In the Canadian job market, networking reigns supreme, and opportunities frequently sprout from the fertile ground of interpersonal connections. It is imperative to master the art of networking in Canada and use your network for professional success, growth, and opportunities.
If you’re a newcomer, this is particularly challenging, as you often come to the country without ANY connections. Well, to you we advise – make use of LinkedIn! It is one of the most effective ways to build a rock-solid professional network that you can mobilize when needed.
Here are 3 LinkedIn strategies you’re probably not using that can help grow your network in Canada.
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Read More:
6 Canadian Job Interview Questions You Shouldn’t Answer
Tips to Overcome Language Barriers in the Canadian Workplace
Dealing with Job Search Discouragement
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1. You’re Not Setting Clear Objectives
You may be failing to set clear objectives when networking due to a lack of introspection and reflection. Without taking the time to understand your own goals and aspirations, you will struggle to articulate what you hope to achieve when interacting with others.
Before narrowing down your search to a specific goal, it’s crucial to ensure that you not only understand the Canadian job market but also understand yourself. Consider your ultimate goal—the one that both excites and terrifies you—and then work backwards to identify the milestones that lead there. Are there individuals in your industry who have achieved what you aspire to? How did they get there?
How to get started:
Your objective might take the form of a lag goal—achieving a specific outcome within a set timeframe—or a lead goal, focusing on the daily habits that will lead to your desired outcome.
For instance:
Lag Goal
Connect with at least 3 strong leads this month. A strong lead means that we have interacted back and forth and our relationship is mutually beneficial.
Lead Goal
Spend 30 minutes daily on LinkedIn researching and identifying potential connections within your industry or desired field.
2. You’re Not Posting Content
You might be reluctant to post content on LinkedIn due to feelings of shyness or a lack of confidence in your expertise.
But one powerful way to stand out on LinkedIn is by building your brand through engaging posts. Whether it’s discussing industry trends or sharing your unique perspectives, these posts demonstrate your thought leadership and passion for your field. Recruiters take notice of professionals who actively contribute valuable content to their network, even if they’re not job hunting.
How to get started:
We’re not all expert communicators (at least not yet), but all skills can be developed with practice. Start small by setting an intention to post once a week. Maybe it’s just highlighting an aspect of an article you found interesting, or maybe it’s sharing an observation you’ve made.
“Just read this fantastic article on workplace diversity by [Author’s Name]. One line stood out: ‘Diverse teams drive innovation.’ It got me wondering: how have diverse perspectives impacted your work?”
3. You’re Not Engaging with Other Posts
Many professionals overlook the importance of engaging with other people’s posts on LinkedIn, often due to a fear of saying the wrong thing or a reluctance to put themselves out there. By interacting with their posts through thoughtful comments and meaningful engagement, you not only demonstrate your interest in their work but also position yourself as a valuable member of the professional community.
How to get started:
Find others who have already built an audience of people in your industry and post often. Save a few posts that were genuinely interesting to you and write a few questions or insights that came up.
“Absolutely agree, @ThoughtLeader! Your study highlights crucial trends shaping the modern workforce. As someone navigating this shift, I’m curious: what strategies have you found most effective in fostering collaboration and maintaining company culture in a remote environment?”
If you’re already implementing these strategies, kudos to you! You’re likely already reaping the benefits. But if you’re not, it’s time to take that first step towards expanding your professional network. Remember, set clear objectives, spark engaging conversations, and show support for fellow thought leaders. By incorporating these tactics into your networking approach, you’ll pave the way for new opportunities and personal growth in the Canadian job market.
