What is networking and why is it beneficial? How can social media be used to enhance networking?

What will be an ideal response?

- Networking is the systematic contacting of people who can provide information about available jobs or who can offer jobs. Relatives, friends, classmates, colleagues, alumni, and people at social and professional gatherings are all potential sources of information.
- Networking is beneficial because it is the best strategic approach you can take for finding a job and/or opportunities and to help you develop as professional.
- If one of your contacts does not personally know of any job openings, ask if he or she knows of anyone who might. Then contact that person. In this way, your network expands from one person to another, and you gain information from each new contact.
- Many social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter can be helpful when seeking job opportunities. LinkedIn, the best-known site to connect those with jobs to those looking for work, has over 500 million users and continues to grow. Many employers search networks and websites to find qualified candidates. LinkedIn allows the user to list past experiences, awards, and skills as well as presentations, portfolios, and other documents.
- Users should use LinkedIn to research industries, employers, and key people at organizations of interest. LinkedIn allows users (both employees and employers) to create profiles and connections to each other in an online network similar to real-world professional relationships.