Is Your Social Network Working?

Editor’s note: Sandra Tedford is a regular contributor and founder of  WE Talk Today (@WETalkToday). She offers this article as a conviction of hers. 

When it comes to making a career move, your online network is your most valuable asset to land your next dream job.

Chances are your connections are just well connected but have the power to help you land your next gig. Your online network is most likely connected to decision makers at companies or are the hiring managers who can help you move your career forward.

Leverage Your Network

Leveraging your online network is sometimes tricky. Sometimes friends either make the best advisors or the worst colleagues. You’ve heard the saying of “never hire a friend”. There’s some truth to the saying, however having friends at the office is invaluable. Your connections can give you the inside scoop on upcoming projects or job openings that may be a good fit for your skill set. Friends can also provide the skinny on the corporate culture and what I like to call “hidden networks” that often influence office politics. Sometimes business people have relationships that transcend the office setting. If you utilize your contacts wisely, they can help you navigate the complex terrain within that organization.

Working Your Network

Here are a few ways to work your online network

1. Like & Subscribe: Follow the interests of your connections by clicking “like” or subscribing to their page. Pay particularly close attention to organizations your contacts are involved in related to your industry.

1. Comment on Blogs: Show that you have something to offer by blogging. Blogging is a great way to provide your perspective about your industry. Start commenting on blogs written by people in your network.

1. Join Groups on LinkedIn: Join the discussion and provide valuable insight. By joining a group, you have the opportunity to increase your visibility in the community. Attend group member’s events offline to show your support.  Ask former employers and colleagues for recommendations. Request recommendations from people you’ve worked with on volunteer projects as well. People within your network will see that you are a valuable contributor to any organization.

4.  Share information: Notify your network of events and interesting news stories. Ask people in your network to reciprocate. People love getting and sharing information about events.

Staying plugged into your network online and increasing your exposure will give you an edge with those who the decision makers at the companies you’re interested in working.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

My name is Mark Anthony Dyson, and I am the Founder of The Voice of Job Seekers. I am a career advice writer, but more importantly, I hack and re-imagine the job search process.. I've worked with hundreds of job seekers one-on-one helping them to construct a narrative and strategy that appeals to hiring managers and recruiters. I present at colleges and organizations, and facilitated many workshops including my volunteer effort through a Job Lab. I write and create useful job search content on this blog and write career and workplace advice for blogs such as Glassdoor, Payscale, Job-Hunt.org, Prezi and more. Media Feature highlights: Forbes, Business Insider, NBC News, Glassdoor, LinkedIn's #GetHired, and NPR Freelance writer and content contributor: Glassdoor, Payscale, job-hunt.org, The Financial Diet, RippleMatch.com and more. Contact me to contribute career, job search, or workplace advice for your site at markanthonydyson@gmail.com.

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