What you should and shouldn’t do when networking online
Category: Tips and Advice
Publish date: 30/06/2022
As with face-to-face networking, there are many written and unwritten rules around online behaviour. Most guidelines for traditional practice still apply, but connecting with people through social media does bring some new rules to the table. And understanding how to conduct yourself in an online setting is crucial to enabling you to build and maintain a strong network.
Here are 5 tips for networking through social media:
1. Set yourself some clear objectives Ensure you know what you want out of online networking. Understanding which social platforms you’d like to use and what you’d like to get out of them will give your approach more structure and purpose. We’d suggest focusing much of your attention on LinkedIn, as this is where you’ll gain the most exposure to likeminded professionals and potential employers.
2. Build lasting relationships Don’t just network with people in the hope that they’ll immediately offer you a job . Focus on building a rapport first, as this is more likely to lead to sustained communication and opportunities in the future. Establish a career-long relationship, not just a quick win.
3. Know your stuff Take the time to observe conversations in your social feeds or networking groups before offering your opinion. Having a greater understanding of the dialogue will enable you to contribute to and benefit from the discussion taking place.
4. Show good etiquette Don’t make too many requests or demands of people you’ve only just e-met. Networking is a two-way street, and so you should always offer knowledge or insight of your own, and endeavour to return the favour if somebody helps you out.
5. Remain professional Don't put any information you wouldn't want a future boss to see on any social media platform. This is to ensure your brand is consistently professional and positive across all platforms, at all times. Also, refrain from using any military acronyms on your social media profiles, as this’ll help make your information more accessible to civilian employers.
Social media is arguably the most powerful networking tool at your disposal. And as many of you seek alternative careers outside of the Armed Forces, building and maintain your network on platforms such as LinkedIn could be crucial to your success.
For more information or support on how to effectively network using social media, we invite you to book onto our LinkedIn and online networking webinar, or have a look at the Resettlement Guide of the same name. You can also access lots of useful advice through the e-learning section on myCareerPath, or arrange a meeting with your CTP Career Consultant at a time that suits you.