It’s no secret that LinkedIn can be an effective tool for job seekers. However, in order to make LinkedIn work for you, it’s important to get involved in groups. LinkedIn groups are designed for professionals to share information and ideas with one other. Groups are typically open to hiring managers and recruiters, as well, and those professionals watch discussions looking to see what type of talent rises to the top in discussions.

If you are an information technology professional looking to get started with LinkedIn groups. We’ve discovered three that will be worth your while:

Chief Information Officer (CIO) Network – Though the title of the group suggest limited membership, the Chief Information Officer Network is for anyone in an IT leadership position.  There are over 120,000 members who engage in discussions surrounding leadership advice, career advice, project direction, and various other topics of interest to tech leaders.  This is an excellent group for rising tech talent to showcase their expertise and connect with CIOs, managers, and directors.

IT Specialist Enterprise Network – This group boasts close to 150,000 IT specialists who are tasked with meeting user needs on a daily basis. Users engage in discussions around issues that impact operations, user satisfaction, and productivity. The group is active, giving IT pros plenty of chances to make new connections and showcase expertise.

The Enterprise Architecture Network – This group is for anyone interested in sharing information and learning about IT operations management. Members in the Enterprise Architecture Network range from CIOs and CTOs, to IT strategists, information architects, and analysts. Topics include project management, operations, virtualization, wireless tech, and more.

Group Etiquette Tips

If you’ve never participated in a LinkedIn group, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Listen first – Before starting your own topic of discussion, get your feet wet by contributing to recent conversations. This will help you understand the tone, atmosphere, and dynamics of the group.
• Do not sell, never spam – People use LinkedIn groups to seek advice, give advice, and make real connections. They don’t want to be sold to and they certainly do not wish to be spammed. If someone asks a question about a vendor or supplier, reply in a private message (called InMail) to that person.
• Always be courteous – Never demean someone’s opinion, even if you vehemently disagree with them. Be kind and respectful, and treat others as you’d want to be treated. Always remember – there are hiring managers watching you.

If you’re looking to get a leg up on your competition in the IT job market, LinkedIn groups are a great place to start. It can also be extremely beneficial to connect with a professional recruiter. The Prevalent Group is a nationally recognized recruitment agency that works with IT professionals and specialists looking for new opportunities. We work with some of the most dynamic companies in the country, who are always looking for new IT talent. If you are an IT professional looking to take your career to the next level, contact us today.