How To Manage Your LinkedIn Connections as a Software Developer

LinkedIn is one of the best ways to connect with other people in the software development world, and it’s also an excellent way to showcase your own skills. The LinkedIn platform allows you to easily keep your contacts updated, while also providing a suite of tools for managing your professional network.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at how you can manage and cultivate your own LinkedIn network as a software developer.

Optimize your LinkedIn profile

The first step to building your network is to make sure that you have an optimized LinkedIn profile. This profile should highlight your software development skills while showcasing any experience or education that supports these skills. 

For starters, make sure everything on your LinkedIn page is current. 

Here’s a quick checklist to make sure your LinkedIn developer profile is in tip-top shape:

• Fill out your profile with as much information as you can
• Ensure your summary section includes your top software development skills and any related work experience or education
• Include links to any social media accounts you use professionally
• It’s also a good idea to include projects that you’ve completed. This will give potential employers an idea of the types of work you’ve done in the past, and will also allow you to showcase the skills you’ve developed.
• Include your whole educational history and a list of jobs held with brief descriptions, and a list of projects you led.

Grow your network 

While you’re working on your LinkedIn profile, you should also work on growing your network. This network should include other software developers, as well as other professionals in the industry.  

LinkedIn provides a set of tools to help you connect with these people.  

First, make sure that your profile is visible to search engines. You can do this by filling out your profile completely, including any projects or education. 

Next, search for people in your network who work at companies where you’d like to work, or who are in the same industry. 

You can also use LinkedIn’s advanced search features to find people based on specific criteria.  

Finally, add these people to your network. 

Keep in mind that while it’s important to grow your network, you shouldn’t connect with anyone and everyone.  

Make sure you connect with people you know, and that you actually care about connecting with. Don’t just connect with people and let them sit on your connection list. Instead, make sure to regularly go through your contacts and reevaluate them.

Using a LinkedIn connections app can help you manage this process with ease, by allowing you to add LinkedIn tags to your connections, export LinkedIn contacts, manage your inbox more efficiently, and declutter your network when necessary.

Get in touch with recruiters and fellow job seekers

Software developers can benefits greatly from the opportunity to network with other people looking for work and hiring managers.

Be direct and to the point in what you say. Maintain your composure and your professionalism.

Most folks will quickly scan your message before moving on. Give them a reason to keep going, even if it’s just for a few more seconds. You need to give your message more value if you want to achieve the best results.

Write blogs and comments to share your thoughts

Creating content, such as blogs or comments, is a fantastic method of expanding your LinkedIn network. In doing so, you will get more credibility among your target demographic.

Writing a blog may be a great way to get your ideas out to others who care about the same things you do.

In addition, you may rate the work of others and leave notes and comments on them if you so want. Acknowledge their efforts and success, and let them know what you’re up to and how you can assist them.

In the long term, it will do wonders for your LinkedIn networking abilities.

Don’t forget to follow up

LinkedIn follow-up is essential to the success of professional networking. It’s important to keep in touch with new acquaintances after the initial meeting.

By maintaining contact with new connections you’ve made on LinkedIn, you’re demonstrating that you value those relationships.

Send them a message and show your appreciation for the time these folks took out of their busy schedules to help you out. Perfecting your LinkedIn messages is a certain way to boost your LinkedIn networking abilities.

Now it’s your turn

LinkedIn is one of the best tools in the software developer’s networking toolkit. It provides a great set of tools to help you manage your network, while also providing you with the opportunity to connect with software engineers around the world. 

By using LinkedIn correctly, you can showcase your software development skills while building a strong network that can lead to a prosperous and fulfilling career.