E-Networking
What is E-Networking?
E-networking is connecting and networking with individuals using various online
communication tools such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Myspace.
How will E-Networking benefit your job searching and career exploration?
It allows people to connect to professionals and colleagues in their field.
What is LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is an online tool used to network professionally with individuals in your field around
the world. Jobseekers can use this tool to connect with employers, colleagues, classmates and
www.linkedin.com
new contacts.
Benefits for Jobseekers
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Allows job hunters to contact people without the anxiety of cold calling or face to face
introductions
Generates new industry contacts through e-networking
Grants access to job postings posted by employers
Establishes contacts locally, nationally and around the world for people looking to
relocate
Enables you to contact an individual who works in your occupation of interest in order
to gain more insight in your field or even obtain a recommendation for a job
Allows the possibility to schedule an Information Interview
http://www.ryerson.ca/career/pdf/InfoInterviews.pdf
Helps you to acquire a mentor to discuss career aspirations
E-Networking Etiquette
1. Inform the contact about how you found them:
Mention to the prospective contact that you found them because: you are part of the
same alumni group, working for the same company, or a subsidiary, you happened upon
them by looking at an existing contact’s listing, etc.
2. Indicate a common interest:
Notify the contact that you seem to share the same interest or career goals, are a
member of the same association, graduated from the same university or college
program, etc.
Career Development & Employment Centre
www.ryerson.ca/career
3. Provide a reason for contacting the individual:
Perhaps you are interested in the same industry or occupation and you would like
advice or a referral to someone who would be willing to connect with you
4. Use a professional e-mail address when corresponding with employers:
Nobody will take you seriously if you have a “clever” email address, stick to your name
or Ryerson email address
5. Send professional messages and use professional abbreviations:
Do not use internet shortcuts such as: BTW, FYI, LOL, to name a few
6. Do not ask direct questions when making the initial contact:
Avoid questions such as: “Can you get me a job?”; “Can you forward my resume to your
HR department?”; “Can you tell me how much you are paid?” These could be construed
as being rude or overly aggressive, try to break the ice in a general and professional
manner
E-Networking Do’s
- Present your profile in a professional manner, including your page information and your
personal photographs
- Use E-networking to find work, make valuable connections to people in your industry,
promote yourself, your work or your business
- Be consistent in the way you format your different sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook,
Twitter, your blog
- Post samples of your work such as a portfolio on your various pages
E-Networking Don’ts
- Do not talk about how much you hate your job on your Facebook status
- Do not post unprofessional/racy photos of yourself unless your privacy settings are high
Potential Pitfalls of E-Networking/Things to Be Cautious Of
- Your current employer might figure out that you are looking for jobs elsewhere
- Companies may google your name and review your facebook/myspace/twitter accounts or
a personal blog that you may keep. They do so trying to find potential drawbacks to hiring
you, therefore make sure that you are careful with the information you share online as well
as the privacy settings that you have on your various accounts
- Nothing beats meeting people in person and face to face so that your personality and
enthusiasm are conveyed
- Sites like LinkedIn allow employers to look at your competition as well as at your profile,
you may get lost in the crowd more easily
Career Development & Employment Centre
www.ryerson.ca/career