The Ultimate Guide to LinkedIn Networking for Job Seekers

You've done everything right. You got the B.Sc. (maybe even a 2:1 or First Class). You served your country in the NYSC. You've polished your CV until it shines. You hit the “Easy Apply” button on LinkedIn 50 times a day.

And… crickets.

You're stuck in the “application black hole,” and it's one of the most demoralizing experiences for a Nigerian professional. You start to think, “It's the economy,” “It's who you know,” or “Maybe I'm just not good enough.”

Here is the hard truth, from someone who has been on the inside of the hiring process: The “Apply” button is a lie.

It's a low-percentage game. When you “apply,” you are one of 2,000+ CVs in a recruiter's inbox. Your application is a number.

The real game? It's the one that has always worked in Nigeria: “Man-Know-Man.”

But wait. Before you get frustrated, you need to understand that the game has changed. The old “man-know-man” was about familiarity (e.g., “My father is friends with the MD”). The new “man-know-man” is LinkedIn, and it runs on a completely different currency: Professional Value.

LinkedIn is “Man-Know-Man 2.0.” It's a platform where you can systematically find the exact recruiter, the exact Hiring Manager (the “Oga”), and the exact future colleague, and build a professional relationship with them based on your skills, not your surname.

This 4000+ word guide is your A-Z blueprint. We are going to unlearn the “Naija-isms” that are killing your chances and build a confident, value-driven LinkedIn networking strategy that turns you from a number into a name.

The Mindset Shift: From “Begging” to “Building”

Let's be honest. The #1 reason Nigerians don't network on LinkedIn is fear.

• Fear of “Disturbing Oga”: “Who am I to message the ‘Head of HR' at MTN? He is a ‘big man.' I will just be disturbing him.”
• Fear of “Seeming Desperate”: “If I message him, I will sound like I am ‘begging' for a job. It's unprofessional.”
• Fear of Rejection: “What if they just ‘blue-tick' me (read and ignore)? The shame!”

This mindset is your biggest obstacle. We must fix it right now.

Networking is NOT “begging for a job.”

• “Begging” is sliding into a DM with “Pls, sir, I need a job. Find me something. I'm a poor graduate.” This is low-value and will get you ignored.
• “Networking” is a professional exchange of value. It's saying, “I see the value you create. I am also a person of value. I would like to connect with you.”

Your goal is not to “ask for a job” on day one. Your goal is to get on their radar. Your goal is to be the name they remember when a job opens up.

The “Value Bank” Principle

Think of your network like a bank account. You cannot make a withdrawal (ask for a job) before you have made deposits (given value).

What “value” can you, a job seeker, possibly give to a “big man”?

• A “Like”: The lowest form of value, but it's a start. It's a “digital head-nod.”
• A “Smart Comment”: This is a high-value deposit. (We'll cover this in Chapter 5).
• A “Share”: Sharing their post with your own insight.
• An “Introduction”: Connecting two of your own contacts who could benefit each other.
• Information: Sending them an article or report you found that is relevant to their work.

You must make 5 “deposits” before you even think of making one “withdrawal.”

The Foundation

Your “Handshake” Must Be Firm

You cannot network from a “dead” profile.

Imagine trying to “network” at a physical event in Lagos, wearing a stained T-shirt and slippers. No one will take you seriously. Your LinkedIn profile is your “digital suit.”

Before you send one connection request, your profile must be 100% complete. A half-done profile signals “I am lazy” or “This is a fake account.”

1. Your Profile Photo: Must be professional. No “Aso-Ebi,” no NYSC cap, no car selfie. Headshot, neutral background, smile.
2. Your Banner: Must be custom. Not the default blue. Use Canva to create one that says what you do (e.g., “Building FinTech Solutions | Python | SQL”).
3. Your Headline: This is your #1 sales pitch.
   • Bad: “NYSC Corper” or “Unemployed”
   • Good: “Finance Graduate (NYSC) | Data Analysis | Excel | Seeking a role in Audit”
4. Your “About” Summary: This is your “Tell me about yourself.” It cannot be blank. It cannot be “beggy.” It must be a 3-paragraph “sales pitch” of your value. (See our guide on this).
5. Your “Open to Work” Setting: Never use the public green banner if you are currently employed. Use the “Recruiters Only” setting. It's your secret weapon.

How to Find the Right People to Connect With

Stop “spraying and praying.” Sending 100 random connection requests is just as bad as sending 100 random CVs. You need a target list.

Your network should be built in three “Tiers.”

Tier 1: The “Recruiters” (The Gatekeepers)

These are the “Talent Acquisition” or “HR” professionals.

