3 Tips for Using LinkedIn to Help Land Your Next NBA Job

Getting a job in the NBA

When I was applying for jobs in the NBA, social media was just scratching the surface. For those of us looking to land jobs, we scoured websites on the Internet. Fast-forward a few years, and most connections were taking place through spaces like… LinkedIn.

It was part-way through my career with the Trail Blazers when I first started a LinkedIn account. Soon, that is where much of the dialogue, connections, and even the start of interviews was taking place.

People who reached out via Facebook, Instagram, or other social apps, those typically were deleted or ignored. But LinkedIn was built for professional connections.

Here are 3 Tips for Using LinkedIn to Help Land Your Next NBA Job:

1. Professional Profile

If you are using LinkedIn to make potential work connections then make sure you have a professional looking profile, photo included. Don’t have a photo of just a basketball or a team, but a photo of yourself, in any kind of professional setting is fine. That could mean a suit and tie or a basketball jersey or anything in between (in my opinion). The key is simply to have a photo that says something about you that would make you a good fit for the job. If you do not have an actual photo of yourself on the account, the likelihood of a response is minimal to none.

2. URL’s

It is hard to differentiate yourself in any space. But differentiation is key when landing an NBA interview. What separates you from others? One of the best things I have seen on resumes is when they have links to their work. This can be done on LinkedIn as well. If a resume is beyond a couple of pages, it will likely go unread. But if you add links to it, that can open a whole new world showcasing what you are capable of. If you have an on-line resume or website, utilize LinkedIn to show off your work. Put the URL’s of the things you would want a hiring manager to see on your profile.

3. DM’s

Obviously, if you’re on LinkedIn, you are trying to connect with other professionals. We could do a whole book on this section but some of the keys include… Build relationships, not just a network. I’m not sure if I’ve ever responded to anyone who has messaged me telling me they’d like to build their network. Networking for networking sake is bland and uninteresting to me. Find common ground with people and build relationships. Don’t just connect up professionally but connect out. Try not to be discouraged if you don’t hear back from someone or 10 someone’s or 100 someone’s. Not everyone is active on LinkedIn. Not everyone responds on LinkedIn. But be consistent, kind, and curious and you will find the right connections.

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