Joining groups is a great way to grow your network and they can be key in your job search since they are typically industry, skill or location based. In your workbook, I shared how you can find groups on LinkedIn, but I also wanted to share a few screenshots with you in case the directions were hard to follow.
Here are the steps:
Groups can be one of the most valuable resources for job search, career networking, and professional branding out there, but most people don’t take advantage of them. Join a few, but pay attention to the discussions and how the group seems to be engaging. There are a lot of great Groups on LinkedIn. But there are also some that flat-out suck. If you encounter those, just deactivate it and move on. You can tell a good group because people are commenting on post and asking questions.
Here are some things you can do once you join a Group to boost your job search and career.
1. Take part in the discussion
You’ve got to contribute in the conversation if you want people to notice you. Scroll through some past posts and add your own comments if you find them interesting or if you have a story to add. Adding to the conversation is part of branding yourself as an expert in your field. The benefit here is you start to meet and engage with people in your industry or area who are knowledgeable or interested in the same career field as you.
2. Share Content
Now you aren’t just commenting on someone else’s post, you’re starting the discussion with the hopes creating a conversation. You can ask a question, share an article, or introduce yourself if you’re new to the group. Just be mindful of the specific rules and spirit of any given group. You’ll find those posted in the description of the group.
3. Job Posts Specific to Your Field
Most Groups have a section where members can post open positions they feel would be relevant to their membership. Recruiters also post in niche groups if they are looking for specific qualifications. So check them out regularly because you may find the perfect job that isn’t widely advertised elsewhere.
4. Contact Fellow Group Members
You may find someone in a group who would be beneficial for you to talk to or know long-term. Because of your joint group affiliation, you can email people directly, even if they aren’t a connection in your network. It’s easy to approach them when you can start with, “You and I are both members of the XYZ Group. I noticed you head up purchasing at XYZ Company, and I thought I’d introduce myself!”