new skills and expand your network.

• Find events that align with your interests: Look for webinars or events hosted by companies, influencers, or groups you follow.
  • Example: “Attend events like ‘Introduction to Kubernetes’ or ‘Scaling Applications with Microservices’ to learn new skills and connect with attendees.”
• Engage during the event: Participate in Q&A sessions or comment in chat to make yourself visible to others.
  • Example: “Ask insightful questions during a webinar on AWS best practices to demonstrate your expertise and interest.”
• Connect with speakers and attendees afterward: Send connection requests to speakers and fellow attendees, mentioning the event.
  • Example: “Hi [Name], I enjoyed your insights during the ‘Building Scalable Web Applications’ webinar. I’d love to connect and discuss more about your experiences.”

Follow companies and influencers

Following relevant companies and influencers can keep you informed about industry trends, job opportunities, and best practices. It also helps you engage with content that aligns with your professional interests.

• Follow tech companies and startups: Keep up with organizations that interest you or are leaders in your field.
  • Example: “Follow companies like Google, Microsoft, or GitHub, as well as startups in areas like AI, blockchain, or cybersecurity.”
• Engage with influencer content: Comment on posts by industry leaders to get noticed and engage in meaningful discussions.
  • Example: “Follow influencers like Martin Fowler, Linus Torvalds, or Angie Jones, and engage with their posts to join discussions on software architecture or test automation.”
• Stay updated on job postings: Many companies post job openings directly on their LinkedIn page. Following them keeps you in the loop for potential opportunities.

Building a strong network on LinkedIn as a software developer isn’t just about adding connections—it’s about fostering relationships that can offer valuable insights, open doors to new opportunities, and help you grow professionally. Focus on quality over quantity, engage meaningfully, and be genuine in your interactions.

Stay tuned for our next post in this series, where we’ll talk about creating and sharing engaging content to position yourself as a thought leader!

Need help refining your LinkedIn strategy? At Geniuses Recruiting, we’re here to help software developers like you build powerful networks. Connect with us!