Leverage LinkedIn: It's Still Paramount in Today's Job Market

Many organizations are now deep into planning their 2024 staffing and budget needs, which presents an opportunity to explore fresh career avenues. Remember, success extends beyond online applications, especially for individuals belonging to marginalized groups, who often grapple with gender bias, discrimination, or pay disparities. In traditionally male-dominated industries, building a robust network and cultivating relationships are essential for advancement.

In today’s fiercely competitive job market, an online application, no matter how exceptional your qualifications, may not suffice to elevate your candidacy above the rest. CNBC research indicates that approximately 70% of job roles are filled before they are ever posted online. Therefore, networking is a game-changer, as it helps create connections with colleagues and employees of companies you have your eye on. LinkedIn research reveals that 70% of people in 2016 were hired at a company where they had a connection.

You can access the hidden job market via relationships with existing employees who can refer you to roles and/or draw hiring managers' attention to your application. Networking also helps you learn the intricacies of your desired industry, company, or team. As a result, you can better articulate your understanding of the role and the added value you can bring to the organization during the interview process.

One of the most effective tools for networking is LinkedIn. Here’s how you can use it to your advantage.

Optimize Your Profile

Complete a professional, personalized profile including a photo of yourself, cover image, headline, an About section that summarizes your experience and goals as well as shows your personality. You can further enhance your profile by soliciting references or seeking endorsements from colleagues. If you’re hunting for opportunities while currently employed, adjust your settings to “open to work” but limit this visibility to recruiters only.

Set up Job Alerts

Use the LinkedIn job alert feature to stay updated on job openings that match your criteria.

Connect and Reach Out

As you come across roles and companies that pique your interest, search for individuals currently occupying those positions or closely related roles. Look for mutual connections who might facilitate introductions or reach out directly. Send personalized messages that highlight your relevant experience and convey genuine interest in learning from them.

Don’t Get Discouraged

Understand that some people may not accept your connection requests. Many professionals receive numerous requests daily, especially in organizations that are actively hiring. Persevere by extending invitations to other contacts or exploring mutual connections.

And don’t forget the importance of meeting people in person by participating in industry-related events and organizations. Groups like the National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) host various events that provide a sense of community, making them ideal platforms for building valuable relationships.

Additionally, consider seeking mentorship from professors, family and friends, or established professionals in your desired field. Articulate your interest in mentorship, making it clear that you seek guidance rather than immediate job placement. Mentors can advise on navigating industry intricacies, suggest ways to enhance your skill set, and potentially grant you access to their well-established network once you prove your dedication.

A personal anecdote: Throughout my MBA journey, I have found myself tackling diverse consulting projects across industries, many outside my realm of expertise. In these challenging situations, I’ve leaned heavily on mentorship and connections, and I was pleasantly surprised by the openness and generosity of individuals willing to share their expertise and offer support!

Lastly, it is key to pay it forward, especially for women to support women in male-dominated fields. As we press forward in our mission to shatter barriers and dismantle stereotypes, unity remains our greatest asset and we must remember that we’re in this together. By building a supportive network and extending mentorship to others, we collectively contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future for women in all industries.