Online Search Strategies: Making the Internet Work for You
Online Networking - Newsgroups, Mailing Lists, Professional Associations
Where to Network Online
- Newsgroups/Discussion Groups/Usenet- they are online groups discussing topics through messages posted in a public discussion area. Jobs groups will have job listings, resume posting, and discussions on job hunting. Many websites provide a place for professionals seeking work in a specific industry to network and share information. If you go to the newsgroups dedicated to various subjects, you'll find networking contacts, industry trends, current information, and better job listings than the general jobs groups. Join one or more of these lists and network with people in your field.
- Mailing Lists/Listservs- they are private or public group discussions on email, like newsgroups. These cover a broad variety of topics and fields and carry occasional job posting. They are a good resource for networking contacts, industry trends, and other developments. If you don't want to subscribe to lots of mailing list, you can use the searchable archives to look for job listings and other information.
- Professional Associations- many professional organizations have websites that have forums to facilitate networking.
Advantages of Networking Online
There are thousands of discussion groups covering hundreds of subjects. Opportunities abound for networking, and many recruiters are lurking the lists to find potential candidates. Networking online can give the opportunity to "break the ice" before meeting someone in person. You can listen, engage, or be as engaged as you wish. No one can see you sweat and no one can see you standing off by yourself.
Disadvantages of Networking Online
Not all groups will carry job announcements and very few will allow resume postings. Don't rely on these groups for those purposes. Networking online can be just as hard as networking in person. It may be harder because you can't really establish a true personal relationship online and can't use body language. Think about the impressions your postings create. Be careful not to say anything unpleasant or negative. Do not participate in "flaming"- sending a mean email. Online behavior can create a lasting impression- good or bad. Correspondence can stay on Internet for years and companies may be able to review it.
Last updated on Monday, September 18, 06 at 01:41:24 PM EDT.
