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How to Network through LinkedIn

Alexis Behilo

Image courtesy of agilitypr.com

Networking: we’ve all heard that word from our professors and career advisors, but how do you go about networking? It sounds a bit daunting, and it may be confusing. Where to even start? In this article, I’ll discuss how to network through LinkedIn and get you ready to start your networking journey.

What is networking? The Oxford Dictionary defines this as “the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.” Essentially, networking is just talking with other professional people and getting to know them and their work. This is important in many aspects; for example, once you have developed a connection with someone, you can ask them for advice on topics in their industry or advice on your work. Networking is also helpful because it allows you to put yourself and your work out in the industry.   For example, if a recruiter is looking for someone to fill a position, they might ask other people in their company if they know of anyone. Your name can come up in the conversation based on someone you have been networking with. Overall, networking is a great way to gain more information about your industry and meet all kinds of amazing people. 

Specifically, in this article, I want to talk about ways to network on LinkedIn. This does not mean you are restricted to networking just through LinkedIn. These skills can be applied to networking via email or talking in person. LinkedIn is a great platform to start off and find people in your industry that you want to reach out to. That’s essentially all networking is: reaching out to someone you don’t know and striking up a conversation. But how do you reach out to someone that you don’t know? Below I have a step-by-step list:

  1. When you’re on LinkedIn, search for some companies that you are interested in or would like to work for one day. Do a bit of research on those companies, what they do and what roles they have there. 
  2. When you find that company, click it, and on their LinkedIn page, you can click where it says “people”. From there, you can see a list of people working at that company.
  3. The best bet to start off networking is to find someone who is an alumnus of SCAD. In the “people” section, you can search “Savannah College of Art and Design”, and when pressing enter, it will display all of the people who have gone to SCAD.
  4. Find someone related to the field you want to be in. Even if they are not in your field, you can ask them a broad question.
  5. Click that person’s profile and click “Connect”, but make sure to choose “add a personal note”; this way, you can message them. 
  6. In your personal note addressed to them, you are only allowed 300 characters. Keep that in mind as you are writing. When writing to them, you can start off with a simple hello and state who you are and what you’re studying at SCAD. Then you can compliment them on their work and follow up with a question. After asking a question, politely ask if they have time to talk with you.
  7. Below I have a few examples of messages to send to people on LinkedIn to start a conversation:

EXAMPLES:

Hi NAME! My name’s YOUR NAME, and I’m studying animation at SCAD. I saw that you also studied animation at SCAD and wanted to reach out to you! Whenever it’s convenient for you, I’d love to chat about your experience and any advice you might have for aspiring animators. Thank you!

Best, YOUR NAME

Hi NAME! I noticed that you are a SCAD alumni! I’m currently studying at SCAD for VFX; specifically, I’m interested in modeling. Although I’m not focusing on FX like you, when did you know FX was the right focus? If you have the time, I would love to chat! Thank you!

Best, YOUR NAME

Hi NAME!
I saw your work on PROJECT and thought it was very interesting how you did …EXPLAIN. I would love to learn more about your work process and your journey to working in COMPANY. I would love to talk more whenever it’s convenient for you.

Thank you!

Best, YOUR NAME

Another big part of networking is to write thank you notes. This is important, and in general, is just good etiquette to show kindness and thanks. For example, let’s say you attended an event with a guest speaker or a company event where they were talking about their company. It’s also very important to write a thank you note to anyone who might have interviewed you for something. Write down the names of the people giving the presentation and later on search for them on LinkedIn. When you find them, you can connect with them and send a personal note along with that connection request. When you write your thank you note, don’t write anything you don’t mean. Be sincere, and also don’t be overly excessive with your thanks. Below are some examples of how to write a thank-you note:

EXAMPLES:

Hi NAME, I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I had a great time learning about COMPANY and what you do there. It was very inspiring to me hearing about your experiences. Thank you!

Best, YOUR NAME

Hi NAME, thank you for giving the presentation today about SOMETHING. I learned a great deal! If you have the time, could I ask you a few questions about COMPANY? Thank you so much!

Best, YOUR NAME

Once you send that first message, you’ve begun your networking journey! Everyone is busy, so give people time to reply to your connection request. Keep in mind that sometimes people don’t respond; it depends on the person, but don’t let that disparage you! That first message can help you start a conversation with someone and allow you to learn more about your industry and its people. Above are just a few examples of many that you can send to people, so make them your own! With this guide, hopefully, your perception of the foreboding word “Networking” has changed. Feel free to reach out to us at RenderQ if you have any more questions about how to network!