What is networking you might ask?
Networking is developing contacts or exchanging of information with others in an informal network, as to further your career.
There are many different avenues you can utilize when networking. For instance:
- Volunteering
- Library
- Coffee Shop
- School
- Networking Groups such as: Career Connectors (www.careerconnectors.org)
- Church
- Networking sites such as: LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com)
It is important to never under estimate the power of volunteering! Volunteering shows employers you are responsible not only while at work but also in your free time. Employers want to see your committment to the community. Volunteering can be an addition to your resume as well as an opportunity to use the organization as a reference. You never know what doors may open when volunteering and who you might meet. A small committment can not only give back to our community and change lives, but allow you the oppportunity to NETWORK!
A great website for networking is LinkedIn. In order to set up an account for LinkedIn, follow these basic steps:
The purpose of the LinkedIn account is to network professionally
- Open the internet on your computer
- Type in the browser window http://www.linkedin.com, select “Enter”
- On the right side of the website page, select “Join LinkedIn today”
- Enter your name, email address and a (+6 digit password) and select “Join Now”
- Start your Professional Profile
- Select from the drop down box (Employed, Business Owner, Looking for Work, Work Independently or Student)
- Complete country, zip code, company (if applicable) and industry (drop down box and select)
*Optional- See who you already know on LinkedIn
- If you choose to continue, your next screen sends an email to your contacts in your email account
- If you decide to skip you will have this option in the future, it will be sending you a confirmation email to your own personal email
6. Log into your email account and select the email from LinkedIn by selecting “click here” it opens a new screen and asks you to confirm your email address. You will be prompted with the next screen and asked to “Sign in to LinkedIn” enter your password at this time
7. The next screen displays numerous people you may know and you can select on the appropriate boxes to invite those people to your network or click “Skip this Step”
8. Would you like to share your new profile on FaceBook or Twitter or select “Skip this Step”
9. “Your Account is Set-up” Select your plan “Basicà FREE” or “Premium”
10. The “Basic” plan is perfect for networking, you will need to input your information
In order to learn how to better utilize LinkedIn, register for Fresh Start’s workshop.
- “How to Use LinkedIn to find a Job” which is being offered the 2nd Monday of the month, from 5:45-7:45pm.
To Learn more about the importance and power of networking consider attendning our networking workshop.
- “The Art of Networking” January 14th, 9:30-11:30am; March 24, 9:30-11:30am; April 21, 9:30-11:30am.
Please see the following supporting articles!
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