Utilizing Online Social Networking Tools

Andy RouseRG Search

RG Search LLC 1

What is “online social networking”?

• Tools on the Internet which help you stay in touch and connect with your network

• Examples:– First tier:

• LinkedIn.com – business social networking• Facebook.com – personal social networking• Twitter.com – can be used for business/personal

– Second tier: • Myspace.com - personal• Plaxo.com - both• Meetup.com - both• Many others

Why use social networking tools?

• Great way to find key people– Find people within your “network” who work at

specific companies– Learn great information about people

• Great way to reconnect with former colleagues, old friends, classmates, etc

• Identify mutual connections with key people• Great way to be found

LinkedIn Overview• Users build “profiles” – very similar to a

resume…good idea to pull from yours• You connect to business contacts and more –

current and former coworkers, alumni, and other business contacts

• Utilizes the 3 degrees of separation rule

How to Get Started with LinkedIn

• Go to www.LinkedIn.com• Register• Upload your address book• Select contacts to whom you’d like to send

invites• Customize and send invites to your contacts

Build Your LinkedIn Network• After you build your profile, with work and

education history – it will allow you to look through alumni lists and send invites

• Think through other people that you know and send them invites

• Personalize invitations where possible – i.e. you haven’t seen a coworker in 5 years, add a personal note

• Join groups, and get involved

Other Tips• Utilize LinkedIn to identify people who you can call

or email• LinkedIn is only an enabler for networking – just

signing up and sending out invitations isn’t enough• Be professional – use discretion when sending

invitations• Be seen! Optimize your profile, just like your

resume, to include keywords for which recruiters/hiring managers might search