Social-Professional Networking and Job Search
June 13, 2009 – 9:20 pm
How strong is the connection between social and professional networking and job search? In today’s world…well, they are indispensable! Given the current job market scene, social networking and professional networking has become an integral part of the entire recruitment process. Be it searching for a job, getting hired for one or simply retaining the job, social and professional networking plays a key role in each step.
Searching for a job
Networking is of immense importance while searching for a job. Statistics shows that nearly 90% of job seekers actually find an opening either through their networking – friends, family, ex colleagues or online network buddies, or through online job search sites. And even when one does find a job opening through online sites, he would prefer to know someone, even distant, who could give any inputs.
Evaluating the opening
How can one evaluate the job opening and the company offering it? Obviously, by getting reviews from real people who have in some way been associated with that company or job. And how will you find and connect with these people? Only through networking… You can use your online social and professional network to get sound reviews.
Getting hired
All of us know how the recruitment’s final decisions are taken. Every good organization tries to find out about you from your previous employers. Gone are the days when they would call only the references you provided during the interview. They actually check your presence in top professional networks. Some might also want to check your social networking profile, to get a better insight to you as a person.
Retaining your job
It is a competitive world you need to keep up your pace. Getting hired is just the beginning of the journey. The main task is of retaining it. Apart from your hard work, it is important to connect with your team on greater level than just the professional interactions in office. Plus, keeping in touch with your ex colleagues talks about you as a more social person and people appreciate that. It is important to maintain the contacts you’ve made throughout your career, as you may never know who can be helpful when.
Maintaining that extra tinge of personal touch always helps. Social and professional networking has become an important part of the job search process. Many online job search sites do realize this fact and are working towards offering the same.