Use the Social Networking Sites
Social networking sites offer exciting new ways to network with others, search for jobs, market your strengths, and more. The table belowlists three of the most popularLinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitterand briefly explains some of the things you can do with them.
LinkedIn is a business-oriented networking tool that lets you build a resume-like profile and use it to connect with others, as well as research and share information.
- Network with current and former colleagues and supervisors, professional groups, and friends
- Ask for and give recommendations
- Conduct job search activities (look for jobs, post your resume, etc.)
- Conduct research on companies and employees
- Track what people are saying about hot business trends and topics
- Ask questions and get answers from the network
Twitter is a general networking tool that lets you build a brief, 160-character profile called a handle; follow people and activities; and send related messages called tweets.
- Track what people and companies are doing and saying by following their tweets
- Send brief messages with attachments files (a brief cover tweet announcing your new website, for example)
- Tweet requests for information or referrals
- Share your resume using dedicated, third-party software
Facebook is a personal networking tool that lets you build a personal page or wall which you share with others whom you friend.
- Connect with friends
- Connect with favorite groups or companies
- Share photos, videos, and links to items of interest
- Write short notes or longer documents on the items you are sharing
To create an effective profile, follow the same strategies you would for creating a powerful resume. Remember that your resume and your social networking profiles are important ways of communicating your brand.