From electronic resume scanning to virtual interviews, something big is happening. One of the most exciting developments is the explosion in e-networking. It is a tool that we, as professional career consultants, must master and one we must deliver to better equip our students and clients so they can succeed in the tumultuous times ahead. E-Networking combines the traditional networking you do as part of your career search, with the power of the Internet. It allows you to create a community of virtual contacts who can provide critical information on job leads, industry trends and possible openings.
Many people feel awkward with the concept of networking.
On-line interactions, however, do not involve a phone call or necessitate a personal meeting, thereby eliminating most of the fear surrounding that first encounter. When you feel more comfortable networking, you will do more of it, thereby generating new leads on a continual basis from a growing circle of contacts. There are many sites devoted to business networking, and other sites that have strong networking components. The same is true for ISPs and browsers, which often host career clubs segmented by industry or area of expertise. Always investigate the links of sites you visit to see what other places you should visit for E-Networking leads.