Not that many years ago the thought that using internet based networking tools (iNetworking) would be important to your job search seemed as likely as someone being amazed at receiving an email on a telephone rather than a text message. After all email today is just so passé, or so I’m told by an incredibly computer literate 21 year old.
If you do not have at least a basic understanding of iNetworking tools and how they fit into your search you are definitely going to be at a disadvantage when looking for employment in the current job market. I would suggest that everyone gets a
Let’s look at some of the pros and cons associated with iNetworking:
Pros
Many iNetworking tools are specifically designed to assist in job search; LinkedIn for example was originally designed as a business networking application and has grown to be the leader in the space. Careful use of all of the components will provide a secure and all encompassing environment to help you identify and connect with people who can help you land your next position.
Facebook represents the 800 pound gorilla of social networking that is converging into an application that also has a business focus. Organizations now can create business pages and buy advertising.
There are any number of additional applications from Twitter to Gist to Plaxo all of whom are providing other versions of Social and business iNetworking capabilities.
There many valid and strong reasons to be building your brand and communicating online. Never have so many been accessible by so many others.
Cons
The very strength of iNetworking and the ability to flood the airwaves with information is also one of it’s greatest drawbacks. How can you separate the noise and chatter from the really valuable nuggets of information that can land you a job.
How do we decide which track we are going to bookmark? Are we going to Digg, Stumble Upon, furl, Propeller Frak, swik, Slasdot or any one of a 100 more choices that grow daily? There is, to quote a friend of mine, a growing fatigue among the world of bloggers and readers in spite of the fact that there are now more eBooks downloaded than books made with paper.
Privacy is almost a thing of the past, and once information is placed on the internet it is very difficult to have it removed. Youthful antics on facebook, My Space or YouTube may be fun at the time but when you are being looked at for a job then there can be issues raised as to you behavior, legal or not these things happen.
Some organizations forbid employees to provide references or even recommendations on LinkedIn.
How do you position your brand with as wide a net as possible knowing that companies most of the time are looking to hire specialists. Your positioning becomes a challenge and if you don’t provide enough information then you are not going to be found by the recruiters and talent scouts.
Summary
To be successful in iNetworking you need to walk a very fine line between over exposure and hiding your light under a bushel. But there is no doubt that if you are not out there then you are missing a very significant opportunity.
Good hunting
Barry
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