How to use LinkedIn to find a job and build your network

Looking for work can feel competitive and, at times, overwhelming. You may spend hours updating your resumé, tailoring applications and searching job boards without knowing whether your efforts will lead anywhere.

LinkedIn and professional networking can help you take a more proactive approach. They give you a way to show employers what you can do, learn from people in your field and build relationships that may support you throughout your career.

You don’t need to post every day or connect with hundreds of strangers. A clear profile and a few thoughtful habits can make a meaningful difference.

Here’s how to get started.

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Why networking matters during a job search

Submitting applications is important, but it’s only one part of an effective job search.

A professional connection may tell you about an upcoming opening, introduce you to someone in your industry or help you understand what an employer needs. Even when a conversation doesn’t lead to a role, it can give you useful information for your next move.

Referrals continue to play an important role in hiring. In fact, about 40% of Altis placements come through referrals.

That doesn’t mean every networking conversation should become a request for a referral. Strong professional relationships take time to build. Always start by being curious, supportive and willing to help where you can.

Think of networking as something you build throughout your career, not something you turn to only when you need a job.

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How to make your LinkedIn profile easier to find

Your profile should help a recruiter quickly understand what you do, where your strengths lie and what opportunities might suit you.

Start with your headline. Instead of listing only your current job title, include your specialty, industry or target area.

For example:

Project Manager | Digital Transformation | Public Sector and Healthcare

Or:

Bilingual Administrative Professional | Executive Support | Office Operations

Next, review your About section. Think of it as a short professional introduction. Explain what you do well, the type of work you enjoy and the experience you bring.

Try to write the way you would speak during an introductory conversation. Keep it clear and specific rather than filling the section with buzzword phrases such as “results-oriented professional” or “strategic team player.” Specific information is more useful.

You could write:

I’m a project coordinator with five years of experience supporting technology implementations in public sector environments. My strengths include scheduling, stakeholder communication and keeping complex projects organized.

Review the rest of your profile for clarity and accuracy:

• Describe what you accomplished, not only what you were responsible for
• Include relevant tools, systems and technical skills
• Add current certifications, courses and volunteer experience
• Keep job titles and employment dates consistent with your resumé
• Use clear terms that employers in your field will recognize

Recruiter tip: Read a few job descriptions for roles that interest you. Are there skills or areas of experience you genuinely have but haven’t included on your profile? Add them to your profile where they accurately reflect your experience.

When you’re actively looking, you can also update your Open to Work preferences with your target job titles, locations and work arrangements. Choose the visibility setting that feels right for your situation.

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Show evidence of your skills

Your profile will be stronger when it includes proof of your work.

Depending on your field, you could include:

• A portfolio or personal website
• Writing samples
• Presentations or reports
• Design work
• Links to published articles
• Project summaries
• Certifications
• Professional recommendations

LinkedIn’s Featured section can help you draw attention to selected projects or content. Include a brief explanation with each item so visitors understand your contribution and the result.

For example:

Coordinated a system rollout across three departments, developed the implementation schedule and supported employee training. The new system launched on time and more than 200 employees completed onboarding.

Never post confidential documents or information belonging to an employer or client. When you can’t share the work itself, write a short summary that explains the challenge, your role and the outcome.

Recommendations can also strengthen your profile. When asking for one, mention a specific project or skill the person could address.

You might say:

Hi [Name], I’m updating my LinkedIn profile and was wondering whether you’d feel comfortable writing a short recommendation about our work on [project]. If helpful, you could speak to my role in [specific area]. I’d be happy to return the favour. No pressure if your schedule doesn’t allow.

Specific recommendations tend to feel more credible than general praise.

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Use AI without losing your voice

AI tools can be useful when you’re updating your profile, drafting a post or preparing a networking message. They can help you organize your thoughts, improve clarity or draft a starting point. They shouldn’t replace your experience or personality.

Recruiters review many profiles and applications. Generic language can make it harder to understand what sets you apart.

When using AI:

• Start with your own notes and examples
• Check every date, skill and accomplishment
• Remove language you wouldn’t normally use
• Add details from your actual experience
• Never include confidential company or client information
• Review the final version carefully

A useful approach is to ask AI to edit what you’ve written rather than generate everything from scratch.

Here’s an example prompt:

Make this About section clearer and more concise. Keep the facts and use natural, professional language.

Your final profile should still sound like you during an interview or conversation.

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Create a networking routine you can maintain

Networking is easier when it becomes a small, regular habit.

Set aside 15 to 20 minutes once or twice a week. Use that time to reconnect with a former colleague, send a personalized invitation or respond to someone’s post.

A simple weekly routine could include:

• One message to an existing contact
• One personalized connection request
• Two thoughtful comments
• One follow-up from an earlier conversation

Focus on the quality of each interaction. Instead of commenting “Great post,” mention what you found useful or add a relevant perspective.

