ShareThisWe are often very redundant in "Getting Hired", like a parent who constantly lectures rights from wrongs to children. At some point we will let go, but in the meantime, we believe that it's important that you hear what we're saying, and hopefully, believe it to be true!
Networking, in most cases, will bring you your next job. It's all about communication. You figure out what it is that you do well and want to do for your next employer, and then you begin to broadcast this information to friends, family, previous co-workers, vendors, suppliers, social contacts, business contacts, doctors, dentists and candlestick makers!
The Internet can be an important networking conduit, just as it is for gathering information about industries, companies and opportunities. In fact, there is a very good chance that all of you are active on at least one social network on the web, like Facebook, Myspace, or the increasingly popular Twitter.
For the not-yet-introduced Internet neophyte, a social network service focuses on building online communities of people who share interests and activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others. Of course, many active members of social networks seem to be primarily interested in talking about themselves, but that's a good thing if anyone else reads it!
The point is that social networking has created new ways to communicate and share information -- to network -- and are being used daily by millions of people. If you are not networking online, I recommend it, but be aware that what you post can be read by almost anyone, including potential employers, so be careful -- too much information, in some cases, can work against you.
Here are some websites to consider:
North America: MySpace, Facebook, Linkedin, Plaxo and Twitter.
Canada: Nexopia.
Europe: MySpace, Facebook, Bebo, Tagged, Xing and Skyrock.
South America and Central America: Orkut and Hi5.
Asia and the Pacific Islands: Friendster, Orkut, Siaonei and Cyworld.
If you have trouble navigating any of these sites, just ask your children for help or look for the appropriate "Dummies" book in your local bookstore. It's a little confusing at first, but before you know it, you will be a master at finding new and interesting ways to network that you never thought was possible.
Have fun!
Marvin Walberg is a job search coach. Contact him at mwalberg(at)bellsouth.net, marvinwalberg.blogspot.com, or PO Box 43056, Birmingham, AL 35243.
GETTING HIRED
Social Networks are evolving
Social networks are increasingly becoming a place for people to gain exposure for themselves in a business sense as well as for personal reasons. People that are looking to promote themselves should learn the different rules for each network they join. All networks are not the same.