Your LinkedIn Network Should Be More Than Just a Number

As a career coach, there are certain situations I find troubling. Many of the people I work with either don’t have an active LinkedIn profile or, if they do, they don’t use it effectively.

At this point, it’s important to note that more than 70% of employers check LinkedIn profiles when searching for new talent or candidates. In some industries, research shows that this figure rises to 90%—and the trend is growing. By contrast, just a year ago, studies showed that only about 60% of employees were using social media at all.

Your online profile is extremely important. Use a professionally taken profile photo instead of a selfie. Avoid inappropriate language and refrain from posting content that could be considered controversial. Clearly and concisely communicate what you do and how you do it. Many people overlook the fact that potential employers are not only looking at your profile and qualifications but also at what you post and how you engage online.

Employers pay particular attention to both the quantity and quality of your connections, as well as how you interact with them. While this may seem superficial, your number of connections and the extent to which you engage with them can provide employers with meaningful insights into what kind of employee you might be.

Networking is an essential professional skill and, depending on the role, can be a significant strength. By nature, social media showcases not just the number of people you are connected to, but also the effort you put into maintaining those relationships.

I recently met someone who believed that one should have at least 500 LinkedIn connections. This person spent all their time adding people until they reached 500—but didn’t care much about who those people were. In other words, they connected for the sake of connecting. These were not individuals they would actually interact with, seek help from, or consult for advice. By the time they reached 500, anyone looking at their LinkedIn profile could see that these connections didn’t constitute a true “network.”

The beauty of professional social media lies in its ability to connect people with similar jobs, skills, and interests so they can learn from each other’s experiences. If you use it only to create an unrealistic image of yourself, it will eventually become obvious—and this can hurt your chances of finding a new job.

Inflating your network without investing in relationships is the same as exaggerating your résumé. On social media, you need to be authentic. When you make a new connection, follow up with them. Ask questions, share content (blogs, articles, presentations), and join discussions. Don’t just repost and like something—engage in real idea exchange.

By doing so, you can learn something new—or gain a piece of information to share in your next face-to-face meeting. These actions show others that you’re not just a contact collector, but a thinker. And in today’s job market, that’s exactly the kind of person employers are looking for—someone who truly thinks.

Dean Waggenspack – Lee Hecht Harrison