• Why connect? It's literally their job to find people like you. They want to connect. They are your easiest “Yes.”
• How to find them:
  • Search: Talent Acquisition at MTN Nigeria
  • Search: Recruiter at UBA
  • Search: Human Resources at Flutterwave
• Goal: To be in their “digital file cabinet” (their network) when a role opens.

Tier 2: The “Hiring Managers” (The “Ogas”/Decision-Makers)

This is the “Head of…” or “Manager of…” the exact department you want to work in.

• Why connect? They are the ones with the problem. They are the ones who make the hiring decision. The recruiter just finds the candidates; the “Oga” chooses.
• How to find them:
  • Search: Head of Marketing at Guinness Nigeria
  • Search: Engineering Manager at Interswitch
  • Search: Data Science Lead at Paystack
• Goal: To be “top of mind” before they even have a problem. To build a reputation with them.

Tier 3: Your “Peers” (The “Insiders”)

These are people who have the exact job you want, at the company you want.

• Why connect? They will give you the real gist.
  • “What's the company culture really like?”
  • “What's the salary range?”
  • “What are the interview questions?”
  • They are also your #1 source for an internal referral. A referral from an employee is 10x more powerful than a cold application.
• How to find them:
  • Search: Software Engineer at Andela
  • Search: Brand Manager at Unilever Nigeria
• Goal: To learn, get “insider” info, and (eventually) ask for a referral.

Tier 4: The “Alumni” (The “Warmest” Connection)

This is your secret weapon. It's the “Naija-ism” of “School ties” digitized.

• Why connect? You have an instant, non-creepy reason to connect. “Great OAU Alumnus!”
• How to use it:
  1. Go to your university's LinkedIn Page (e.g., “University of Lagos”).
  2. Click the “Alumni” tab.
  3. You can now filter 100,000+ alumni by:
     • “Where they work” (e.g., KPMG)
     • “What they do” (e.g., Finance)
• Goal: This is your primary target list. It's the “Man-Know-Man” system, at scale.

The 300-Character Challenge: How to “Shoot Your Shot” (The Connection Note)

You've found your target. You click “Connect.” A box pops up: “Add a note?”

The #1 Sin: The “Empty” Request. Never, ever just click “Send” without a note. It's lazy. It's low-effort. It's a 50/50 chance of being ignored.

The #2 Sin: The “Job Beg.” “Dear Sir, Pls, I am a poor graduate, I need a job, pls help me, find my CV attached.” (You can't attach a CV, but this is the “vibe”.) Instant “Ignore.”

You have 300 characters. You must be Concise, Clear, and Complimentary.

The “No-Beg” Formulas (Copy & Tweak)

Here are templates for every scenario.

1. The “Alumni” Hook (Easiest)

“Dear Mr. Adebayo,

I'm a fellow Unilag Alumnus (Mass Comm, 2023) and a young marketer. I've been following your impressive work at [Their Company] and would be honored to connect and learn from your career path.”

2. The “Admirer” Hook (For “Ogas” / Hiring Managers)

“Dear Ms. Eze,

I'm a [Your Role] and was so impressed by your recent [Post/Article/Interview] on [Topic]. Your insights on the future of Nigerian FinTech were brilliant. I'd love to connect and follow your work.”

3. The “Peer” Hook (For “Insiders”)

“Hi [First Name],

I see we're both in the [Your Industry] space here in Lagos. I'm a [Your Role] at [Your Company] and I'm really impressed by the work your team at [Their Company] is doing. Would love to connect!”

4. The “Recruiter” Hook (Direct & Professional)

“Dear [Name],

Using this “warm” approach, you are not a stranger asking for a favor. You are a fellow professional offering respect. Your acceptance rate will skyrocket.

“We're Connected… Now What?”

How to Nurture Your “Man”

This is where 99% of people fail. They get the connection, say “Thanks for connecting,” and then… nothing. They “Thanks & Wait.” This is useless.

You've planted the seed; now you must water it. You must stay “top of mind.” You do this with Smart Engagement.

Level 1: The “Silent” Nurture (The “Like”)

• Scroll your feed for 15 minutes a day.
• When your new, high-value contacts post, like their post.
• Effect: You appear in their notifications. “Bisi Adeola liked your post.” It's a “digital head-nod.” You are registering in their brain.

Level 2: The “Smart” Comment (Your #1 Weapon)

This is how you go from “a connection” to “that sharp guy/girl.” A “smart” comment adds value to the conversation.

• Bad Comments (Useless):
  • “Nice post!”
  • “Great.”
  • “True.”
  • “Thanks for sharing.”
• Why they are bad: They are generic. They show you didn't really read or think.
• Smart Comments (The “Omo, this person is sharp!” Formula):
  • Formula: [Agreement] + [Personal Insight/Evidence] + [Follow-up Question]
  • Example 1: “Great point, Mr. David. I saw this in my own work on my final-year project, where I found that [1-line insight]. This reinforces your idea that…”
  • Example 2: “This is a fantastic analysis. I particularly agree with your point on [Specific Point]. It also seems like this will be a major factor for [X]… I'm curious, have you seen [Y]?”

