You’re on the job hunt. How can you use networking tools to find job leads?

Networking with people online can be tricky. There are a few things to keep in mind while your are building your network online -It's a numbers game. Only 20% of the people that you try and connect with online will get back to you. Don't take it personally. Attempting to connect with 10 people a day for a month will net you 60 connection points. -Authenticity wins. People don't want to be pitched on why they should help you. Instead, be honest, curious and brief. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable. -Know your objective: The goal is not to get a job. Instead, you're trying to build your network. If you ask for their perspective, instead of asking for help getting a job, ironically, they will inclined to help you get a job.

LinkedIn serves as a valuable platform for building your online presence professionally. However, when it comes to signaling your job search status, it's wise to proceed thoughtfully. Rather than activating the "Open to Work" badge, which can potentially position you in a less advantageous light within your professional network, consider editing your "job preferences" instead. Specify your preferred job title, location, start date, and adjust your visibility settings to be visible only to recruiters. This allows you to enrich your LinkedIn profile while actively engaging with the platform without broadcasting your job search status to your entire network.

To maximize your online presence, consider extending beyond LinkedIn to other professional platforms relevant to your industry, such as GitHub for developers or Behance for designers. Regularly update these profiles with new projects and achievements. Engaging in online forums and writing articles or blog posts related to your field can also enhance your digital footprint. These activities not only showcase your expertise but also help build your network and establish you as a thought leader. Be mindful of your privacy settings and the professionalism of the content you share, as potential employers often research candidates online before making hiring decisions.

To use networking tools for job leads, start by building a strong online presence, especially on LinkedIn. Optimize your profile with relevant keywords and a professional photo. Engage with industry groups and connect with professionals. Attend networking events, both online and in person, to expand your contacts. Conduct informational interviews to learn about potential job openings. Leverage social media platforms and alumni networks. Additionally, consider volunteering to gain experience and network with professionals in your field.

Networking tools such as LinkedIn, professional associations, alumni networks, networking events, informational interviews, online networking platforms, referrals, and social media can all be invaluable assets in the job hunt. Through LinkedIn, one can craft a professional profile and connect with peers and industry professionals, while professional associations and alumni networks offer opportunities for face-to-face interaction at events. Networking events and online platforms provide avenues for meeting new contacts and engaging in industry discussions, while informational interviews offer insights and potential job leads. Leveraging referrals and social media further expands one's reach.

There are networking events...and then there are events where you can network - take advantage of both. For the former, think Chamber events, service club meetings, and groups that bring together people like you (e.g. women executives or professionals in IT). For the latter, you can network anywhere the music isn't too loud and the people aren't too drunk. Just strike up a conversation and be interested before trying to be interesting. You never know where it might lead!

I am a huge fan of informational interviews. You can learn directly from professionals in the career you're interested in and directly ask them questions about their experience and get feedback from them. It is very powerful and one of my favorite ways to network your way into your career change.

Note that this question mentioned only Twitter and Facebook for social networking. That's because LinkedIn is an overrated way to scale your network. LinkedIn only shows 2% of the average search results to paid members (1% to free members), offers poor methods to reach hiring managers, and their terms of service warns you that LinkedIn isn't intended to scale your network.

Leverage your alumni network for job leads; they're often underutilized yet highly effective due to shared experiences. Many schools offer directories or LinkedIn groups—join them. Start with a friendly message citing your alma mater as common ground. Attend events or webinars to connect informally. Alumni usually enthusiastically support fellow graduates, so seek introductions or company insights. Also call your alumni office often times they’re quite willing to share contact information from alumni specific geographical area or specific major.

Networking to uncover hidden remote job opportunities doesn't always mean attending professional events or using platforms like LinkedIn. You can also tap into networking within communities unrelated to remote work or your desired role—such as your interests, hobbies, or causes you care about. Engaging in these diverse communities not only provides insights into unadvertised opportunities but also increases your chances of securing a job. When people within these communities know you on a more personal level, they are more likely to advocate for you. Keep in mind the power of referrals in the job search process.

Networking to a job shows hiring managers the strength of your network, an asswet that makes you more valuable to employers. Your network can help you solve business problems, find resources, and identify sales opportunities (even when you're not in sales/marketing). On the other hand, applying to jobs online undervalues your networking ability - Because you didn't network your way to the hiring manager.