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Step 4.1.9: Networking Using the Internet

Using the communications capability of the Internet can be a helpful tool in your work search. There are both positive and negative aspects to this form of networking:

Positive Aspects:

  • You can contact more people from many different types of careers than you might normally meet through traditional networking

  • It is an efficient and inexpensive means of communication

  • You can communicate with anyone, anywhere, anytime

Negative Aspects:

  • Electronic communication is weaker than telephone or face-to-face communication in terms of the amount of intimacy that exists

  • It is difficult to read the subtle aspects of communication such as non-verbal messages

  • There is the potential for what you write to be read by anyone

Discussion Groups

One of the common ways to share information and learn from other people on the Internet is through discussion groups. These are conversations that are held between a group of people about an agreed upon topic. The simplest format is based on email. All the discussions in the group come through your regular email. There are also more complex technologies that use software that enables "chats" to take place. Unlike email groups, chat lines are "live" so you have to be on your computer at the same time as everyone else. It is important to take the time to become involved in these discussions. It is inappropriate to immediately seek others’ help.

Finding Discussion Groups

There are discussion groups on most topics. You will need to conduct searches to find groups that match your interests and needs. Here are some starting points:

Charity Village

Charity Village offers a listing of discussion groups related to the non-profit and voluntary services sector

http://www.charityvillage.com/charityvillage/stand.html

 

Forum One

Forum One provides research about online communities and links to many of these locations on the Internet

http://www.forumone.com/index/index.php

 

Google Groups

Google offers an extensive search for Bulletin board groups

http://groups.google.com

 

Topica

Topica provides a listing of email discussion and information groups

http://www.topica.com/

 

Yahoo Canada

Yahoo offers a specialized search of Canadian Bulletin Boards

http://ca.yahoo.com

Suggestions for Email Communication

  1. Be clear on what your goals are. What specifically do you want to learn?
  2. Write out good questions to ask. For example, if you are looking to be hired by an organization, you should learn as much about that organization as you can.
  3. Write your first email in a short and cordial manner. Ask a question like, "I noticed that we both have a strong interest in writing. I am looking to enter the field of ‘X’ and I was wondering whether I could ask you a question or two about the field."
  4. Be patient; people are busy, and only about 20% of the people you write to will respond to your email.
  5. Send your contacts articles or links to connections of mutual interest. Ask them, "Is there anything I can do for you?" or "What types of information do you need regularly?"

Follow-up

It is essential to remember to follow up with anyone you speak to. When you are given a referral, be sure you follow up promptly. Otherwise you will disappoint two people: the person who gave the name and the person who is waiting for your call. Thank-you letters are very important. Take the opportunity to thank everyone who helped you. People who gave you contact names and more in-depth information should receive letters. In your letter, be brief and sincere. You may handwrite the note if you feel that you now know the person fairly well. If you have received some good tips on changing your resume, do mention in your letter that you will forward your revised resume soon (try to include at least one of their suggestions).

Upon accepting a job, contact those in your network who assisted you and/or are referring you to others. They need to know to stop searching on your behalf.

Keeping an employer contact record can assist your work search process. Click on the text :

View it as a normal Web page and print it.

For additional resources on Networking you can go to Step 4.1.9.1 by clicking here.

To continue with Step 4.2 (Resumes), click here.