Professional Vs. Social Networking Website Options

By Author: Penelope Holiday
Total Articles: 223
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In this day and age, those who use a social networking website have to be careful about what they put out there to be seen by others. Just because you aren't putting it on a professional networking website doesn't mean that it might not be seen by those who are considering- or currently do- employee you. In fact, it is becoming more and more common for potential employers to conduct Web searches on anyone whose resume crosses their desk. Belonging to a professional/social networking group online might help you if it paints you in a good light. On the other hand, pictures of your bachelor party involving private dancers, copious amounts of alcohol, and other bits and pieces of the night's general debauchery probably won't help your cause any. While employers tend to want a well-rounded employee, they usually don't want to know about the party habits of said employee, as that may be an indicator that the potential employee (in this case, you) is not responsible and may not be as hard working as would be desired.

So, back to the professional networking website. If you belong to one, you doubtless know that there is ...
... a lot that gets said and done in an online format that just isn't possible in the "real world." Think about it- when was the last time that you were able to exchange ideas with people from all over the world, virtually instantaneously? When was the last time that something you wrote had the chance to be seen by people not only all over the world, but at every different level of employment and stature in life? These are very valuable aspects of networking online that you shouldn't forget about. Ultimately, it might just be that your interactions in this particular venue will connect you with important people who will be able to offer you opportunities in the future.

If you have ever wondered if you were missing out on something when it came to networking, might this be it? By being available to network online, you can vastly increase the number of contacts you will be able to make. It also increases the frequency with which you can put yourself out there in front of potential employers. For example, rather than continuously mailing your resume to a company you'd like to work for, you can save the resume sending for when there's actually a job out there that you want, and instead, make sure they gain familiarity with you through your presence on a professional networking site. Perhaps you'd like to keep a blog or participate in active forum conversations.
Written by Penelope Holiday. Professional social networking website that provides a forum for a social networking website. MyCrew.biz is a professional networking website for media and arts.