I’m going to hold your hand while I say this. Landing a six-figure job isn’t just about having the right qualifications or acing the interview. One of the most critical components of career advancement is often overlooked: networking. I’m specifically talking about, LinkedIn networking, which can be your most valuable asset when it comes to securing that high-paying job and gaining the flexibility you desire. LinkedIn is more than just a platform for showcasing your resume and applying for jobs. It’s actually a powerful tool for building meaningful relationships with professionals in your industry and beyond.

I don’t share this often enough, but 75% of the roles I’ve held in my decades of work experience have come from people in my network reaching out to me. If you take nothing else away from what we’re about to get into today, please note that there is so much power in the professional relationships we build over time. And when done right, LinkedIn networking can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

So let’s chat for a moment about why I believe LinkedIn networking is so important and how you can build authentic relationships that lead to new opportunities.

Why Networking Plays a Critical Role in Your Six-Figure Job Search

You’ve probably heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” And while you absolutely need the skills to back it up, networking is often the key to unlocking those dream six-figure roles you hear about. LinkedIn allows you to connect with professionals at all levels—peers, recruiters, and hiring managers—creating opportunities for growth, collaboration, and, yes, even job offers. As a senior corporate recruiter and HR professional, I’ve seen it work in real-time.

What sets LinkedIn apart from traditional networking is its sheer accessibility. It’s not about attending in-person events where you might get nervous or have limited time to speak with others. LinkedIn is a 24/7 platform that allows you to be strategic in building and nurturing your network, no matter where you are or what stage you’re in professionally.

Let me highlight this before we move forward. Your LinkedIn connections WILL NOT lead to opportunities if they’re transactional. This post is about genuine relationships that are nurtured over time and that’s where most people get it wrong. They connect with someone and then disappear, expecting magic to happen. It doesn’t work that way. You have to be consistent and intentional with your LinkedIn networking.

How to Build Genuine, Meaningful Relationships on LinkedIn

Networking on LinkedIn is more than just clicking "Connect" and calling it a day. It’s about building real, authentic relationships that are mutually beneficial. The key is to show genuine interest in others while positioning yourself as a resource in your industry. 

Here’s how you make that happen:

1. Personalize Your Connection Requests

A generic “I’d like to add you to my professional network” message won’t cut it. As a recruiter, I completely ignore those if I don’t know you. When reaching out to someone new, make the effort to personalize your message. Mention why you want to connect. Is it because there’s a clear mutual interest, a shared industry, or something they’ve posted that resonated with you? A thoughtful introduction can make a world of difference.

2. Be Consistent in Your Engagement

Building relationships isn’t a one-and-done activity. You need to nurture your connections by consistently engaging with their content. Like their posts, leave meaningful comments, or even share their work if it aligns with your own goals. When you show up regularly, people notice, and you stay top-of-mind when opportunities arise.

3. Offer Value First

One of the best ways to build genuine connections is to offer value before asking for anything in return. This could mean sharing industry insights, making introductions within your network, or offering feedback on a project they’re working on. Remember, the best relationships are mutually beneficial.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out for Informational Interviews

If you’re looking to break into a new field or pivot to a different role, informational interviews can be incredibly valuable. Reach out to professionals in roles you aspire to, and ask if they’d be willing to share their experience. This is a great way to build rapport and expand your network without the pressure of asking for a job outright. Several of my clients have implemented this strategy and IT WORKS!

The Power of Authenticity in LinkedIn Networking

Can I be 100% honest with you right now? People can sense inauthenticity from a mile away. If you’re only connecting with someone because you want something, it shows. Authentic networking is about genuine connections and nurturing those relationships over time. In my own career, many of my opportunities came from connections I had built years before—relationships that were authentic and mutually supportive.

It’s also important to remember that LinkedIn networking is not about what you can get in the short term. It’s about playing the long game. Your network grows and becomes more valuable over time, and the relationships you cultivate today could turn into opportunities in the future.

Here’s Why Roughly 75% of My Roles Came From My Network

I mentioned this earlier and want to dive a bit deeper into it because I don’t want you to miss the lesson. People in my LinkedIn network reached out to me, either because they thought I’d be a great fit for an open role or because they knew someone who was hiring. That’s the power of relationships built on trust and genuine connection.

And here’s the kicker: None of those opportunities came because I asked for a favor or pushed for a job. Not one of them. They came because I nurtured those relationships over time, offered value, and stayed connected. I was top of mind when the right opportunity came along.

This is why LinkedIn networking is so valuable. When done right, your network becomes your biggest asset. It becomes a resource that can open doors to six-figure jobs, flexible remote positions, and even leadership roles. There really are no limits.

Ready to Strengthen Your LinkedIn Network?

If you’re serious about building a LinkedIn network that can help you land a six-figure job, I created a helpful resource for you. 

Download my free LinkedIn Networking Checklist to get clear, actionable steps on how to optimize your profile and make genuine, meaningful connections that lead to real opportunities.

This checklist includes all the proven strategies I’ve used to build a powerful network and land roles through my connections and now you have access to it for free.

I’ll leave you with this…

Your LinkedIn network is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. By cultivating authentic relationships and nurturing your connections over time, you’ll be better positioned to land six-figure roles and find opportunities that align with your career goals and lifestyle.

Click here to download the LinkedIn Networking Checklist