It’s that time of year where seniors are asked the most dreaded question: “So what are your plans after you graduate?” Seniors will hear this day in and day out at family gatherings, parties and even in the classroom. This question is often answered with an eye roll and an “I don’t know,” but there is a way to alleviate the struggle of answering that question: networking.
Throughout college, the most important piece of advice students are given is to network. Not only does networking provide students with sources, but it is also a gateway for finding jobs.Networking doesn’t only mean “talk to your professors more often” or “attend school events relevant to your major,” but it can also be online using social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Using social networking sites to find new job openings or keeping in touch with an old professor can be tricky. It all comes down to how you are presented on the web. Those pesky party pictures taken at 3 a.m. or that inappropriate tweet you sent may pop up when your name is Googled, thus minimizing your chances of even getting a call from potential employers.
So what can you do so your current social networking sites don’t derail your chances of getting a job? Simple. Clean them out. Delete those party pictures and erase that tweet. Or, if you don’t want a permanent solution (which is strongly recommended by employers), set all of your information, including pictures, posts and tweets, to private so that only your friends can view them. This way, you minimize damage when potential employers Google your name.
It’s always great to start with a clean slate when it comes to your online image. Create a professional Twitter account and tweet out links and information relevant to what jobs you are trying to land. Provide a clean, clear picture of yourself so employers can familiarize themselves with your image.Continue with that great online image and create a LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is a great online tool that allows users to connect with friends, professors and even big companies. LinkedIn also allows users to create an online resume that will be visible to anyone they connect with. This is extremely beneficial when it comes to looking for jobs or internships.
Once you create a professional LinkedIn account, search for companies you are interested in working with and build connections from there. These companies may post new job openings where you can apply and maximize your chances of landing that dream job.
No matter how many times you hear, “You always have to network” from professors and parents, don’t roll your eyes and dismiss that advice. Networking actually pays off in the end, when you do it right.