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8.3 Finding a Job

Networking

One of the most important resources
for job hunters and career search-
ers today is networking with other
professionals. Finding a job generally
requires more than applying for a job
online. If you want to get noticed and
learn about opportunities before they
are ever posted online, you have to
network. While it may seem daunting,
it is likely something you do every day
without even realizing it. For example,
getting to know your instructors and
fellow classmates helps you build your
Caia Images/SuperStock
professional network. You never know
Networking with other peers and professionals is one
when these relationships might open
of the best ways to hear about job openings before
up career opportunities for you.
they are posted on job boards. Using networking sites
such as LinkedIn and Beyond.com and attending job
Social and professional networking
fairs are a few ways to connect with potential employ-
websites can also be excellent ways
ees and learn about different organizations.
to connect with people who are work-
ing in fields you would like to enter or
who know people you might contact for more information or job opportunities in a specific
field. One of the most popular of these professional networking sites is LinkedIn (http://
www.LinkedIn.com). It was founded in 2003 as a social media site for professional network-
ing. The website includes professionals who want to find clients that might use their skills
and job hunters who are looking for employment. By networking with other people on the
site, you can find out who is hiring and get leads from other people in their network. Recruit-
ers who are responsible for hiring people at their companies also use LinkedIn to find poten-
tial employees, as well as entrepreneurs who have their own companies and are looking to
create an online presence; define a new brand; or find partners, investors, and customers.

To use LinkedIn, you must create an account on the website and create a public profile to
use the job search features. The networking features are easy to use and allow you to con-
nect directly with a fellow member. LinkedIn has become an active and popular space to form
specific networks for yourself, such as joining a network of other Ashford students or a net-
work based on your job interests or experiences. It is also a useful place to learn about vari-
ous professions and job opportunities. You can learn how to create a strong profile and get
the most out of your account at the following links: http://www.forbes.com/sites/laurashin
/2014/10/20/how-to-create-the-ideal-linkedin-profile and http://www.linkedinsights.com
/3-stunningly-good-linkedin-profile-summaries.

Another career network is Beyond.com (http://www.beyond.com). It boasts more than 50
million users and offers job search capabilities as well as extensive networking opportunities.
Beyond.com works with job hunters and companies of all sizes and budgets. It lists more than
200,000 companies, including well-known retail stores, health care organizations, technol-
ogy firms, and employment agencies that hire through the website. At Beyond.com, you also
can join one or more interactive talent communities, where people in your field share the lat-
est news, opinions, advice, job opportunities, and salary data.

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