Why LinkedIn Is The Cheapest Tool in Your Toolbox

The 30-Second Rundown

We all love fancy torque wrenches and obscure sockets but there’s another tool you shouldn’t ignore: LinkedIn. Not only does it cost exactly $0, but it’s also the perfect place to level up your aviation career—without the social-media ick factor.

Build a Network (Minus the Awkward Small Talk)\

Here’s what you need to start with LinkedIn:

• Post a professional head shot

• Highlight your maintenance credentials: A&P, IA, manufacturer-specific training.

• Connect with your classmates: Start with the classmates from your A&P school. (Just click Connect on their profiles; you don’t actually have to talk to anyone)

• Add coworkers past and present: If you’ve worked together for more than five minutes, send a request to connect.

• Watch your feed: LinkedIn sends you updates when people change jobs—meaning you instantly have a personal contact at a new company. I landed a job at an MRO after seeing a friend’s post and contacting him. One quick message later, I was scheduled for an interview.

Talk Straight to Companies and Recruiters 

Companies spend time and money on recruiting, and recruiters love an “easy button.” Be the “easy button” by reaching out first. I have directly messaged recruiters, leads, and A&P mechanics in various roles for information about their companies. I asked what they liked and didn’t like about the company and, based on their opinions, decided to go with other opportunities.  When I found places I wanted to work and got introduced to the people in charge of hiring, getting the job I wanted was much easier.

Bonus: Many recruiters post new roles on LinkedIn before they hit Indeed, JS firm, or Zip Recruiter.

Social Validation = Trust

Ever check out a new business but get sketched out when they don’t have a decent website? The same goes for hiring. When recruiters see a professional LinkedIn profile, they’re more likely to believe you are real—and much more likely to pass your name along or schedule you for an interview.

Play The Game: No cringe required

If you hate the idea of social media, DO NOT WORRY. LinkedIn has its own culture, and you don’t have to talk to anyone when getting started. You especially don’t have to brag about your job or what you did on the weekend. Just consistently grow your connections and monitor your feed for new opportunities; repost a few things you find cool if you want, but for the most part, you do not have to participate at all.

Final Approach

In a world where a single tool can cost you half a paycheck, LinkedIn is a rare freebie that can seriously boost your career. Spend a few minutes a week clicking “connect,” and you will be very surprised at how many opportunities come your way.

Let us know your thoughts on LinkedIn as a tool. Reply to this email! We read all of your responses.