For serious job seekers looking to land their dream roles, LinkedIn has evolved into much more than just a digital CV. It’s a powerful networking platform where outreach, engagement, and the right communication can open the doors to new career opportunities. If you want to stand out and connect with decision-makers in your target companies, it’s time to go beyond simply submitting online applications. Strategic, thoughtful interaction on LinkedIn can be a game-changer in your job hunt.
Whether you’re aiming for your next big role or just starting to explore the world of professional networking, this guide will walk you through every step of the process. Discover how to find the right people at your target companies, leave memorable impressions, and craft messages that get noticed — all by leveraging modern LinkedIn strategies tailored for success in 2025.
Based on the original video:
Why LinkedIn Networking Beats Blind Applications
Gone are the days when hitting “Apply” on a job portal was enough. Today, proactive networking and building real relationships are crucial. LinkedIn gives you direct access to recruiters, hiring managers, and influential employees within your target organizations. The key is to use these opportunities strategically, so your name stands out when roles open up.
The Shift Toward Relationship-First Job Hunting
Most job seekers default to submitting resumes through official portals, competing with hundreds or even thousands of other applicants. But as thought leaders like Austin Belcak often point out, you can’t expect different outcomes by doing the same thing as everyone else. If a tactic is easy for you, it’s likely easy for others, too.
LinkedIn flips the script: by showing up where your target company’s employees are active, making yourself visible, and engaging in meaningful dialogue, you give yourself a distinct advantage. Rather than hoping your CV is noticed, you’re becoming a familiar name on their radar.
Step-by-Step: Finding Key Contacts at Your Target Companies
The first part of effective LinkedIn networking is identifying who in your ideal company is not only present on the platform, but also active. Here’s a proven method to quickly find high-impact contacts:
- Start with a blank search: Click LinkedIn’s search bar, press enter without typing anything, and bring up the universal search results.
- Filter by Activity and Company: Select post/activity filters, then use the all filters panel. Specify your target company as the “author’s company.”
- Review the results: You’ll now see a live feed of people from your target company who are actively posting on LinkedIn.
This simple strategy uncovers a goldmine of connections you might never find by just looking at an org chart. From here, your job is to determine which contacts are:
- Recruiters (look for the job title “Recruiter”).
- People with “Hiring” banners or profile pictures.
- New employees (recent job changes in their headline or activity).
Why These Three Groups Matter
Focusing on recruiters, active hiring advocates, and recent hires is smart — these groups are often most responsive to outreach, and they’re directly involved in the recruitment process. Engaging with them thoughtfully sets you up for warm introductions and tips on hidden opportunities.
The Engagement Strategy: How to Become Memorable
Once you have a list of key contacts, it’s time for the most important — and challenging — step: consistent engagement. The goal is to get your profile noticed in a positive, organic way before you ever send a connection request or message.
The Two-Week Comment Challenge
Dedicate yourself to leaving meaningful comments on five posts per day from your target contact list, for at least two weeks. This might seem intensive, but consider the results:
- You’ll routinely show up in activity feeds, reinforcing your presence to the company’s hiring team.
- Thoughtful engagement positions you as proactive and genuinely interested, setting you apart from candidates who just “like” or give generic interactions.
- Your comments may trigger responses, profile visits, or even internal referrals.
What Counts as a Meaningful Comment?
Not all comments are created equal. Most people reply to a new-job announcement with “Congratulations!” — but that does little to differentiate you. Instead, add value and spark conversation. Example: ask the new hire for one piece of advice or a lesson from their transition. Such comments:
- Show your curiosity and initiative.
- Demonstrate genuine interest in the individual’s journey.
- Increase the chance you’ll get a personal reply.
From here, a few potential outcomes are possible:
- The person replies with insights, opening a dialogue.
- Recruiters or managers see your thoughtful comment and get curious about your profile.
- You pave a natural path to send a connection request or follow-up message that doesn’t feel cold.
Set Realistic Expectations (It’s a Numbers Game)
Just like using a dating app, not every outreach will get a reply — and that’s OK. If you leave 100 thoughtful comments, maybe 10 will start a conversation, and a few will lead to coffee chats or informational interviews. The process is about quality, consistency, and resilience.
Building Your Networking CRM
Managing dozens of new connections can be overwhelming. Consider setting up your own free “personal CRM” (Customer Relationship Management) using tools like Notion to track whom you’ve contacted, when you engaged, and follow-up reminders. Or, if much of your outreach happens on LinkedIn, tools like Weezly Connect allow you to add labels, leave notes, and set reminders all within your LinkedIn inbox — making relationship management seamless and organized.
Crafting Connection Requests That Actually Get Accepted
With your target contacts identified and engaged, the next step is to send outreach that people genuinely want to accept. Drawing on the refined three-step formula by Austin Belcak, let’s break down what actually works in modern networking:
- Step 1: Open with Positive Intent — Start your connection request with a warm greeting or compliment. Examples: congratulate them on a recent milestone, thank them for sharing valuable content, or simply wish them a great week. This small touch sets the right tone.
- Step 2: Personalize Deeply — Show you’ve done your homework. Reference something unique about their career path, a recent post, or even a project they’ve contributed to. This indicates genuine interest, not just a copy-paste approach.
- Step 3: Ask a Thoughtful Question — End by seeking advice or an opinion tied to their expertise. People enjoy sharing their experiences when asked sincerely, and it signals your respect for their insights.
