The Secrets of Successful Networking - Part 2

Networking itself is not a revolutionary concept, but how people are networking and connecting to great opportunities is changing with next-generation job sites that combine job search and networking. People can now find jobs and be found using powerful search tools on the Web and get jobs based on the strengths of existing relationships. Social networking sites are gaining traction as a tool in job searches. Stay with me because I will explain why later in this post. This is part 2 of a 2 part piece on networking.

If you read part 1 I discussed tips and techniques about building your social network. I also wrote an article ("Leveraging Your Online Social Networking") on the do's and don't when participating on a online social networking group. In this segment I will discuss how to choose an online social networking group and the benefits.

There are many out there and I would not recommend subscribing to every one. Doing so will spin you into a "social networking overload".
LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to create a professional profile and discover connections in your network.
MyWorkster: Get networked with people in your community on this site for students, alumni, and job seekers.
Facebook: Use Facebook to get connected with old friends and new contacts.
MySpace: Although MySpace doesn't exactly say professional, you can get connected with friends and other contacts on this social networking site. I have a discussion group on MySpace called "Ask a Recruiter"
Tribe: Join Tribe to network with people who have similar interests.
Ryze: Make business contacts and establish a networking homepage on Ryze.
Netparty: Get connected with other young professionals at the parties thrown by this organization.
Probook: Canadians can get connected on this professional networking site.
Fast Pitch Networking: On this professional social network for business, you can find step up your Internet presence, find friends and colleagues, and more.
Xing: Find people, manage your business contacts and network for your career on Xing.
Layoffspace: The unemployed can gather and network on this site.
Twitter: Use Twitter to update the world in 140 characters or less.
Meetup: Find a Meetup group to meet people who share your interests.
Whototalkto: Help people get your old position while looking for a new one on this website.
ZoomInfo: Build your online reputation by filling out a profile on ZoomInfo.
Ecademy: Create contacts and market yourself on this business networking site.
orkut: Find new business contacts and join communities on orkut.

Don't forget Chat rooms, Web forums and discussion groups.

Now, in order to make online social networking work for you it is essential that you maintain a presence and cultivate contacts. It becomes difficult to manage when you have a profile on more than 3 sites. Remember. This is not a stand alone job search activity. You have to allocate your time to other job search activities. Do not consume your time creating a profile on numerous sites. Narrow your list down to 2-3 sites. Brian Chappelle compiled a very comprehensive report that may help you choose which online social network sites to consider. He shared those results on Ignite Social Media. I wish I had discovered this information when I searching for a job.

After you review the report ask yourself these questions:
1) Which networks are getting enough traffic/users that merit my involvement?
2) Is it for the masses or for unique users (i.e., healthcare, education, IT, executives, HR, finance, etc.)?
3) Which networks are getting traffic/users from the countries you need to network with?
4) Which networks cater to what you want the most?
Why should you consider including online social networking in your job search activities?

• 77% of recruiters run searches of candidates on the Web to screen applicants. For instance recruiters at Microsoft and Starbucks troll online networks such as LinkedIn for potential candidates. Goldman Sachs and Deloitte run their own online alumni networks for hiring back former employees and strengthening bonds with alumni-cum-possible clients. The more senior your position, the more likely you will be researched online.
  
• A growing number of companies are advertising on social network sites. "Facebook provides us with the opportunity to show our fun environment with pictures, comments, and discussions", writes financial services Ernst & Young.
  
• It's said that 80% of the jobs available never get advertised. Using this resource can help you find them. According to CareerXRoad's 2007 Annual Sources of Hire Surveyof new hires brought in from outside an organization were due to employee referrals. Those employees have profiles on online social network sites.
• You can review profiles of hiring managers and discover which of their existing contacts can introduce you.
• The more contacts you have within a network, the greater your chances are that someone will know of an opportunity which is right for you.
• Smaller, more tech savvy companies are using online press releases, blogs or their own social networks for recruitment. If people have joined their RSS feed, or signed up for their newsletter, that person is likely to have an interest in their services and may be looking for work. So become a joiner for those companies/groups you are interested in working for, and keep an eye out for work opportunities. If you become an active part of these communities, you could even ask the group if there are jobs available.
• Use these sites to showcase your experience and achievements.

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