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Newsletter - August 2009

OI Partners

Networking Effectively and Safely Online

August 13, 2009 - Jim Norwine

The explosion of Internet technology has enabled everyone, including job seekers, to find contacts, network and stay in touch. For those looking for their next career, this medium can be a powerful tool as many employers and recruiting firms use these sites to find talent.

Know sites' strengths and weaknesses
You may want to join more than one site but pick the ones that can best help you in your career search.  A site like MySpace is used commonly by people in the entertainment and art fields and by many who just want to put themselves "on the net."  At Facebook, job seekers might connect with a potential employer over shared interests or a hobby.  LinkedIn is one of the most effective places for professionals to post their information and is widely viewed by employers and recruiters in search of candidates.  Other sites like Spoke, Plaxo, Tyze, XING can also be effective in your search as well.  Caution, if you have information posted on more than one site, make sure the information is consistent and most of all, tasteful and accurate.  Employers are likely to check more than one online site and just like an inflated resume, the best way to have a chilling effect on a potential employer is to cast doubt about your truthfulness, your work history or accomplishments because of inconsistencies.  Avoid the split personality syndrome by having the pictures and colorful comments about your wild college days on MySpace and the professional "you" portrayed on Plaxo.  If it is out there, people will find it.  

Posting a picture
There are pros and cons to posting a picture and ultimately you have to decide if this is right for you.  The pros are you can make your profile more personal by including a picture.  Coupled with other information you list, posting a picture might give an overall better and more complete impression of you.  On the other hand, pictures can disclose age or ethnicity.  Perhaps you feel you do not photograph well and are uncomfortable with posting a picture.  If you decide to post a picture, make sure it is a professional headshot and not you and your dog at the foot of Mt. Rushmore.  The Mt. Rushmore shot would be great to send to friends or family but not for a business purpose.  Some people post an older photo, which might give a more youthful impression but remember, at some point, you will be interviewed in person.  It may leave a negative effect on your credibility as a candidate if you show up for an interview twenty years older.  The employer might wonder "what else is this candidate trying to hide?"  Jason Alba, CEO of Jibber Jabber, says that all things considered, it is a better idea to post a picture than not.  Ultimately, it is up to you and your comfort level.

Creating a Profile
Many people miss a good opportunity to shine by saying too little in a profile statement or saying it without energy, focus and clearly articulating professional interests, passions and career desires.  Think of this as an advertising opportunity for you to sell "the one and only you."  Write a headline describing who you are.  Rather than saying, "HR Director," why not say "Worldwide head of human resources for a Fortune 100 company" and follow up with a hard-hitting profile statement noting the scope of your experience and background.  Since most sites give you a chance to write a paragraph or two, use this space to tell your story as positively and completely as possible noting positions held and accomplishments.  Employers are looking for a strong career history and job stability. Recruiters are looking for candidates who are serious not just shopping around, capable and interested.  Also, make sure your profile is available to the public. Go to your account settings to make sure.  If no one sees who you are, what is the point?

Links to things you have written or done
Most sites like LinkedIn will allow you to link to your Web sites and blogs where your work or your accomplishments are available. Again, a Madison Ave advertising approach can help.  Rather than title links as "My Blog" add some energy by saying, "Link to my successful introduction of new products into the European market."  Anything you would not want your family, coworkers, your current or former supervisors to know should not be told. 

Linking and networking with others
One of the many benefits of social networking sites is making contacts and leveraging them to find open positions.  Make as many connections as you can using good judgment and Internet safety in mind.  Know your connections before you add them to your connections list.  Sometimes a brief online discussion will give you the comfort level you need.  Remember that adding unsavory or marginal connections does not help you in the long run. Once you are connected to someone, you are able to see the profiles of the persons they know and in turn, the profiles of the people they know.  It is like following the yellow brick road.  

Make sure you let people know how you prefer to be contacted - through the Internet site, by e-mail or the phone.  Again, caution is advised.  Do not include contact information that you do not want the general world to see.  Most sites allow you to limit who can see your information, so know how to manage what is available.  If you find that you are inundated with unwanted, aggressive or inappropriate contacts, most sites will allow you to remove these persons from your active list.

Put your active sites on your business cards
Having business cards is always a good idea.  Cards can be handed out at networking or social meetings where your resume is not available.  Listing your LinkedIn address on your business cards is also a great way for people to connect with who you are and what you do. 

Make the most of your sites
Ask and answer questions, recommend and introduce colleagues and learn as much as you can about your professional network.  Most sites are free but some offer upgrades for a fee.  Take time to get acquainted with the free sites you join before you jump into unneeded or unwanted enhancements.

Things you should never do according to Dr. Rachna D. Jain, sales and marketing coach:

  • Leave negative feedback—It stays around for a long time and may not be able to be changed or restated
  • Lie—Be real and honest
  • Spam—It’s not a push marketing strategy  Avoid drowning others with your wants and desires or promotional material
  • Gossip—Again, professionalism should rule so you should not send forth news that is not yours to share
  • Oversee yourself—Stay away from arrogance or over-hyping what you do.

Jim Norwine is managing partner of OI Partners – ExecuGroup in Allentown, PA. OI Partners is a global career transition and career consulting firm located in 200 offices in 27 countries. Jim can be reached at 610.264.7562 or jnorwine@oipartners.net.