Looking for a Job? Start by Building a Community.
If you’re looking for a job right now, first – take a deep breath.
Then hear this:
You are not just a job seeker.
You are a relationship builder.
A value bringer.
A connector.
And you don’t have to wait for someone to “give” you a job before you start showing up like one.
In fact, your next opportunity may not come from an application at all. It might come from someone who’s quietly been watching what you post, how you support others, or the way you talk about your work.
That’s the power of building a community around your career.
What Does That Even Mean?
Think of it like this:
Every time you post on LinkedIn… you’re telling a story.
Every comment you leave… you’re adding value in real time.
Every past project you reflect on… you’re offering proof of value.
People are watching. People are listening. And often, they’re not the ones who “like” or comment. But they see you.
And when the time is right, when they need someone like you, they’ll remember you.
Community Isn’t Just Followers. It’s Trust.
We’ve been conditioned to think we need a big following or fancy title to have influence.
You don’t.
What you need is consistency and clarity.
Show up. Share what you know. Support others. Repeat.
Whether you have 30 connections or 3,000, that’s your community. Nurture it.
Here’s What You Can Start Doing Right Now:
✅ Talk about what you love doing, not just what you did in your last role.
✅ Share stories from previous jobs that show how you work, how you think, how you lead.
✅ Comment thoughtfully on others’ posts. Not just “great post!” but “This reminded me of a time I…”
✅ Be honest. You’re allowed to say “I’m currently looking,” but don’t let that be the only thing you say.
✅ Create conversations – not just content. Ask questions. Start threads. Invite responses.
You’re not “just trying to get hired.” You’re creating gravity. Pulling people in with who you are.
When you build a community, you’re not just waiting for opportunity to knock.
You’re building the neighborhood it wants to live in.
And honestly? That’s where the magic happens.