Example connection message:
Hi [Name], hope you’re doing well! I’ve followed your posts on [topic], and your advice has given me new perspectives as I chart my own career. May I ask — how did you approach prepping for your most recent role at [company]? Would love to hear your thoughts.
Recall, personalization is key. LinkedIn profiles and the activity section provide a wealth of data on someone’s career journey, posts, and achievements. Dive deep, and your requests will stand out from the generic crowd.
Providing Value Outside LinkedIn
Some research may extend to other social platforms. Did the person post about a renovation project on Instagram? If you have recommendations or relevant advice, sharing those specific tips can create a memorable, meaningful touch point. Offering this level of value demonstrates genuine care and attention.
Results Speak Louder Than Theory
This three-step outreach approach yields higher acceptance and authentic responses because it reverses the typical “me first” mentality. By focusing on the other person — their achievements, challenges, and expertise — you position yourself as both curious and respectful.
Even successful networkers receive many bland messages. But when requests include specific references and true questions, they’re much more likely to trigger a reply and ongoing discussion.
Standing Out Through Consistency and Authenticity
Every piece of this networking process is about intentionality. Leaving surface-level “Congrats!” comments won’t get you very far. But when you consistently:
- Add thoughtful commentary to discussions.
- Reference company-specific initiatives or values.
- Offer genuine congratulations or encourage knowledge-sharing.
- Ask meaningful questions rooted in research.
You position your profile as proactive, sincere, and worth connecting with. Over time, hiring decision-makers at your chosen companies will begin to notice your presence — which can be the edge you need to get a conversation started.
Maximizing Your LinkedIn Visibility
Multiple LinkedIn experts agree: regularly showing up in comment sections amplifies your exposure to both hiring managers and recruiters. Once they recognize your name through repeated, valuable input, they’re more likely to remember you when reviewing applications or considering referrals.
This engagement strategy aligns perfectly with modern techniques for standing out in direct outreach. Personal touch, relevance, and genuine curiosity set you apart from those taking a numbers-only approach.
Augmenting Outreach With Video (When Appropriate)
While not necessary for every contact, incorporating video introductions or follow-ups can enhance your approach. Tools like Weezly Capture empower job seekers to record quick, personalized video messages, allowing them to convey tone, enthusiasm, and professionalism asynchronously. This can be particularly effective when responding to recruiter introductions, summarizing your experience, or offering a face-to-face thank-you after a helpful chat.
Since video is a highly engaging medium, using it judiciously can make a memorable impact without overwhelming your new connections.
Managing Follow-Ups and Building Lasting Relationships
Getting a great reply or a connection acceptance is just the beginning. To truly convert a connection into career momentum, follow up with purpose. Here are smart practices to maintain and grow professional relationships:
- Keep a log: Briefly note the date, topic, and outcomes of each interaction.
- Set reminders: Schedule check-ins after a few weeks, or follow up based on their activity (e.g., after they post about a new company milestone).
- Aim to provide value continuously: Share an article, congratulate their achievements, or offer help as appropriate.
If you’re managing many contacts, using a mini-CRM inside LinkedIn can help. Solutions like Weezly Connect let you assign labels (e.g., Hot Leads, Coffee Chats Scheduled), track threads, and even integrate reminders — all inside your existing inbox, which is especially useful for networking-heavy roles or coaches working with numerous prospects.
Additional Best Practices for LinkedIn Success
Beyond outreach and engagement, successful LinkedIn job seekers ensure their profiles reflect expertise, intent, and approachability. Here are a few complementary actions:
- Optimize your profile photo and banner to project professionalism.
- Write a compelling summary that highlights your unique value and career goals.
- Cultivate endorsements and recommendations from peers, mentors, or past managers.
- Share occasional insights or reflections related to your field, demonstrating thought leadership and activity.
For an actionable guide on improving your B2B video marketing strategy, which seamlessly translates to personal branding and networking, check out our post 7 Tips for Effective B2B Video Marketing Strategy. Discover how video can elevate your voice and credibility in a crowded digital landscape.
Key Takeaways for Strategic LinkedIn Networking in 2025
- Start with targeted searches to identify active, high-value contacts in your dream companies.
- Focus your engagement with consistent, meaningful comments to stand out before reaching out directly.
- Use a proven, personal three-step messaging sequence for connection requests to maximize acceptance rates.
- Manage your networking process with digital tools and reminders to build lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.
- Leverage modern tools like video and inbox workspaces to make communication personal, memorable, and effective.
FAQ
How do I find the right people to network with on LinkedIn?
Use LinkedIn’s search and filtering features to locate employees from your target companies who are active on the platform. Focus on recruiters, people with hiring banners, and recent hires, as they’re typically responsive and close to the hiring process.
What is the most effective way to engage before sending a connection request?
Leave thoughtful, personalized comments on posts by your target contacts for at least two weeks. This demonstrates genuine interest, builds visibility, and makes your eventual outreach warmer and more likely to be accepted.
What should I say in a LinkedIn connection request?
Follow a three-step formula: open with a positive statement, personalize the message based on their background or content, and end with a sincere question asking for advice or insight. This approach is proven to generate authentic engagement.
How can I manage follow-ups and track LinkedIn relationships?
Use a basic spreadsheet, Notion template, or specialized tools like Weezly Connect to label, organize, and remind yourself to follow up with contacts. This ensures consistency and strengthens professional relationships over time.
Should I use video messages in LinkedIn outreach?
Video messages can humanize your communication and help you stand out, particularly for roles where personal branding is key. Use them thoughtfully, such as for introductions or thank-yous, without overwhelming new connections.
