Is networking over for job seekers? Recently, I read an article called “Has Networking Become a Waste of Time for Job Seekers” on www.fastcompany.com discussing the new way of networking. Each year new college graduates enter the job market. What should they do to get their first professional job? Interviewing on campus, internships, or online job boards? The article suggests social media can help students be seen and heard in their target industry and by their target employer.
Things have changed! Job search used to mean creating a dynamite resume, sharpen your interview skills and answer a classified advertisement for a job. Now personal marketing has taken over and you need to establish a strong personal brand. They suggest social media to follow the CEO of your desired organization and learn who he/she follows and follow them. Part of your personal branding is establishing a profile online.
Professional networking sites like Linkedin, Facebook, BranchOut Facebook App, iPhone Apps, CareerBuilder Facebook App and Hire My Friend Facebook App are just a few examples of using social media for job search. Building a positive online presence is crucial. In this difficult job market, you need to stand out! Employers are looking for the best candidates who are knowledgeable in social media. You can use social media to make connections and find job openings as well.
Linkedin is the most well-known example of an online professional networking site. You can post your profile which can act as your online resume. You make connections and get references from your connections that potential employers can view. You can change your status to let your connections know you are available. If you should keep your information updated, this is the new communication technology for job search.
Some of the applications on Facebook, Twitter and other social media provide information of job openings. Some of these Apps like TweetMyJobs send out automatic updates of new openings sent to your cell phone. If you become a fan on Facebook of specific company or follow a hiring manager on Twitter, you may find out about job openings. here is a gratuitous plug for krantcents! You can use social media to follow professional recruiters or other people who may know of job openings.
Networking has gone high technology! Not all networking is through social media, but is a good addition to other strategies. Job search is supposed to be a full time job. You should every possible way to connect with people. People will judge you on your online profile, your connections, friends and your presence online. Make sure you filter your presence by setting the privacy settings to display your best image.
Employers will generally do a background check on possible employees. Your online presence will be available by just doing a Google search on your name. Lack of a presence online could be a negative too. Start with a profile on Linkedin, a Facebook page, and join Twitter. Making comments, or posting pictures or commenting in forums can add to your image, but be careful!
Social media creates a community for industries and professionals to help manage their careers. It helps connect people, friends and others keep up with each other socially and it is an excellent way to network. You don’t want to give the face to face networking though. Join industry groups and interest groups to add to your network. You never know where your next career opportunity will come from. Are you using social media to job search? Is networking over for job seekers?
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Very true KC! In fact a potential job seeker should be very careful what’s on his or her online profile. I’ve not considered a few candidates based on what I saw on their FB page!
Networking is still valid though the means have changed.
I am reading a great book on networking called “Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi. Face to face networking is still relevant, but technology provides an additional tool.
KC, I think that book should be required reading for every job seeker and job holder. What a great way to improve your people skills and learn!
If everyone would just improve their people and soft skills, no one would be unemployed!
Krantcents-As a former Career Counselor at San Diego State U. I still recommend face to face and telephone “informational interviewing,” to increase your personal information and contacts. Nothing, not even Linkedin takes the place of the one on one. Much more personal and memorable. I believe you should hit all possible options in the job search.
I may be a relic, but I agree face to face is the best! Ifeel that all this new technology is good as a supplement to networking.
Don’t forget about face to face informational interviewing. Great way to build contacts and gain information about potential employment fields. I suggest “leave no stone unturned.”
I like information interviews as part of career planning. I recommend it to my students all the time. The unintended benefit of the information interview is networking, beside great advice.
I think the good ole’ who knows who networking will always be en vogue. Much depends on what’s hot and who’s hiring but companies will always be in a position to be scrambling to pick up top talent at a premium. I’ve seen a fair amount of high performers jumping around in my circle, even in the recession.
So true! They seem to come out of thin air, but really it was old fashioned great networking..
I think networking is more important than ever, in this day and age. I’ve helped a couple colleagues get ‘in’ because I’ve recommended them to my manager.
We have an opening for a team member. This is the first time I’m going to be checking into LinkedIn and Facebook for background and references.
