Finding a job is not only about submitting applications. Building relationships with people in your industry can also help you learn about career opportunities and connect with potential employers. Social media platforms, especially LinkedIn, give job seekers more ways to develop those connections and share their professional experience.
With support from Workforce Solutions, you can take control of your job search from day one. From personalized assistance to easy-to-use online tools, Your Career, Your Choice, powered by Workforce Solutions, guides you through each step toward achieving your career goals.
In this Your Career, Your Choice segment, Taylor Stockton, Chief Operating Officer of Future Fit AI, discusses why online networking matters and how job seekers can use social media to build their professional presence.
Why Your Professional Network Matters
Employers may feel more comfortable hiring someone who comes through a trusted connection. As a result, networking has become an important part of career development, and more of those connections are happening online.
Stockton explains that social media is no longer just an optional tool for people building their careers:
“Now it’s really a critical part of their overall portfolio as they’re building their career.”
Platforms such as LinkedIn give job seekers a place to communicate their skills, experience and professional interests to potential employers and connections. But having a profile is only the first step. Being active and participating in conversations can help people become more visible in their industries.
How to Build Your Network on LinkedIn
Stockton recommends thinking about the people you want to connect with and how you can contribute to conversations in your field. Instead of only viewing profiles or following industry professionals, look for ways to engage with them.
Here are a few ways to get started:
- Identify your industry: Think about the field you currently work in or the one you want to enter.
- Find people to connect with: Follow professionals, organizations and others who share information about your industry.
- Participate in conversations: Reply to posts, share your perspective or ask thoughtful questions.
- Share your own knowledge: Post about topics, skills or experiences you are qualified to discuss.
- Build relationships over time: Stay connected with people and continue engaging with their updates.
These steps can help you move beyond simply having a LinkedIn profile to developing a professional presence and building meaningful connections.
Keep Your Online Presence Professional and Authentic
Your online presence can give potential employers an idea of who you are beyond your résumé. Stockton says expectations around professionalism have evolved, and people are increasingly comfortable sharing more of their personal lives online.
However, it’s still important to review your social media accounts and consider how your posts, photos and videos reflect the professional image you want to present.
You don’t have to hide your personality, but make sure your online presence reflects the standards of the industry and career you are pursuing.
Make Networking a Regular Habit
One common mistake job seekers make is waiting until they urgently need a job to start building their network. Stockton explains that networking is more effective when it happens consistently, rather than only when someone is looking for an immediate opportunity.
“The job seekers that we’ve seen have the most success are the ones that are doing it in more of that proactive and ongoing way and really just keeping in touch with connections over time”
Staying in contact with professional connections can help you build relationships before you need them. When a job opportunity comes along, you may already have people in your network who can share information, offer guidance or help you make an introduction.
Start Building Your Network Today
You don’t need to have hundreds of connections to start networking. Begin by identifying people and organizations in your field, participating in relevant conversations and sharing what you know.
Be active, be authentic and stay consistent. Building a professional network takes time, but it can become a valuable part of your career development and job search.
Accessing the right tools can make all the difference in your job search and career development. Watch Episode 7 to discover how Workforce Solutions can help you take the next step with confidence.
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