For example:

Your point about involving employees earlier in a system rollout really resonated with me. I’ve seen adoption improve when teams understand not only how a process is changing, but why.

This gives the other person something meaningful to respond to and helps your expertise come through naturally.

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Share useful insights without posting constantly

You don’t need to become a full-time content creator to build visibility on LinkedIn.

A thoughtful comment, a short reflection or a useful resource can show people what you care about and what you know.

Unsure what to post? Try one of these topics:

• A lesson from a recent project
• A skill that is becoming more important in your field
• Career advice you found useful
• A course, article or resource you recommend
• A professional challenge and what it taught you

When sharing an article, add a few sentences explaining why it matters. Your perspective is usually more valuable than the link itself.

Post at a pace that feels realistic. One useful post every few weeks is better than frequent content that feels rushed or repetitive.

Commenting also counts. You can build professional relationships and visibility without publishing original posts.

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How to send better LinkedIn connection requests

A connection request should give the person a clear reason to accept.

If you want to include a note, keep it brief and mention how you found them, what you have in common or why their work interests you.

For example:

Hi [Name], I enjoyed your recent post about change management in the public sector. I work in project coordination and am interested in learning more about this area. I’d be glad to connect.

Avoid asking for a job in your first message. Connect first, then take time to learn about the person and their work.

After connecting, engage naturally. You might respond to a post, congratulate them on a milestone or share a relevant resource.

When there’s a clear reason to speak in person, consider asking for an informational interview.

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How to request an informational interview

An informational interview is a short conversation that helps you learn about a role, company or career path. The purpose is to gain insight, not to ask the person to find you a job.

Here’s a message you can adapt:

Hi [Name],

I’m exploring opportunities in [field or area] and have been interested in learning more about your experience with [specific topic, role or organization].

Would you be open to a brief 15-minute conversation in the next few weeks? I’d value the opportunity to hear your perspective and any advice you might have. I’m happy to work around your schedule.

Thank you for considering it.

If they agree, prepare a few focused questions. You might ask:

• Which skills are most important in your role?
• How is your field changing?
• What experience would help someone prepare for similar work?
• What do you wish you had known earlier in your career?
• Is there anyone else you recommend learning from?

Keep the conversation within the time you requested. Afterwards, send a thank-you message that mentions something specific you learned.

Not everyone will respond or have time to meet. A lack of response is not necessarily personal. Leave the door open and continue building other connections.

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How to ask for a referral respectfully

A referral can help an employer notice your application, but it’s still a personal request.  

Before asking, consider whether the person knows enough about your work or experience to recommend you. Someone you’ve never spoken with may not feel comfortable attaching their name to your application.

When making the request:

• Be specific about the position
• Explain briefly why you’re a strong match
• Share the job posting and your current resumé
• Ask whether they feel comfortable referring you
• Give them an easy way to say no

For example:

Hi [Name],

I’m applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company]. It aligns closely with my experience in [relevant area], particularly my work on [brief example].

Since you’re familiar with my work, would you feel comfortable referring me? I’ve included the posting and my updated resumé for context. I completely understand if you’re not able to.

Thank you for considering it.

Whether the answer is yes or no, thank them for their time. A referral may improve your visibility, but it doesn’t guarantee an interview or job offer.

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Watch for fake jobs and recruiter scams

Most recruiters and employers use LinkedIn responsibly, but job seekers should still take precautions.

Before sharing personal information:

• Review the recruiter’s profile and employment history
• Confirm the company has a legitimate website and LinkedIn page
• Look for the role on the employer’s official careers site
• Check that the recruiter’s email matches the company’s domain
• Be cautious if someone pressures you to move to an unfamiliar platform, such as WhatsApp
• Never pay someone to apply for a job or secure an interview

Be especially careful with requests for banking details, government identification or account passwords early in the hiring process.

A legitimate recruiter should be willing to explain the opportunity, answer questions and outline what happens next.

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Keep networking after you find a job

Your network can support you throughout your career, not only during a job search.

Thank the people who offered advice, provided references or made introductions. Let them know when you begin a new role and how their support helped.

Continue to stay in touch by sharing resources, making introductions or congratulating people on career milestones.

You should also keep your profile current. Add new responsibilities, skills and accomplishments while the details are fresh.

Professional relationships often develop in unexpected ways. A former colleague may later become a manager, mentor, client or teammate. Staying connected makes those relationships easier to maintain.

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Start with one meaningful action

LinkedIn works best when your profile is clear, your experience is credible and your interactions feel genuine.

You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Update one section of your profile, reconnect with one person or leave one useful comment.

Then keep going.

Looking for your next opportunity? Explore current roles through the Altis Job Portal. Our recruiters are here to help you understand the process, prepare with confidence and find work that fits your experience and goals.

Altis is a Canadian-owned staffing firm supporting organizations across the private and public sectors. We focus on relationship-driven recruitment, clear process and consistent delivery, helping employers hire with confidence and professionals build meaningful careers.