Career management, like building an online network, takes time, but it’s time well spent if it means finding the hidden job market.
Online networking is still a growing and important part of career management and finding the hidden job market means having a network of contacts. It’s time well invested to build your online network – preferably before you need it – but how do you start online networking once started, where else should you do?
Three Online Network Ideas to Consider
Here at Gateway we suggest you look at these three methods of building your online network.
- Promote your business using professional online networks.Utilise professional networks such as LinkedIn. LinkedIn is an easy way to increase the online visibility of your professional career. Join LinkedIn, create your professional profile and become a member of groups that relate to your industry and/or profession.You can also create a professional page on Facebook for your company by utilizing Facebook Pages.
- Participate in online forums.Online forums are a great place for people with similar interests and hobbies to ask questions and share information. Participating in forums is a great way to network online and engage in conversations with people who share similar interests with you. For example, if you’re an expert in Apple products you may want to join an Apple forum to discuss products with other enthusiasts. Forums also serve as great resources for advice and solutions to common problems.
- Join social networks with a particular theme or interest.Interest-specific social networks are similar to forums but with more functionality. Traditionally, forums take the form of a back and forth discussion thread. Social networks usually integrate customized profiles, the ability to comment on other profiles and a method for uploading pictures and/or videos to share. An example of interest-specific social network is Goodreads.com – a social networking site for those looking to share what books they are reading, write book reviews and discuss a wide variety of literary topics.
As with any type of networking, you will need to put in consistent effort in order to see results. Networking is interactive; you must interact with your contacts in order to be successful. To maintain and keep up with your social networks, try setting aside a few hours a week just for online networking.
For guidance on the best way to build you online network, speak to a Gateway Career Consultant: 0845 45 900 35 or contact us for more details.