Professional Networking Websites
Professional networking websites focus on business, career and professional interests. This type of site is useful if you’re looking for work in a professional or management position.
Recruiters and human resources professionals use professional networking websites to fill positions and search for passive candidates (people who are working but might be interested in changing jobs). Because these are networking websites and not job search sites, you should be able to post your profile and build your online network without alerting your current employer that you’re looking for work.
Business networking websites allow you to:
- register and create a professional profile that functions like your resumé on a homepage
- search for friends, colleagues, classmates and other contacts who are also on the website and they search for you
- invite contacts into your online network which potentially gives you access to their contacts. You can request that they introduce you to their contacts This way, you’re introduced to other professionals by someone you know.
Even though it’s virtual, a professional networking website is still a community. It works on trust, the same way an offline network does. Invite only people you know and trust into your network. Because security and confidentiality are always an issue online, be sure to check out the privacy policy of any website before you register. Check out these professional networking websites:
Make the most of a popular professional networking website, LinkedIn…more
- Be ready to contact a referral when someone in your online professional network provides a lead…more
Using a professional networking website effectively
- Allow your professional profile at full view so employers or recruiters will be able to find your profile using search engines. Omit any personal information in your professional profile.
- Include information in your profile—such as the name of your university or college or companies you’ve worked for—that will grab the attention of other site users and potential employers.
- Invite business contacts to join the site and link to you. This will increase their network and yours.
- If you’re not currently employed, tell your contacts you’re looking for work. Tell them about your skills and accomplishments.
- Take advantage of features offered on the website by joining interest or industry groups or question and answer groups.
- Be a resource for the people in your network. Tell your contacts about opportunities or events that will interest them.
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