The following is part of a series about networking as a job search tool. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking. This series addresses numerous ways to build relationships with potential employers, not necessarily in order of importance or effectiveness.
The invasion of social networking sites, such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, provide a unique opportunity for students to network not only with their friends and family, but also potential employers.
According to Willy Franzen, founder of One Day, One Job and One Day, One Internship, using social networking sites as a job search tool is a six-step process: joining, seeking out interesting people, listening, talking about yourself, interacting and taking relationships offline. He recently used these techniques on Twitter to schedule meetings with three CEOs and a vice president of recruiting within a two-week timeframe.
Facebook and LinkedIn allow students to maintain detailed online profiles, unlike Twitter. “Employers, recruiters, partners and other types of professionals check LinkedIn to learn more about you,” said Jason Alba, CEO of JibberJobber. “In addition to your profile, participating in LinkedIn Answers, growing your network and getting recommendations are all things to showcase your brand, expertise and network.”
Experts warn to tread carefully, though. “If I saw a recent graduate with 200-300 contacts in LinkedIn, I would be skeptical that these were real and relevant contacts and not just the result of excessive ‘friending,’” said Jordi Comas, an assistant professor in the School of Management at Bucknell University.
Alba agrees. “As you enter the workforce, make sure you keep your Facebook profile and activities on-brand with your professional endeavors. If a potential employer can find your profile, a customer, prospect or vendor could also find it. As more Facebook users enter the professional ranks, this personal branding issue is going to become more prevalent.”
Perhaps most importantly, Shaun Callahan, lead business developer and chief involvement officer at CollectiveX, reminds students not to wait until they are looking for a job to start networking. “Get to know the people in your life to build relationships, not because you need anything in the short-term. By doing for others now, you will be in a stronger position to comfortably ask for help later.”
| <-- Part 2: Join professional associations | Part 4: Tap your alumni association --> |
Additional Resources: For more information about using Facebook and LinkedIn, refer to the following books: "I'm on Facebook - Now What?" and "I'm on LinkedIn - Now What?"
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