Years ago, she attended a local business mixer, where she felt completely out of her element. She hovered by the snack table, clutching a sparkling water, convinced everyone else there was born with a nametag and a killer elevator pitch.
Then she overheard someone talking about The Foo Fighters. (Her words: "Yes, I'm dating myself.")
Without even thinking, she blurted out, "Their lyrics hit like therapy."
Everyone cracked up, and just like that, she was in. Not because she had a polished pitch or decades of experience. Because she made a real, human connection.
That moment stuck with her.
And now, years later, as she's navigating LinkedIn to grow her career, she realized it works the same way.
You don't need to post perfectly. You don't need to be "a thought leader." You just need to join the conversation in a way that's true to you.
Engagement > Content (at least at first)
Here's the truth no one tells job seekers: You do not have to post content to build visibility on LinkedIn.
In fact, posting can be less effective than commenting, especially when you're still figuring out your voice, audience, or brand.
Commenting lets you:
✅ Join conversations already happening ✅ Show up consistently without the pressure of "going viral" ✅ Build relationships organically ✅ Share your perspective without shouting into the void
And, it's way less intimidating than creating original content.
But What Do I Say?
First: Don't overthink it. You're not writing a dissertation.
Aim for comments that are:
- Thoughtful: Share an insight or takeaway
- Appreciative: Thank the poster for sharing something valuable
- Curious: Ask a question that deepens the conversation
- Relatable: Connect their story to your experience
Example Comment Prompts:
- "This really resonates with me. I had a similar experience when…"
- "I never thought of it that way — thank you! What are your thoughts on X?"
- "Love your perspective. How do you see this playing out in [your field]?"
- "YES! Especially when [insert personal insight]. Thanks for sharing this!"
💡 Pro Tip: Use ChatGPT to help you craft great comments. Just paste a post, upload your resume, and ask, "Can you help me write a thoughtful, authentic comment on this that reflects my experience and knowledge?"
Where to Find People Worth Engaging With
If you're thinking, "But I don't follow anyone interesting," let's fix that.
Here's how to build your comment circle:
- Follow 10–20 active creators in your space (Thought leaders, peers, hiring managers, company pages.)
- Follow hashtags relevant to your goals (#UXDesign, #HealthcareLeadership, #InclusiveHiring, etc.)
- Comment on their posts 3x/week Not just liking; actually commenting.
- Respond to others' comments Engage with people engaging! It's a shortcut to connection.
The "Conversation Playlist" Strategy
Just like you have a playlist of favorite songs, create a list of 5–10 LinkedIn creators whose content you genuinely enjoy.
Bookmark their profiles. Set a calendar reminder 3x/week: "Check in on my playlist."
Each session:
- Scroll their recent posts
- Add 1–2 thoughtful comments
- Respond to another commenter
- Send a connection request if it feels natural
It's not just engagement — it's relationship building.
And over time? These creators may notice you, engage with your content, or even refer you for roles.
Why Commenting Works So Well
LinkedIn's algorithm loves comments.
When you comment on a post, not only does the original poster see it, but often their entire audience does, too.
It's like borrowing someone's microphone without having to host the concert.
Plus, you get the benefits of:
- Staying top of mind
- Demonstrating your perspective and values
- Building a "recognizable presence" over time
Real-Life Win
A former client of mine was terrified of posting but wanted to get noticed in the talent acquisition space.
She started commenting regularly on 5 industry creators' posts.
After 6 weeks, someone DM'd her: "I see you around LinkedIn a lot and love your insights. Would you ever be open to chatting about a project I'm hiring for?"
Boom. No content creation. No cold pitch. Just consistent, meaningful engagement.
Final Thoughts
Think of commenting as your warm-up act.
It builds your confidence. It sharpens your message. It helps you find your people.
And one day, when you do feel ready to post, you'll already have an audience that knows and trusts you.
But until then?
💬 Comment with care. 🎯 Show up with purpose. 👀 And watch how your visibility grows.
Your job search doesn't have to feel like shouting into the void. Let's make it feel like a conversation. www.kyladuffy.com