Job Search and Networking

Adding connections

LinkedIn makes it easy to add new and existing contacts, known as connections, to your online network. But unlike traditional networking, LinkedIn also allows you to visualize your secondary network—the people you could possibly meet through your connections. While this secondary network already exists offline, LinkedIn gives you an opportunity to explore these potential connections like never before. The more connections you can make on LinkedIn, the larger your secondary network will become.

Try using some of the different strategies below to help you add new connections and grow your network:

• Add your current network
  LinkedIn isn't just about finding new connections. When you first create a LinkedIn profile, make sure to connect with the people you already know. Try syncing your email contacts and using LinkedIn's robust search feature to find friends, classmates, current and former coworkers, and employers. Your existing network might be much larger than you think.
  
  Adding connections from your email contacts
• Follow up
  Whenever you make a professional connection offline, ask if you can connect on LinkedIn. Even if you only have a few moments to meet in person, LinkedIn can give you an opportunity to learn more about one another and develop a professional relationship over time.
  Sending a LinkedIn invitation
• Ask for introductions
  If you're trying to connect with someone you've never met, you should first look to see if you have any mutual connections. If so, you can ask your connections for an introduction. Be sure to be courteous and detailed about why you are requesting the introduction, and give your connection an opportunity to decline the request.
  Requesting an introduction
• Introduce yourself
  Sometimes you may want to connect with someone who doesn't share any mutual connections, such as a hiring manager. While you should mainly try to connect with people you know in person, sometimes a well-placed introduction can lead to new opportunities. When connecting with anyone on LinkedIn, you should never send a default invitation letter—be specific and clear about why you want to make a connection.

Check out Mashable's 7 Lessons for Better Networking with Social Media to learn more strategies for connecting with people online.