Technology enhances or complements the old networking strategy.
As with other comments, I agree that an appropriate online prescence is critical, but ultimately a physical networking experience will trump the online profile.
Networking always helps – it helped land me an offer, but the two jobs I work(ed) at have both come through the old fashioned way: interviews knowing no one, and an offer. I do keep my facebook, twitter and linked in relevant and professional however – you never know who’s looking
I have found networking very helpful and still proves to be. Not everyone, especially older generations are on the social sites so you do miss networking if you don’t actually talk to people in person. Those sites are good for added information but most people I meet still prefer to talk to someone in person.
Nowadays, you need both! It is important to demonstrate some knowledge in social media too.
I think social networking and email is great for building up your contact lists, but they also lull people into a false sense of security thinking that their reach is greater than it actually is. Nothing beats face-to-face networking. It doesn’t have to be at a meet-and-greet event either, join your local Rotary Club or a non-profit board or committee. Getting your face out in the community will open so many more doors than being in someone’s professional network on LinkedIn.
Forming long lasting relationships supplemented by technology is a winning combination. Technology helps us communicate more easily and faster. Nothing replaces the face to face communication.
The days of answering a classified advertisement are over! In a tight job market, networking is even more important.
Networking is both face to face and technology. Now, everyone needs to show a command of social media. You need to use both strategies to be noticed in this environment.
You never know where your next opportunity may come from, so it is prudent to keep both up to date.
LinkedIn seems to be the best. Nothing beats personal networking outside of the online world though.
I think a combination of face to face networking and using technology to supplement it is a winning strategy.
An absolute must for job seekers is Google. If you don’t Google yourself on a regular basis then you are missing a great tool for building your brand. Try to get to the top of search results for your name and you will impress anyone looking for information on you.
Recently, I did just that and was surprised that I was high on the first page.
An absolute must for job seekers is Google. If you don’t Google yourself on a regular basis then you are missing a great tool for building your brand. Try to get to the top of search results for your name and you will impress anyone looking for information on you.
This has become normal job preparation. Finding out what an employer may learn about you.
I think a blog would look great on a resume. Maybe even one of the readers can hook you up.
I’m on Facebook, Twitter, and Linked in , but I still find my old college buddies are my best network.
Networking is a combination of face to face supplemented by technology. In many ways it is like business relationships, face to face is preferred although technology such as email, phone calls, texting and video conferencing.is used to supplement it..
I think the best thing to create is a webpage — yep, you heard me, and old-fashioned webpage, such as “YourName.com” — that showcases your best work. Make each tab on the navigation bar lead to a different aspect of your skill set. It’s a great way to show employers your talent — plus, they’ll remember you more.
I think it depends on your career choice. Sales and technology careers, it would be very appropriate. It could be used to supplement networking too.
It seems to me that networking has become one of the only ways since companies get so many submissions, so it is via a network that you’ll get your foot in the door. I guess I should start building up my own network some more.
It is good for a lot of things not just job search. Let’s face it we are building a network for our blogs too.
Great post. What is that phrase, it’s not what you know, but who? I am pretty old fashioned so I use the old friends, recruiters, and resume way. But what better way to stretch your network than social media? I use Linked In over Facebook and Twitter as it feels more professional. Good tips on following companies so you learn more about what you may be getting into.
I just finished a great book (Never Eat Alone) that discusses building a network and how it is for more than job search. In some ways, we are building a network through blogging.
Networking isn’t over, as who you know still matters most in many cases. A direct relationship or referral from a relationship can often go a long, long way in getting hired or in making a deal. However, online job postings and Linkedin have changed the landscape and process a bit. The IPO craze for Linkedin attests to that.
I agree, it is even more relevant in this market! It has just changed with social media.
I find you still have to do a combination of online and in person. The online sites are a great way to manage contacts but building the relationships still needs to happen in person. At least that is what I have found most effective.
I think using technology to help maintain or supplement a networking relationship is the right combination. In many ways, it is like using the telephone to stay in touch!
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