8 Ways Networking Online Can Further Your Career
Joy Wallet is advertiser-supported: we may earn compensation from the products and offers mentioned in this article. However, any expressed opinions are our own and aren't influenced by compensation. To read our full disclosure, click here.
An Indeed article on networking highlights how people look at different networking platforms for job search. Approximately 80% of respondents said that they think professional networking is incredibly valuable for improving one’s career. At 70%, most participants found their current position through networking.
But what’s startling is that, while people believed (dare I say knew) that networking could lead to the next best thing in their career path, nearly half of all respondents didn’t act on that belief (knowledge). So a lot of us believe that online networking can help our careers. But how, exactly? Check out these eight ways that networking online can help take your career to new heights.
In this article
1. Job opportunities
Networking online can help you find new career opportunities in a variety of ways. For one, the network connections you follow on social media platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn may advertise a job they or someone they know is hiring. Or, someone you’re connected to online may send a job posting your way that they believe would suit your qualifications.
Or, you might even post on your own page that you’re looking for a new position or work at a specific company (whether you’re still in a job or not). Your connections can reply with postings, advice, and support, or they might send you in the direction of people they know at a company you’re interested in or who are hiring in your field.
All of these instances can happen if you network online. And by opening up your network to professional and personal social media, you cast a broader net that can bring in more opportunities.
Top-rated investing insights app for busy professionals
- Stock Recommendations that have beaten the S&P 500 by over 12% - Past 4 years & counting.
- Jargon-free market news with stock research, actionable in just 3-5 minutes.
- Data-drive analysis and personalized recommendations to empower you to make smarter investment decisions.
2. Recognition from recruiters, hiring managers, and employers
The more network connections you have, the more opportunities that are likely to come your way. In that same vein, having more new connections means you’re more likely to connect with someone in charge of hiring. In addition, online networking allows you to meet hiring folks in different companies, including those you’d like to work for.
Just like you hang out in the digital spaces related to your industry, so do recruiters and employers. One part of networking is sharing content on your pages, replying to comments, and commenting on other people’s posts to gain visibility. And when you do, you’re more likely to be seen by hiring professionals looking for helpful and knowledgeable candidates like you.
3. A digital business card
When you’re active on social media and share content related to your industry and experience, you create a unique sort of digital business card. A traditional business card would have your name, title, and contact information. Still, a digital business card built through online networking efforts provides connections and potential employers more information about your passion, knowledge, and actions in the industry. And when a recruiter finds you through your digital business card, they know more about you than what’s on your resume.
4. Connections with industry leaders and influencers
It can be more challenging to meet and connect with industry leaders and influencers in traditional, in-person networking. You’d have to try to get a few moments of their time after a conference, seminar, or another networking event. But through networking tools, you can start making connections with them just by being active in the comment threads of their posts. That’s because you’re more likely to catch their attention when you’re helpful and knowledgeable to others and participating more often.
And I know this to be true! My co-host Emil and I have seen how people can make professional and personal connections when active in comment threads, and online communities are another great place to connect with industry leaders.
5. Access to a wide variety of ideas, information, and resources
Online networking involves being a part of different online communities where you can meet and talk to people with the same interests, passions, and goals as you. In these communities, you get the chance to read other people’s insights about industry trends and issues. You can see how others are changing the game. You can even find new people and publications that provide you even more information and knowledge. And you can take this knowledge to find better roles, stay current with significant trends or boost your qualifications.
6. Self-reflection on your qualifications
When you connect with other professionals in your industry, you learn about their experience and qualifications. This gives you a great opportunity to ensure that your qualifications match (or beat) others in your industry, especially those working in the role or level you want to move into next.
It’s a humbling experience that helps you determine if you need to brush up on old skills or learn new ones, gain a certification or earn an advanced degree so you can advance into the next level of your career. You can even find out what makes you stand out from others, too.
7. Access to mutual connections
When you connect with coworkers, colleagues, and strangers in your industry online, you also get access to their network connections. These people that know the same people you know are called mutual connections.
And you never know who these mutuals could be. Your coworker may have worked for a company you want to work for in the future and is connected to an HR rep or the department manager. Or, maybe a friend of yours happens to be friends with an executive or manager in your industry.
Top-rated investing insights app for busy professionals
- Stock Recommendations that have beaten the S&P 500 by over 12% - Past 4 years & counting.
- Jargon-free market news with stock research, actionable in just 3-5 minutes.
- Data-drive analysis and personalized recommendations to empower you to make smarter investment decisions.
8. Overcome traditional networking barriers
When it comes to traditional, in-person networking, you may be limited with who you’re able to meet. That’s because your network starts when you’re young and grows as you do. Say you grew up in an affluent area where your parents worked in big businesses and had colleagues in the field, go to an Ivy League college, and do an internship in a big company’s finance department. You’ve likely got some great connections that you’ve gained through the in-person networks available to you throughout your life.
