How to build strong LinkedIn connections?

70% of the jobs are never posted online. They get filled by referrals.

You might be just one professional connection away from getting your dream job in Germany.

Now that you understand how important it is to build a relevant professional network, let’s dive deeper into this topic.

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There are different steps to building a great professional network.

1. Create a Great Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is like your online resume. It’s the first thing people see about you, so make it look good.

  • Use a professional photo. Profiles with photos get 21 times more views and 9 times more connection requests.
  • Write a catchy headline. Instead of just your job title, add something like “Helping businesses grow with creative marketing” or “Passionate software developer solving real-world problems.”
  • Fill out your “About” section. Share who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for. Keep it short and clear.

“Your profile is your story. Make it interesting and professional.”

2. Connect with the Right People

Quality is more important than quantity on LinkedIn. Don’t just send connection requests to everyone.

  • Start with people you know. Add your friends, family, colleagues, and classmates.
  • Find people in your field. Search for professionals who share your interests or work in roles you’re aiming for.
  • Personalize your requests. Always add a note like, “Hi, I noticed we both work in digital marketing. I’d love to connect and learn from your posts.”

“The richest people in the world look for and build networks. Everyone else looks for work.” — Robert Kiyosaki

3. Be Active and Share Content

People connect with those who stay active. Posting and sharing makes you visible.

  • Share helpful content. Post articles, tips, or your thoughts about your industry.
  • Engage with others. Like, comment, or share their posts to show you care.
  • Post regularly. Aim for 1-2 posts per week. Consistency builds trust.
LinkedIn members who share weekly posts see more engagement and opportunities than those who don’t.

4. Join Groups and Take Part

LinkedIn has groups for almost every profession and interest. Joining these helps you meet like-minded people.

  • Search for groups in your field. For example, if you’re into web design, look for “Web Designers Group.”
  • Ask and answer questions. This shows you’re interested and knowledgeable.
  • Be helpful. Share resources or tips when someone asks for help.

5. Send Messages Thoughtfully

After connecting with someone, don’t just let them sit on your connections list. Reach out with a message.

  • Be polite and clear. Say why you’re messaging. For example, “Hi [Name], I saw your post about career growth, and it really inspired me. Can you share how you got started in this field?”
  • Avoid selling. People dislike direct sales pitches. Focus on building relationships first.

6. Keep It Real

Building strong connections is not about numbers; it’s about meaningful relationships. Treat people the way you’d want to be treated.

  • Be respectful. Always thank people who help you.
  • Offer value. Share useful information or connections when you can.
  • Follow up. If someone gives you advice, let them know how it helped.

“Networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.” — Michele Jennae

In Summary

Building strong LinkedIn connections is all about presenting yourself well, engaging with the right people, and staying active on the platform.

Start by creating a professional profile with a great photo and a clear headline.

Focus on connecting with people who matter to your career and always personalize your requests.

Share useful content, join groups, and send thoughtful messages to keep your network alive. Remember, LinkedIn is about meaningful relationships, not just numbers.

Follow these steps, and you’ll see your network grow in both size and quality.

Whenever you are ready, there are 3 ways we can help you with your job search in Germany

1. The GIC Community: We built an active discord community of thousands of professionals who are searching for a job in Germany or moved to Germany and are helping others to make their move. Join the community and learn from others.

2. The GIC+ Membership: This premium membership grants you additional privileges to speed up your job search in Germany. Some of the benefits of joining the premium tier include weekly meet-ups, access to visa-sponsored jobs, access to the job search planner tool, and more.

3. The Job Search Support Service: We have partnered with Senior HRs and Recruiters from Germany who will help you customize your profile to meet the requirements of the German job market. This is different from what is offered by the traditional international job consultancies.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only. We strongly advise readers to conduct their due diligence or consult with a professional legal or immigration consultant before taking any action based on the content of this post. "Germany Is Calling" or the author of this post does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information provided.