July 01, 2015 | 5 min read
Three Networking Tips to Further Your Career

Tandym Group

Technology is constantly changing the way job seekers look for new opportunities, and while peer to peer networking is a tried and true tactic, websites such as LinkedIn can serve as a platform for your professional skills. Utilizing as many outlets, technological or otherwise, for networking can increase your chances of connecting with an employer. Here are 3 tips to help market yourself in the often overlapping realms of technological and interpersonal networking.

Keep your LinkedIn up-to-date

Most employers will check your LinkedIn page before they call you in for an interview. Since many companies are striving to utilize the most current technology, publishing relevant info about your professional background will give you a leg up by illustrating your digital prowess. A nonexistent or outdated profile, on the other hand, can signify that you haven’t taken the time to carefully craft your online presence or that you aren’t very tech-savvy.

LinkedIn can also help you be found since many businesses use this as a tool to seek out those with related experience, rather than sifting through countless resumes. Online portals not only serve as a tool for recruiters, but as a platform for you to expand upon your resume. Unlike your printed resume, which needs to be concise, an online review of your experience can be far more in depth. Feel free to expand on upon your prior responsibilities and volunteer work beyond what might fit on a one-page resume.

Attend relevant events

Depending on your career goals, there are typically events such as networking get-togethers, workshops, and speaking engagements surrounding your topic of interest. You can learn about new industry trends, make connections, and discover new opportunities that may not be formally available on job searching sites. This marketplace for these positions is what we refer to as the “hidden job market”, and attendance at networking events can often give you access to opportunities not posted online.

It’s important to come prepared with a few proofread resumes, an elevator pitch, and relevant questions. Stay focused, learn more about your field, and connect with professionals who may be able to help you navigate the job market. Once the event is over, send a brief follow up note to the people you met because it may help jog their memory of your encounter and encourage them to pass along your resume or recommend you for a position.

Ask around

Do you have any friends or family members in the industry you’re interested in? While they may not be able to invite you to any strictly professional gatherings, ask if you can join an out of office event such as a company happy hour or barbeque. Although it may feel a bit awkward because these are your friends and/or family, it’s important to bring a pen, a pad of paper, and business cards with you wherever you may run into a potential connection. Ask those in the position you aspire to how they got there and if they have any advice for someone trying to reach a similar goal. Asking those you meet if they know of anyone in their network that would be able to assist you in achieving your professional goals can also prove to be fruitful.

Being well suited for a position isn’t everything when it comes to the world of hiring—sometimes you have to find ways to get your credentials in front of an employer, and building your network can help with that. No matter your current employment situation, having a solid network can help others see you as a professional and motivated individual who they would feel comfortable referring or turning to for career advice.

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