Alison Doyle

10 Tips for Online Networking and Job Searching

 Anyone who is starting or building a career or actively job seeking should think about building an online professional presence – on LinkedIn, especially, and perhaps on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites.  You don’t have to do it overnight. In fact, you can’t. 

Building an online presence is a process not an event and it will take you time to create. That said, taking the time to increase your visibility to clients, prospective employers, and networking contacts, is really important. 

If you haven't started yet, don't worry - these 10 tips for building an online presence to use to get started will help you get the ball rolling so yo can use your online presence to enhance your job search and grow your careers.

Related: Social Media and Your Job Search | Follow Alison on Twitter

The White House Visits LinkedIn

Anyone who knows me, or reads my advice, knows that I think that everyone should be using LinkedIn. I've written quite a bit about how to use LinkedIn to job search and I firmly believe that LinkedIn is the site for professional networking and that job seekers, those starting or growing their career, and those in transition should be using LinkedIn for job hunting and networking.

That's why I was thrilled to see that the White House, along with 48 other million LinkedIn members, is using LinkedIn. Nancy Ann De Parle, Director, White House Office of Health Reform, is asking (aren't LinkedIn Questions great?) "The White House wants to know: What is the biggest health care problem in your state?"

Not only does it reinforce the value of LinkedIn, but, from my perspective, health care reform is critical and it's good to see the White House soliciting feedback.

Related: LinkedIn  | Join About.com Job Search/Careers LinkedIn Group

Pink Slip Parties

What's a Pink Slip Party?  A Pink Slip Party is an opportunity to mingle and mix with companies, recruiters, and other job seekers, and may be an opportunity to network your way to a new job.

Pink Slip Parties are a great way for those who have lost their jobs to make new connections and there are lots of them on the calendar.

Business casual is the most appropriate attire to wear to a Pink Slip Party, unless the invitation says otherwise.   Sign up early, because most events fill up fast.

Pink Slip Parties

JobNob Happy Hours

Pink Slip Parties Toronto (Monthly)

Pink Slip Mixers Calendar
Southern California:
Wednesday July 22 - Pasadena
Tuesday July 28 - Hermosa Beach
Wednesday Aug. 5 - Orange County
Monday Aug. 17 - Long Beach

Northern California:
Monday Aug. 10 - San Jose
Wednesday Aug. 12 - Eastbay location TBD

More:

Pink Slip Parties on Twitter | Pink Slip Party Facebook Group | Network Your Way to a New Job

Small World Networking

As much time as I spend, and it's plenty, online, it's good to be reminded that the world, despite or maybe because of the Internet, is really still a small place.

When I asked to join a LinkedIn Group the other day I realized that the Group Manager was someone I knew.  Not because, as you might think, we are both affiliated with the Group.  Rather, his dad was one of my dad's closest friends.

When Mike and I head out to Park City, Utah next week to do some summer season ski resort activities and to visit the US Ski Team Center of Excellence, we've got a busy schedule. We're going to be meeting up with people from his world of skiing and from my world of careers and job searching.  We originally met everyone online, but we get to meet (or meet again) in person.

Besides being fun to get to meet someone you've only met online, meeting someone personally (or "really" as someone told me the other day) is a great way to build your network.

More: Job Search and Career Networking

You Really Can Network - Anywhere

I've written quite a bit about the importance of networking when you're job searching and how in-person networking is as important as online networking.

I've mentioned networking at parties and special events, but I don't think I've said anything (or thought much) about networking at a funeral.  Yesterday was an example of how just mentioning that you're looking for a job can get you some help.

We were at a memorial ceremony scattering the ashes of a dear friend of mine and her beloved dog in the pond next to her home.  Some of those who were there were friends, and fellow dog rescue volunteers, I hadn't been in touch with in way too long.

One of the women noted, in passing, that she had been unemployed for the past ten months.  I offered help, someone else offered her a chance to volunteer (which she was looking to do), and another person offered to connect her with someone in her area who could help.

Aside from having an opportunity to say goodbye to some who was important in my life and who we lost way too young, in a way that was simple, eloquent even with little words, and very meaningful, it was an opportunity for me to remember that helping others and giving back, however we can, is really important.

From the job search perspective, it's a reminder to not be shy about the fact that you're unemployed and looking for a job. You really never do know where or when someone can help you.

More: Job Search Networking