You're posting on LinkedIn religiously, connecting with everyone, and yet... crickets from recruiters. Meanwhile, your friend who barely posts somehow gets headhunted twice a month.
I get it. I spent months doing LinkedIn "wrong" before figuring out what actually works.
Here's the thing everyone gets backwards: networking isn't about broadcasting to everyone. It's about becoming magnetic to the right people.
Stop Being a LinkedIn Ghost
Most people treat LinkedIn like a resume graveyard. They post their profile and wait for magic to happen.
The strategy that changed everything? I started commenting meaningfully on posts from people in my target companies. Not generic "Great post!" stuff - actual insights.
Within two weeks, I had three recruiters from those exact companies checking out my profile. One became a six-month conversation that led to my dream role.
The 3-2-1 Networking Formula
Here's what actually moves the needle:
3 meaningful comments per day on posts from your target industry leaders. Share a quick insight or ask a thoughtful question.
2 strategic connections per week - not random people, but folks who work where you want to work or do what you want to do.
1 valuable post per week sharing something you learned, a mini case study, or an industry observation. No motivational fluff.
The Content That Actually Gets Noticed
Forget the humble brags and Monday motivation posts. Recruiters pay attention to posts that show you can think.
Share what you're learning from projects. Break down industry trends you've noticed. Post about problems you've solved (even small ones).
One post about a workflow improvement I made got 47 comments and landed in the feed of a hiring manager who reached out two days later.
The Connection Message That Actually Works
"Hi [Name], I noticed we both work in [industry] and I'd love to connect!"
That's it. No life story. No immediate ask for a job. Just a simple, human connection request.
Save the longer conversations for after they accept. Most people overthink this part.
Make Your Profile Work While You Sleep
Your headline shouldn't just be your job title. Make it about the value you bring.
Instead of "Marketing Manager," try "Marketing Manager | Helping SaaS Companies Increase Trial-to-Paid Conversion by 40%+"
Your summary should read like you're talking to someone at a coffee shop, not writing a formal cover letter. Use our free resume checker to make sure your profile aligns with what you're actually applying for.
The Follow-Up That Doesn't Feel Pushy
When someone engages with your content or accepts your connection, don't immediately pitch yourself.
Instead, continue the conversation from their comment. Ask about their experience. Share a relevant resource.
Networking is about building relationships, not collecting contacts.
Track What's Actually Working
Keep a simple spreadsheet: who you connected with, which posts got engagement, and which activities led to recruiter outreach.
You'll quickly see patterns. Maybe your posts about customer success get more traction than your posts about project management.
Double down on what works. Drop what doesn't.
The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
Stop thinking about LinkedIn as a place to find jobs. Start thinking about it as a place to build your professional reputation.
When you focus on being helpful and sharing genuine insights, opportunities find you. It's not immediate - give it 4-6 weeks of consistent effort.
But when it clicks, you'll have recruiters reaching out with roles that actually fit instead of random spam.
Your Next Steps
Pick three companies where you'd love to work. Find employees there and start engaging with their content this week.
Update your headline to focus on value, not just your title. Write one post about something you learned recently.
While you're building those relationships, make sure your application materials are ready. Use our cover letter generator to create targeted letters for the opportunities that come your way.
Networking isn't about being fake or salesy. It's about being genuinely curious about other people's work and sharing what you know.
Do that consistently, and you'll never have to desperately apply to job boards again.
