Expanding Your Network and the Buzz about Web-Based Professional Networks
-Lucinda Van Inwagen, former recruiting professional now with The Career Center
The truth is that it IS who you know--especially in a tough economy. An effective job search strategy will contain many components including applying through various job boards (focused niche boards like CareerRAM are best, for example), researching companies through online databases (CareerSearch offered through The Career Center or Hoovers, for example), but the bottom line is that networking is absolutely essential and the key component to all effective job search strategies. The fact is that only a very small percentage of job seekers, 2 -6% depending on which survey you read, find quality jobs through the big job boards, job publications, or through cold calling.
Actively Expand Your Existing Network
Since networking is the key, in addition to showing up to professional networking events, a couple of practical suggestions to expand your current network is to dig deeper. Ask for suggested referrals. Ensure that for every person you network with, make it part of your mantra to ask for one or two appropriate contacts to support your quest to learn about other industries or specific companies rather than finding a job. Keep your focus on expanding your network of contacts and staying in contact with them for the long-term rather than on a transactional basis for the one job search event. To truly network, have the mindset to be willing to help, support, and give to others.
Online Professional Network Sites
With the advent of the Internet and new web technology, we have become forever changed and connected through interactive Web 2.0 technology. There's a great deal of buzz, but more importantly power, in professional networking sites like LinkedIn. There are currently more than an estimated 35 million users of LinkedIn alone. There are many other networking sites out there. When searching groups related to Colorado State on LinkedIn, for example, there are 27 special interest groups listed including the Colorado State Alumni Association. Group affiliations can enable you to search and connect with people throughout the nation and the world. Belong to a national professional organization? There's a good chance there is a LinkedIn group for your organization that will help you connect with other members. With a well-developed, professional networking profile, recruiters and people you've met in your life can find you. The bottom line is to focus on keeping your network viable and expand it and take the time to learn and use online professional networking tools.
From another professional's perspective using social networks in your job search, check out former HR executive, now consultant and syndicated columnist Liz Ryan's podcast about using LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter http://tinyurl.com/socianetworkinginyourjobsearch.