This year The Wilson Group wants to encourage you to network. Networking can look much different with the technology of today, as you can do so with social media sites such as LinkedIn, by emailing friends, or by attending networking events! We want you to get your name out there!

Networking Events
Go to at least one face-to-face networking event a week. You can use Google or your daily newspaper to find them. Make sure to leave your resume at home but bring some business cards and start talking. Get comfortable starting conversations and just talk about the event and the other person, taking interest in what they have to say. If it’s appropriate, within a couple of minutes, describe your own situation. Include previous experience and that you are looking for a new opportunity.

Networking on LinkedIn
There are three major ideas to remember when updating your LinkedIn profile for networking for a new job.

• Get detailed. Make sure that you add as much detail in your profile as possible. A detailed profile is a strong profile. Try and add as much experience as you can and be specific as to what skills you have. Add all of your contact information to make it easy for businesses to contact you if they have an opportunity that fits you.
• Proofread. Businesses will often look at your LinkedIn profile to see how good you are at communicating. If your LinkedIn profile has a typo, the company will think that you are not a very skilled writer, which can hurt your chances at getting a job. Treat your LinkedIn account as you would a resume.
• Get a good picture. A picture is worth a thousand words. If your picture is professional and has a good resolution, you are really well off. If not, have a professional picture taken of yourself that you could use in a work environment.

Networking With Friends
Make sure to get old classmates, colleagues family and friends involved in your job search. Drop an email just catching up and make sure to include that you are looking for a job. This is an easy way to find out if there are position open in businesses that aren’t posting. You may also want to make job search business cards to carry around with you in case you see someone while you are at the gym or grocery store.

For more help finding a new job, check our website. Also be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.