Networking 101

In today's job market, it's not just about what you know, but who you know. Networking is a great way to make connections with professionals in your desired career field and use those connections to aid your job search.

Online Networking

LinkedIn: LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network with over 120 million members and growing rapidly. LinkedIn connects you to your trusted contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals.

Take a few minutes to search LinkedIn and you'll probably find lots of contacts from your current and prior employers, clients, vendors, and schools. All those contacts have the potential to help you grow your career or find a new job.

Facebook: It's not just for "friending" anymore! Facebook, the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), DirectEmployers Association (DE), and the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) have created the 'Social Jobs Partnership.' The partnership's goal will be to facilitate employment for America's jobless through the use of social networks.

The Partnership Will:

• Conduct in-depth survey research about the ways in which job seekers, college career centers, and workforce recruiters are using the social web.
• Develop and launch a central Facebook Page that will host specialized resources and content designed to help job seekers and employers.
• Explore and develop systems for delivering job postings virally through Facebook at no charge.
• Promote existing employment programs and resources offered by government agencies for job hunters.
• Distribute educational materials about leveraging the power of the social web to recruiters, government agencies, and job seekers.