However, if you didn’t grow up in an affluent area, you wouldn’t start with the same kinds of connections that you could use as a resource later on. If you didn’t go to an Ivy League college, you wouldn’t have the same affluent and successful connections. And if you didn’t go to college at all, your traditional networking may have been limited to the current job or industry you’re in, which may not be where you want to stay.
Online networking breaks down those barriers by allowing you to follow industry leaders, interact with their content, make intentional friendships with their followers (and maybe even them, too!), and build a network without a few to no limits.
Pros & Cons of networking online
Pros
- Increased accessibility and reach. Online networking allows you to connect with professionals and organizations worldwide, breaking geographical barriers to land your dream job.
- Convenience. Networking online is convenient as it can be done from anywhere, at any time. This flexibility allows for more consistent and sustained networking efforts compared to traditional in-person methods.
- Diverse opportunities. Many online platforms offer various resources such as job postings, industry news, events, and professional groups, which can provide career success and learning experiences.
- Skill development. Virtual networking platforms often offer webinars, courses, and workshops that can help you develop new skills and stay updated with industry trends.
Cons
- Lack of personal connection. Online interactions can sometimes feel less personal and genuine compared to face-to-face meetings. Building deep, meaningful relationships can be more challenging without in-person cues and interactions.
- Superficial interactions. Online networking can sometimes lead to superficial interactions, where connections are made without significant engagement or follow-through. This can limit the depth and quality of professional relationships.
- Time-consuming: Maintaining an active online presence and engaging meaningfully with others can be time-consuming.
Top-rated investing insights app for busy professionals
- Stock Recommendations that have beaten the S&P 500 by over 12% - Past 4 years & counting.
- Jargon-free market news with stock research, actionable in just 3-5 minutes.
- Data-drive analysis and personalized recommendations to empower you to make smarter investment decisions.
FAQs
What should I avoid when networking online?
For effective networking, it’s essential to avoid certain pitfalls to maintain a positive and professional presence. Being too salesy can turn off new contacts; instead, focus on building relationships. Always adhere to online etiquette by being respectful and professional in all interactions. Neglecting your profile can hinder your networking efforts, so keep it updated and professional. By avoiding these behaviors, you can network more effectively and build stronger professional relationships.
How can online networking help in finding a job?
Online networking can be a powerful tool in your job search. Many companies post job openings on platforms like LinkedIn, giving you direct access to potential employment opportunities. Networking can also lead to referrals, which can significantly enhance your chances of getting a new job. Being active and visible online can attract recruiters and hiring managers to your profile, increasing the likelihood of career development.
How can I measure the success of my online networking efforts?
Measuring the success of your online networking efforts can be done through several indicators. Track the growth of your professional connections to see if your network is expanding. Measure engagement on your posts and content to determine if you are effectively reaching and resonating with your audience. Additionally, evaluate the new skills and knowledge you gain through online interactions and resources to ensure continuous professional development. By monitoring these metrics, you can gauge the effectiveness of your online networking activities.
The bottom line
What else is great about online networking is that it can be more convenient than attending networking events in person. According to a study done by Forbes, 92% of people reported that it saves time, 88% said that it’s cheaper, 78% said that it allows you more flexibility with timing, and 64% and 55% respectively believe that online networking will enable you to multitask and positively influence productivity.
All that said, there’s no time like the present to take advantage of all of these tremendous benefits and become more active in online networking to further your career.
Joy Wallet is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor, financial advisor, loan broker, insurance producer, or insurance broker. Its articles, interactive tools and other content are provided to you for free, as self-help tools and for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide investment advice. Joy Wallet does not and cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information in regard to your individual circumstances. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific investment issues. Featured estimates are based on past market performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.
Our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market. We are compensated by our partners, which may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on our site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice. Our editorials are grounded on independent research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services.
We value your privacy. We work with trusted partners to provide relevant advertising based on information about your use of Joy Wallet’s and third-party websites and applications. This includes, but is not limited to, sharing information about your web browsing activities with Meta (Facebook) and Google. All of the web browsing information that is shared is anonymized. To learn more, click on our Privacy Policy link.
Images appearing across JoyWallet are courtesy of shutterstock.com.
Writer
Erik Bergman made over $50 million before turning 30 by co-founding the online casino marketing company Catena Media and taking it to the stock exchange with a $200 million valuation.
In 2017 he left his previous business to found Great.com, a marketing company, with the intention of giving away 100% of the profits to prevent the climate crisis.
He loves to inspire and he shares daily knowledge with his followers on Instagram and Twitter, eager to give value and teach people about entrepreneurship.
Share this article
