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LinkedIn is a must-have and must-use when job hunting in Canada, especially because of the hidden job market.

The hidden job market means some jobs are filled without being advertised. This can happen when someone is recommended by a colleague, contacted by a recruiter, promoted internally, or already knows the hiring manager. Sometimes, by the time a job is posted online, the employer already has someone in mind for the role.

This is why applying for jobs should not be your only strategy. People need to know who you are, what skills you have, and what kinds of opportunities you want. LinkedIn can help you get noticed. However, just making a profile and sending connection requests is not enough.

As Keely Cronin shares in Building a Network in Canada, Canadians usually prefer a lighter approach to networking. They want to know you are truly interested in building a relationship, not just reaching out because you need a job, referral, or favour right away.

Comment on posts, share helpful ideas, and support others’ achievements. Reconnect with former colleagues. If someone shares something that truly interests you, invite them to a short virtual or in-person coffee chat.

You do not need thousands of connections. What matters is having an active, professional presence so the right people remember you when opportunities come up.

WorkSpark’s one-page visual guide below shares five practical tips for using LinkedIn well, plus a sample message you can use when reconnecting with someone.