Building your professional network
‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’. That may not be wholly fair or accurate
– but however great you are at your job, it pays to build a network of fellow professionals,
to expand your knowledge base, get introduced to like-minded people and – yes –
raise your profile.
Online networking websites are a godsend for those who dread the idea of working
a room, squinting at name badges and handing out business cards while juggling a
plate of food and a plastic cup of wine.
Make your profile appealing
- Results-focused: Just as you would with your CV, make sure your
online profile lists achievements, not just what you do in your day job (although
be sure to respect the confidentiality of your employer and the people to whom you
provide care)
- Open to offers: You may feel uncomfortable about proactively declaring
that you’re happy to discuss new opportunities – but most managers are resigned
to the fact that it’s an open market (although don’t go into detail about why you
might be looking, or say anything negative about your job, boss or employer)
- Face to a name: Recruiters strongly advise against ever attaching
photographs to CVs or job applications – it’s absolutely fine on an online professional
networking site (in fact, some insist that it’s bad form not to include your photo)
– but ensure it’s you in your professional guise: no holiday or party photos
- Update, update, update: Six months can go by super-fast – make
sure you diarise to revisit your profile every quarter to update it (if relevant)
– if you’ve been sent on a course, or you’ve started supervising or coaching a junior
colleague, or if you’ve joined a project team, it’s all part of your overall marketability
Don’t be a lurker
- Join the conversation: On many networking sites, those you’re linked
to will be able to track your site activity; don’t be one of those who upload a
profile, then sit back and do nothing. Joining or starting discussion groups, answering
questions and giving your opinion on topics of the day show you’re interested in
what’s going on around you
- Strike while the iron’s hot: Make a point of visiting your profile
on a weekly or monthly basis to send out link requests to any recent new contacts
- Person-to-person: If your professional networking site organises
events or seminars near to where you live or work, take full advantage – check the
profiles of those who are also attending before you go, so that you can recognise
them on the night (you might want to get in touch beforehand to arrange to chat)