Social Media Networks

Linkedln

Firstly, ensure your profile is complete and send out regular updates. You need to review your settings in detail to maximise your exposure. For example, ensure changes to your profile are communicated to your network. Search out companies and connect with people you think may be able to provide advice or opportunities. People like to help people. Companies like to know they're being noticed. Be appropriate in the way you connect with and approach people using social media. LinkedIn also have their own learning centre which covers the basics through to being an advanced user.

X (Formerly Twitter)

Not only does the general public use X to share news and views but corporates and a range of companies are using this medium as an extension of their social media strategy to communicate with the public and their followers. Consider following companies of interest and learn first-hand of their potential job opportunities, also to discover other contacts in your field of interest.

Facebook

Companies create Facebook pages for their staff and the wider public to engage with them and their brand. Following companies of interest, understanding their values and how they operate can determine if you wish to work for them as well. Often, they are a source of information about future projects, joint ventures, partnerships and roles coming up that could be of interest. Plus, you can use the information from this and a range of mediums if you are successful in securing a job interview. If you want to engage with companies of interest via Facebook, ensure your own Facebook page and your brand are aligned and unlikely to disadvantage you.

Personal and Professional Networks

Formalise the informal relationships you have. Think hard and list all the people you have interacted with that could help in your search for the ideal role. For example:

• University colleagues and fellow graduates
• Previous workmates – this could be your previous managers, your peers, or people who reported to you. Do any of your previous employers have an alumni that would be useful connecting with?
• Suppliers you have worked with - accountants, lawyers, contractors etc.
• Professional bodies you are a member of
• Other groups you associate with in your personal networks - your friends, extended family members, parents of your children’s friends, teammates at any sport clubs which you belong to etc.
• Recruitment consultants – make sure you work with them as they can open doors for you and do keep in touch

Prepare a contact plan of how and when you will connect with people identified in your network and adhere to it. You will need to be proactive. With the best intentions in the world, people will offer to help but fail to deliver on what they promise. As difficult as it might seem, you will need to push them for meetings, referrals, and introductions.

In addition, your networks often have formal and informal meetings, that we would encourage you attend as frequently as possible. Continue to increase that circle of networks and further develop relationships with people you already know in those meetings. Often these gatherings are opportunities to hear about roles coming up or a need for a person with your skill set.

Don't forget to give and return favours and help others out in the process. People will remember how you helped them out and will be more than willing to return a favour. Not only can this help them, but it makes you feel good! In addition, it will help people to remember that it is not just about you and what you need.

Networking on the job

We really encourage people to consider contracting as an option. You are exposed to a range of people when you are working. Getting to know people in the organisation and creating an impression with key stakeholders can potentially open doors to a permanent role or a role in another part of the organisation.