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In today's digital world, LinkedIn has become a powerful tool for job seekers to search for new opportunities and expand their professional network. It's an optimal resource to connect directly with recruiters, too.

In fact, hiring managers often scour LinkedIn for potential candidates and initiate connections in hopes of filling their current open positions.

Rather than waiting for recruiters to reach out to you, consider flipping the script by being the one to initiate the professional relationship. There are a handful of benefits to establishing a connection with a recruiter even if you're not actively on the job hunt.

When job seekers broaden their view of recruiters as partners along their career journey rather than as stepping stones, it encourages professionals to take charge of their careers. Furthermore, it may keep them top-of-mind when new opportunities arise.

Read on to learn about establishing a connection with a recruiter and our tips to initiate the networking process.

How to Begin the Networking Process Using LinkedIn

Social networking sites like LinkedIn make it especially easy to connect with recruiters and staffing firms.

If you don't yet have a LinkedIn account, the first step is to establish your presence by creating and optimizing your LinkedIn profile.

Create A Targeted Search

Once your profile is optimized, it's time to begin building out your network by creating a targeted search. You can find connections based on specific criteria. Possible LinkedIn search queries include:

• Education
• Company
• Industry
• Job Role
• Location
• Recommended Connections

Utilizing the Job Role function to search for "recruiter" can easily point you in the right direction. Consider using the Company search tool to find recruiters that work for staffing firms in your area. Expand your network by connecting with these individuals. But, before you do, be sure to put forethought into your connection request by personalizing your message.

Personalize Your Invitation to Connect

As you send invitations to connect with recruiters, consider selecting: "Personalize Invite" to customize your message and share why you'd like to connect. It is important to take the time to craft a sincere note. Without this personalization, you lose the chance at a proper introduction and to stand out from the stack of messages recruiters sort through daily.

Follow Up with a Direct Message

Once you've made a new connection, consider utilizing LinkedIn's direct messaging feature. Reaching out to recruiters or new contacts through a message allows you to build on your initial invitation.

Craft your message with a mix of professionalism and personality.

• Be concise and get to the point
• Express an authentic connection
• Speak in your voice

Market Yourself and Build Your Personal Brand

The best way to stay in the minds of recruiters is to be active and visible online. You can do so by sharing your successes or career updates. Did you recently receive a promotion? Have you completed an online course? Have you made considerable progress on a project you're working on?

Here are some ways to highlight your professional advancement on LinkedIn.

• New position announcements
• Certification or course completion
• Participation in professional associations
• Volunteer activities or community involvement

Become an Industry Thought Leader

When you have a strong network full of industry leaders and hiring managers, they will often share content that can drive your professional development.

Spread the content further along by sharing it with other connections in your network. As you react to posts and share industry news, you can become a resource for key information relevant to your network. Don't forget to include your own insight.

Consider sharing the following content.

• Company expansions
• Industry resources
• New project/initiative launches
• Promotions and career moves of leaders
• Industry leader podcasts
• Award announcements
• Shifts in best practices
• Industry technology advancements

Establishing a connection with a recruiter will help when the time comes to find a new role, but it also gives you the opportunity to lend your network a helping hand in the meantime. This may mean referring your hard-working coworker for a new role or sharing a job posting with your contacts.

Ready to begin adding recruiters to your network? Connect with our FrankCrum Staffing recruiters here. Not only will our recruiters assist when the time comes to find a new role, but they'll be ready to help with resume review, interview prep, and much more.