With all the fanfare surrounding social networking and the rapid rise of sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, Weddle draws several distinctions between social networking and what he terms employment networking (or e-networking).

1. Employment networking has a different purpose
   The basic purpose of social networking is to interact socially. Making a connection with someone who shares your hobby or interests, or to expand your circle of friends with friends of your friends are common reasons to engage in the practice. However, the purpose of e-networking, is to connect with contacts who can help you land a new or better job. These contacts include current and former associates, former bosses and coworkers, and recruiters. While these interactions have a social component, and you should treat these individuals with the same courtesy and respect you would like to receive – the main goal is to find a job or advance your career.

2. Employment networking is done in a different way
   Social networking involves informal introductions and casual conversations in cyberspace. There's no obligation to participate, no downside to not doing so, and no performance standard to meet if you do participate. E-networking, in contrast, requires active participation, and the quality of your effort determines the return you get from your investment of time. The key to success in employment networking (whether it's done online or off) is believing that it's better to give than to receive. You have to share your knowledge, information, and job contacts if you want others to share theirs. This sharing must be done on a consistent basis to build familiarity and trust among those with whom you network. Their confidence in you reassures them that they can safely refer you to one of their business associates or colleagues. That reassurance is critical -- sharing friends on a social networking site isn't particularly risky; but putting someone in touch with a business contact is. It can damage reputations or risk employment, especially if the person you refer turns out to be less than advertised.

3. Employment networking takes place on different sites
   Since the purpose of e-networking is to find a new or better job, you must do it where you're most likely to connect with people who know of or have access to employment opportunities. That means your professional peers and the recruiters who focus on your career specialty or industry. Examples of e-networking venues include discussion forums and bulletin boards at trade and professional association web sites, college and graduate school alumni organizations and specialty sites that may be important to employers (such as women engineers, African American certified public accountants, and veterans).

For more insight from Peter Weddle, visit http://www.weddles.com/index.htm
Posted: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - 8:40:05 AM by Chris Bilotta

• MAKE FACE TIME - Leave the full-body shots to the models. Both image consultants and recruiters agree that if you decide to post a photo on your LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter profile, it’s most appropriate to go with an upper-body image. A professionally taken picture is usually best since the photographer knows how to avoid unnecessary shadows or glares. However, if your budget is tight, have a friend take a picture of you in a well-lit room with a plain background. Then use a photo-editing program to enhance and crop the image.

• LOOK THE PART - Dress as though you were going on an interview. You want to look fresh-faced, well groomed and work appropriate.

• KEEP IT CURRENT - Change your photo every time you change your appearance. When people Google your name, they want to know that what comes up is really you.

• GROUP PHOTOS - If you're nervous about posting an individual shot, a group photo offers an alternative. Consultants are divided on this topic, since a group photo may confuse a possible contact. Lauren Milligan, a job search specialist, believes a profile photo with co-workers from a networking event where nametags are visible could provide for an interesting conversation point during an interview. Other consultants feel this type of photo may be more appropriately used in a Facebook album, or on your personal website. A study conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (surveyed 600 HR representatives) found that companies are more likely to hire an individual if they know they’re involved in volunteer/civic group or a professional organization, so a photo from one of those events might also be an option.
  Posted: Monday, June 22, 2009 - 10:52:37 AM by Chris Bilotta
  Digital Job Hunting
  Jennifer Braunschweiger, Editor at More Magazine recently appeared on ABC News Now talking about How To Master the Digital Job Hunt. Topics included resume preparation, developing your own personal website and managing your online identity. To view the video go to http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7649307
  Posted: Friday, June 19, 2009 - 7:34:39 AM by Chris Bilotta
  Online Job Search Tips
  While online job boards typically present the lowest probability for success in your job search because of the numbers of people responding to postings, they still serve as one part of an overall job search strategy. The key is knowing how to use the Internet effectively. Mary Lorenz, a CareerBuilder.com writer, recently posted a list of guidelines for conducting an online job search. Several of the tips worth special consideration focus on technology and are listed below. For the complete list, go to http://tinyurl.com/kj9zrd
  • If you build it, they can come. Instead of simply posting your resume on a Web site, take it one step further and design your own personal Web site where recruiters can view your resume, accomplishments, value proposition and obtain contact information.
  • Check your online identity. Google yourself to see what comes up -- and what potential employers will see if they do the same. If you don't like what you find, it's time to do damage control.
  • Utilize video resumes. Video resumes are just one more way to stand out to employers. Intended as supplements to -- not replacements for -- traditional resumes, video resumes allow job seekers to showcase a little bit of their personalities and highlight one or two points of interest on their resumes.
  • Get connected. How many times have you been told that it's not what you know, but who you know? Thanks to the emergence of professional networking sites like LinkedIn.com, job seekers no longer have to rely on the old standby of exchanging business cards with strangers. These sites are composed of millions of industry professionals and allow you to connect with people you know and the people they know and so forth.
    Posted: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 - 2:25:47 PM by Chris Bilotta
    Tips To Build Your Personal Brand
    • Solicit feedback from business associates about who you are professionally and how you are perceived. If the two aren't in sync, develop a strategy for bringing them into alignment. This might begin with rewriting your resume.
    • Use various means to promote your brand. Create a personal Web site and blog that reflects your style, describes what you do, details your background, and effectively communicates your unique value. Include your credentials, experience, skills, and personal attributes that differentiate you from your competitors. Give your readers a compelling reason to seek you out.
    • The old adage says that a picture is worth a thousand words. By using visuals that reinforce your verbal message, you can create powerful, positive impressions for your readers
    • Reinforce your personal brand in all your interactions with others. Mention your key qualities and special skills every chance you get, whether in voicemail messages, your email signature, or when you speak with current or potential clients in person.
    • The development of your personal brand is an ongoing effort. Try different approaches to see what ultimately works best and achieves the results you desire.
    
    

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