Professional Networking on the Internet

While MySpace and Facebook might be on the tip of everybody’s tongues these days, some other networking sites might be more useful to job seekers. There are professional networking sites which provide professionals and job seekers alike with the opportunity to network in cyberspace.

Linkedin (www.linkedin.com)

Linkedin was launched in 2003 and has grown tremendously since that time. Linkedin is a professional networking site where users can create a profile which includes professional information regarding previous and current employment, education, and skill sets. Linkedin differs from Facebook and MySpace in that its purpose is more professional and its users are, too. In fact, there are users from almost all the Fortune 500 companies; many of these users are director level or above.

Once you have created a profile, you can search for previous colleagues and acquaintances. There are second and third degree connections – the friend of a friend idea in cyberspace. In order to become a part of another person’s network, you will need to be referred, much like you would in the face to face world.

An interesting phenomenon related to Linkedin is the practice of employers looking for passive job candidates through Linkedin. Passive job candidates are members of Linkedin who are not necessarily actively seeking new employment. Companies such as eBay, Target and Netflix have all used Linkedin to find these types of job candidates. In addition, Linkedin posts job openings so it is a job search resource in that sense, too.

Ryze (www.ryze.com)

Ryze is another business networking site that offers the ability to network with other professionals. Similar to Linkedin, Ryze offers the opportunity to connect with people in the same field and seek new job and networking opportunities. Ryze offers message boards meant for “interacting” and “growing organizations” so it is less focused on new jobs and more focused on business-based community building.

How to Make the Most of These Types of Resources

Just like a good resume, your profile on a professional networking site needs to be detailed and targeted. Be sure to include relevant previous job experience as well as the skill sets and abilities you would like to use in your next job. As with your resume, keep your profile information concise and to the point.

As you build your network, keep in mind the rules of real life networking. It is important to maintain your contacts and to be specific when contacting someone. It is equally important to offer your assistance to those with whom you network. As always, a thank you email for any assistance or contacts provided is a must, even in cyberspace.

As with any tool or resource, it is only as good as the person using it. While the technology may be decidedly 21 st century, the keys to making yourself stand out are old fashioned – good, concise writing and the time and effort necessary to do a first rate job. For some more hints for success, see Guy Kawasaki’s article titled “ Ten Ways to Use Linkedin”.

Sources consulted for this article:

1. “LinkedIn and Your Job Search” About.Com
   Accessed: 1-2-08
   
2. “10 Ways to Use Linkedin” by Guy Kawasaki
   Accessed: 1-02-08
   
3. “Social Networking for Recruiters” Workforce.Com
   Accessed: 12-29-07