I’m sure you realize that just being connected to someone on LinkedIn isn’t much of a relationship. You can have an excellent profile and lots of connections on LinkedIn, yet still miss out on the referrals and opportunities you’re aiming for. The secret lies in building genuine relationships—not just collecting connections. So let’s explore how to build relationships on LinkedIn.
To build relationships on LinkedIn, find relevant posts and comment on them.
Let’s cut to the chase: Relationships on LinkedIn grow from conversations in the post feed. But here’s the catch—the feed you see on your homepage might not be the best place to start. If you want to connect with people and topics that truly align with your interests, you’ll need to do a bit of digging, but fortunately it’s easy. Here’s how:
- Search for posts. Start by entering a keyword related to your interests, industry, or career goals into the search bar. Once the results appear, click See All Results. At the top of the page, you’ll notice a row of tabs—click on Posts.
- Refine your search. For a more tailored feed, click on All Filters. Under From member, add the names of people you’d like to connect with. Don’t hold back—include several names, as not everyone may actively post. You can also narrow your search by adding your industry under Author industry. (Here, “author” refers to the person who posted, not you!)
- Save your search. Once you’ve fine-tuned your results, bookmark the URL or save it somewhere handy. Each time you revisit this link, you’ll find a fresh selection of relevant posts to engage with.
This simple method helps you zero in on conversations that matter most to you—where your thoughtful comments can be noticed and lead to conversations.
To build relationships on LinkedIn, comment in the right way!
Commenting is one of the most effective—and underutilized—ways to nurture connections on LinkedIn. But not all comments are created equal! The key is to move beyond generic responses like “Great post!” or “I agree!”
Instead, aim for comments that add value and show genuine interest. Here are some tips:
- Be thoughtful. Read the post carefully and reflect on how it resonates with you. Share a specific takeaway or relate it to your own experiences. For example: “This post really spoke to me! I recently faced a similar challenge in [insert context] and found that [insert insight]. Thanks for sharing this perspective.”
- Ask questions. Asking sincere questions invites a dialogue. For example: “This is a fascinating perspective on leadership. How do you think these principles apply in remote work settings?”
- Celebrate others. If someone shares an accomplishment or milestone, offer heartfelt congratulations. A comment like “Congratulations on this amazing achievement! What advice would you give to someone looking to follow a similar path?” can be very engaging.
Remember, thoughtful engagement shows you’re interested in a genuine exchange—not just boosting your visibility.
How often should you comment on posts?
Consistency is key, but quality matters more than quantity. Start with a manageable goal: aim to comment on one or two posts daily. This keeps you visible to your network without overwhelming your schedule.
Prioritize quality over volume. A single meaningful comment can have more impact than several superficial ones.
Think of commenting as planting seeds. The more you engage thoughtfully, the more your relationships—and opportunities—will grow.
Once you develop relationships on LinkedIn, how can they help in your job search?
Strong LinkedIn relationships can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Here’s how:
- Hidden opportunities. Many job openings are never posted publicly. By building trust with your LinkedIn connections, you put yourself in a position to receive referrals.
- Personal endorsements. A warm introduction carries far more weight than a cold application.
- Industry insights. LinkedIn connections who have come to know and trust you can be a resource for industry information, as well as tips on navigating specific companies’ hiring processes.
- Mutual support. Relationships on LinkedIn aren’t just about what others can do for you—they’re about mutual growth. By supporting others, you build goodwill that may come back around when you need it most.
The key is to approach LinkedIn with a mindset of generosity and curiosity. Focus on building authentic relationships first, and the career benefits will naturally follow.
Start small, start now.
To build relationships on LinkedIn doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Right now, for example, you can take a moment to leave a thoughtful comment on one LinkedIn post. It might just be the beginning of a valuable professional relationship.
