In today’s world, your online persona can potentially be more influential than your handshake. Keeping that in mind, why not use this powerful mechanism when it comes to looking for a job? The answer might be “I don’t know how” or “what do you mean by online networking?” either of which is fine, because that’s what this article will explain!
What is Online Networking?
According to the Collins dictionary, Networking “is the process of trying to meet new people who might be useful to you in your job, often through social activities.”
Imagine a networking event so vast, it spans the globe! There’s no need to dress up, you can bring your cat and pretty much everybody you will want to talk to is accessible… that is online networking. A world where LinkedIn profiles replace business cards, and your next job opportunity could be just a click away.
Making Online Connections
If anything, online connections are way easier than having to meet people face to face and have an ongoing dialogue. There are no awkward silences, no worrying about saying something inappropriate – “when’s the baby due? Oh, you’re not pregnant…” – and such like, and you can be more targeted and find out the people you need to be speaking to without wasting too much time.
Where to do your Online Networking:
- LinkedIn: The Professional Playground
- This isn’t just an online CV; it’s a bustling career fair full of connections and opportunities. Customise your profile, highlight your achievements and get a decent, professional photo on there!
- X: The Cocktail Party
- Follow leaders, engage with content by retweeting (or is it re-X-ing now?) and commenting, and share articles that showcase your industry savvy. It’s casual, informative, and you can wear pyjamas.
- Facebook and Instagram: Not Just for Cat Videos
- Follow companies, join industry groups, and interact with content. Show your professional side but don’t be afraid to add a personal touch to get noticed.
Focus on the most productive areas – LinkedIn
Ok, so X, Facebook, Instagram and even Tik Tok can be good for engaging with certain industries, connecting with businesses and using DM’s to create opportunities but the numero uno platform to build relevant connections is LinkedIn.
Create a profile if you haven’t already got one and grow your network by connecting with people you know, former colleagues and but most importantly, individuals in organisations that you want to get into or are in a similar industry to you.
Creating interesting content and posting it on your profile is a great thing to do. Regularly sharing your own knowledge in posts, or interesting and relevant articles to your network will definitely build your profile but don’t just broadcast; engage! Commenting on posts, congratulating connections on their achievements, and sharing other people’s profiles when they’re looking for work are all great ways to add value to your network, and thus create more opportunities for yourself.
Follow-Up: Don’t Ghost Your New Contacts
Remember that person you had a great online exchange with? Follow up! Drop a thoughtful message, suggest a virtual coffee, or share an article that you think they’d appreciate. Online relationships need nurturing too, so don’t let those digital embers cool too much as you might miss out on a future opportunity.
Avoiding Digital Faux Pas
Whilst online networking is in the ‘social’ media space, being as professional online as you would be in person is really important. That means no ranting posts, oversharing personal dramas or spammy messages to your network. If you want to do that, perhaps keep a separate account for professional connections on the relevant platforms so you can still share your world with others without compromising the professional online reputation you’ve taken time to build.
Online Networking? Virtually completed!
Armed with a strong Wi-Fi signal and following the guidelines set out in this article, there is nothing stopping you from unleashing this secret weapon in your job hunting/opportunity creating journey. Remember, in the digital world, you’re not just searching for jobs and employers, you’re letting jobs, employers and even recruiters find you – and believe me, they are looking! Create and maintain a strong, professional digital presence and your next opportunity could be just a hashtag away!
