In networking events, you get to meet people in a nice setting, shake some hands with new acquaintances or bump into another professional you’ve met before.
During this pandemic and with social distancing in place, virtual networking has been the norm. Seeing that it works effectively might mean it would take some time before we get back to face-to-face networking again.
The importance of making meaningful connections online has never been so crucial. Who you know is an element in one’s career path, and making the most out of an online event can bring your career to the next level.
Online events are excellent opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and potential future employers. The good news about it is that you don’t even have to leave your desk or home. One simple Google search will show you various events, and some are free to attend.
There are many types of networking events that can help you grow your connections, from happy hour meetings, industry-specific seminars, trade shows to workshops. All of these can be done online, minus the drinks, of course!
Sometimes, your company will send you to attend on their behalf. Other times, you can also participate in events by yourself.
You don’t have to be looking for jobs to attend job fairs. This is a way for you to explore new and better opportunities even if you love your job so much. Employers attend the job fair because they want to interview and, eventually, hire new candidates.
Preparation to attend virtual job fairs is similar to attending face-to-face job fairs. You will be asked to register beforehand, and the organizer will provide you the link to join. Most of the time, the format is done in an employer’s chatroom. Once you enter, they will receive a notification, and you may proceed to chat.
One important thing to prepare is your updated resume. Ensure your resume is on top of its game by hiring a certified professional resume writer before showing up to an online event.
Social media is one of the best ways to network yourself virtually. When you think social media is just for fun, it now plays a critical role in communicating with people. Networking via social media allows us to connect with existing and new audiences on a different level, as well as explore new trends and ideas.
In the USA alone, 81% of Americans have social media accounts, and this continues to grow. Employers nowadays check your social media channels before asking you for an interview. Your online presence matters because it may either ruin your reputation or showcase your craft and enhance your brand.
Facebook can be tricky because most people use this for updating their friends and families. Still, we can’t overlook Facebook because businesses are also there. You can still upload a professional photo, share articles you’ve written about your industry, join groups and create pages.
If you are a fan of Farmville or any other games on Facebook, it is best to stop. Unless you aim to become a professional gamer, playing games on Facebook will reflect poorly on your profile.
Most millennials are using Instagram to network online effectively. For starters, you have to upload an attractive photo that will resonate with your audience. The images you posted must also be connected to the industry you are trying to target. This is followed by the relevant caption and hashtags.
Like all other social media channels, you have to make sure that your profile states who you are and what you do before reaching out to people via direct message.
Twitter is used for publishing microblogs where you can display your expertise. If you want to use this social media professionally, you may tweet about the happenings in your industry and add the necessary hashtag so it can be findable.
Another great way to optimize your Twitter account is by going live and creating a poll that will keep people engaged.
LinkedIn is a professional social networking site for individuals and businesses. With over 500 million members, you can grow your connections through this site. Make sure to have a look at the “People You May Know” section to find people who have similar roles, as well as those you’ve worked with from previous and current companies. You can also follow companies in the same industry or organizations that inspire you.
To get attention on LinkedIn, make sure that your information is up to date and start writing and publishing your blogs. Otherwise, you can also comment on and reshare contents that align with your values. This will put your profile on other people’s feeds when they start scrolling through.
Do you know that LinkedIn also has a LinkedIn resume builder where you can build and print out your resume?
Need more help with virtual networking? Here are more tips to keep in mind next time you attend one:
What is the event all about? What are the companies you will be interested in speaking with? What are these companies’ values, and how does it align with the opportunity I am looking for? These are some questions you have to ask yourself before showing up.
When you attend virtual events, and if the employer is interested in your work, chances are they’ll be asking for your resume. At this point, it is best to have it handy, even if you don’t plan to work with them yet. Keep your resume updated by availing of resume editing services from a certified professional resume writer.
Virtual events are similar to physical events where you need to showcase yourself. Your appearance is where they’ll get the first impression without even seeing your resume. Wear professional clothes and fix your hair, even if it’s just virtual. The same thing goes for fixing your microphone and making sure you have a stable internet connection.
Once they ask you a question, make sure to answer them right away. If they send you a message, respond to them and dive right in. Better yet, take the initiative and introduce yourself right away.
After the event, be sure to follow up and reconnect with people you’ve met. Following up makes them remember you.
Add them on LinkedIn, where they’ll find more about your professional background. Of course, don’t forget to use the LinkedIn resume builder in case they haven’t gotten your resume and need to see how you fit for a particular job.
Technology and social media have progressed in how we connect with people online. These tools are mostly free, so it is up to us to utilize them to the fullest and make meaningful connections online.
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