Why “Smart Comments” are GOLD:

1. The poster (“Oga”) sees it and thinks, “Wow, this person is smart.”
2. Everyone else reading the post (including other “Ogas” and recruiters) sees your comment. They see your name, your optimized headline, and your smart insight.
3. This is how you get inbound profile views and connection requests.

Level 3: The “Share” (The “Advocate”)

Once a week, find a brilliant article or post from a Tier 2 “Oga.”

• Click “Share” (or “Repost”).
• Add your own 2-3 lines of commentary.
• Template: “This is a must-read from @[Tag Their Name] on the challenges of logistics in Nigeria. His point about [X] is so true. It's a challenge we can solve with [1-line idea]…”
• Effect: You have just promoted them to your network. You have “given value.” They will remember you.

The “DM”

How to Slide in Professionally (The “Ask”)

You've done the work. You've liked, you've commented. You've been “watering” the seed for 2-4 weeks. Now you can move to the Direct Message (DM).

But again, you are NOT asking for a job.

The “DM” Sin List:

• The “Hi” (and wait): “Hi” [10:00 AM]. … [1:00 PM] … “Pls, sir, are you there?” This is the worst. Get to the point.
• The “CV Dump”: Sliding in and immediately attaching your CV with “Find my CV attached for your consideration.” This is a digital “beg.” It's rude.
• The “Vague Ask”: “Pls, sir, help me with any job.” This is not a request; it's a burden.

The Golden Ticket: The “Informational Interview”

Your “ask” is not for a job; it's for advice. This is a psychological masterstroke. It's flattering to the “Oga” and gives you exactly what you need: a 1-on-1 conversation.

Template 1: The “Peer / Insider” DM

“Hi [First Name],

Thanks for connecting with me a few weeks ago!

I've been really impressed with your career journey at [Their Company]. As a [Your Role] just starting out, I'm trying to map out my own path, and yours is one I'd love to learn from.

I know you're busy, but would you be open to a 10-minute chat (or just answering a few questions via DM) about your experience? I'd be grateful for any advice on [Specific Topic, e.g., ‘breaking into FinTech'].”

Template 2: The “Oga / Hiring Manager” DM

“Dear Mr. [Name],

Hope you're having a great week. We connected last month (I've been enjoying your posts on [Topic]).

As a [Your Role] who is passionate about [Industry], I deeply respect the work you've been doing at [Their Company]. I'm currently focused on building my skills in [Skill 1 & 2] and was wondering if you might have 15 minutes in the coming weeks for a brief ‘virtual coffee'?

I'd be grateful for any advice you could share on [Specific Topic, e.g., ‘the future of brand management in Nigeria'].”

What happens in this “chat”?

You ask smart questions.

• “What's the biggest challenge your team is facing right now?”
• “What skills do you see as most critical in this industry for the next 5 years?”
• “What advice would you give someone like me trying to get to where you are?”
• The “Golden Question” (at the end): “Based on our conversation, is there anyone else you think I should be speaking to?” (This is how you get referrals).

Now, when a job does open, you are not a “stranger.” You are “that sharp girl I had a great chat with last month.”

The “Japa” & Remote Work Network (A Different Game)

Want a remote job or to “Japa” legally? Your “Naija-isms” must die.

• Stop using “Sir/Ma.” Use “Dear [Name]” or “Hi [Name].”
• Stop “humbly pleading.” Be direct and confident.

The Strategy:

1. Find Nigerians (or other Africans) working at your target international company.
2. Search: Software Engineer at Microsoft -> Filter by “Lagos” or “Nigeria.”
3. Search: Product Manager at Booking.com -> Filter by “University of Lagos” alumni.
4. The Connection Note:
   

   “Hi [Name],

   I'm a [Your Role] based in Lagos, and I'm so inspired by your career at [Microsoft]! It's fantastic to see a fellow Nigerian thriving there.

   I'm building my skills in [Key Skill 1 & 2] with the goal of working in a global team. I'd be grateful to connect and follow your journey.”

These “internal” contacts are your #1 source for referrals into the company's remote and international hiring funnels.

Stop “Applying.” Start “Connecting.”

The “application black hole” is real. It's designed to filter out 99% of people. Your job is to bypass the black hole.

Your CV gets you the interview. Your network gets your CV read.

The old “man-know-man” was a system of exclusion. The new “Man-Know-Man 2.0” is a system of inclusion, open to anyone willing to do the work.

Your next job is not on a job portal. It's in your “Sent Requests” folder, in your “Comments” section, and in your “DMs.”

Go build those bridges.