Step 16 of 21: How to Network on LinkedIn and Use LinkedIn Groups for Career Growth Artwork

The FlexJobs Podcast: Career Advice & Job Search Tips

Remote job search tips and career advice from FlexJobs.FlexJobs is a job board highlighting only the best remote, hybrid, and flexible schedule jobs ranging from entry-level to executive, freelance to full-time, and local to global. Our team of trained researchers hand-screens every job listing to ensure legitimacy.In 2007, FlexJobs founder and CEO - Sara Sutton - was looking for something better after losing her full-time job. She was already seven months pregnant with her first child and needed something that was going to be flexible but still help further her career. That’s when the idea for FlexJobs came: A site where job seekers could find professional-level work-from-home jobs, without the ads, scams or junk found on other sites.Subscribe to this podcast to get inside tips from our career experts on how to find and land a remote job. FlexJobs - Find A Better Way To Work. https://www.flexjobs.com/

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The FlexJobs Podcast: Career Advice & Job Search Tips

Step 16 of 21: How to Network on LinkedIn and Use LinkedIn Groups for Career Growth

August 17, 2023 • FlexJobs • Season 2 • Episode 16

In Step 16, you'll learn how to harness the power of LinkedIn Groups to expand your professional network and open doors to exciting career opportunities. In this step of our job search challenge, discover the potential of LinkedIn's hidden networking tool and how it can significantly impact your career growth. Gain valuable insights on joining relevant groups, engaging with members, sharing industry-related content, and even starting your own group to showcase your expertise and leadership. Enhance your networking skills and take advantage of this powerful feature on LinkedIn to elevate your job search to new heights.

Important Links:
• LinkedIn Groups | 5 Tips to Advance Your Career: https://bit.ly/3OF1K1p
• How to Successfully Use LinkedIn for Your Remote Job Search Part 1: https://youtu.be/1eFHWH6xRIc
• How to Successfully Use LinkedIn for Your Remote Job Search Part 2: https://youtu.be/AGFCRDNib6Q

FlexJobs is a subscription service for job seekers that features flexible and remote jobs. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4.7 rating from over 10,000 reviews, FlexJobs ensures that customers have a safe and positive remote job searching experience - without the ads, scams and junk found on other job sites.

FlexJobs | Find A Better Way To Work

Welcome to step 16! In this step, we’re going to talk about one of LinkedIn’s powerful networking tools that you may not be aware of.

Most professionals are familiar with LinkedIn, but many don’t realize the dramatic impact they can experience in their career by using one of its features - LinkedIn Groups.

Within LinkedIn Groups, you are able to engage and create connections with others, which is especially valuable if you’re seeking a career change. Studies show that over 70% of jobs are acquired through networking, so ensure you are using networking as a means to set yourself up for successful career growth.

Here are some different ways to start connecting on LinkedIn Groups this week.

Conduct a search for relevant groups: After you’ve updated your profile, use the search bar at the top to target keywords specific to your career field, then select the “Groups” filter on the results page to review groups you may want to join. These keywords can help narrow down the groups you want to join and you can use a variety of keywords specific to your role or industry.
Study your selected groups before leaping into the conversation. You want to engage, not just join, but take a cautious approach to become comfortable with the group before you attempt to engage and connect with others. This way, when you’re ready to converse, your comments will be intentional and professional. If you’re looking for a safe place to practice, the FlexJobs LinkedIn Group is a solid place to start.
Take time to read the articles within the group. Often, groups will send members content-rich articles that will provide industry-relevant information. These articles and other posts by the group will keep you informed on industry changes and updates related to the group. This can be a great way to keep your finger on the pulse of that industry or focus! After you’ve found the group’s rhythm, start posting meaningful questions that invite dialogue, or share industry-related articles.
Be purposeful to build relationships within the group. Using LinkedIn groups will give you the opportunity to make personal connections with others within the group. Approaching someone without any relationship can be uncomfortable, however, you now have some common ground since you’re both part of the same LinkedIn group.

If comfortable, you may consider starting your own group. The ultimate career goal for many is to be recruited rather than having to pursue jobs. One of the best ways to show yourself as a leader in your career field is to create a group. Showcasing your personal brand by creating a space for others to come together can dramatically increase your network. However, be sure that you have the time and energy to moderate a group before beginning one, or it could backfire.

Ready to delve into networking via LinkedIn groups? Check out the resources included in the description for some tips to get you started!