Networking on Professional Social Networks
19 January 2010
Read by 2011 persons
Viadeo, Xing, LinkedIn... Unlike Facebook, which allows users to boost their personal network and share aspects of their private lives, these networks aim to develop members' professional contact lists and highlight their careers.
The first step after signing up is to complete your profile. While your education and work experience should be included, avoid simply copying and pasting your CV. "The tone should be more friendly; it's recommended to use the first person and only mention your main skills," says Isabelle Noir, Viadeo's Development Director. Most networks offer tools to translate your profile into other languages. You can also get recommendations from former employers or colleagues, which adds credibility to your profile.
Secondly, build your initial network. On Viadeo, the "Do you know them?" module suggests people who, for example, have worked with you or have the same profession. It's usually possible to import contacts from your email address book.
Once these steps are complete, you can use some or all of the services. Two subscription types are offered: free and paid. With a free subscription, you can generally participate in discussion forums on various topics such as mergers and acquisitions, sustainable development, etc. You also have access to job and training offers, and Viadeo's press articles section. However, you cannot directly email people you don't know; you can only request to be connected through your "friends."
With a paid subscription, you can directly email any network member. Also, on Viadeo, you have access to a very precise search engine to identify members working in a specific sector or company.
Finally, you can ask experts questions on a given topic (this service is free on LinkedIn). Good to know: LinkedIn has partnered with APEC. Therefore, network members viewing a job offer on the APEC website see a window showing LinkedIn members from the recruiting company. Candidates seeking interview advice can then contact them.
Posted on April 21, 2010
www.20minutes.fr
The first step after signing up is to complete your profile. While your education and work experience should be included, avoid simply copying and pasting your CV. "The tone should be more friendly; it's recommended to use the first person and only mention your main skills," says Isabelle Noir, Viadeo's Development Director. Most networks offer tools to translate your profile into other languages. You can also get recommendations from former employers or colleagues, which adds credibility to your profile.
Secondly, build your initial network. On Viadeo, the "Do you know them?" module suggests people who, for example, have worked with you or have the same profession. It's usually possible to import contacts from your email address book.
Once these steps are complete, you can use some or all of the services. Two subscription types are offered: free and paid. With a free subscription, you can generally participate in discussion forums on various topics such as mergers and acquisitions, sustainable development, etc. You also have access to job and training offers, and Viadeo's press articles section. However, you cannot directly email people you don't know; you can only request to be connected through your "friends."
With a paid subscription, you can directly email any network member. Also, on Viadeo, you have access to a very precise search engine to identify members working in a specific sector or company.
Finally, you can ask experts questions on a given topic (this service is free on LinkedIn). Good to know: LinkedIn has partnered with APEC. Therefore, network members viewing a job offer on the APEC website see a window showing LinkedIn members from the recruiting company. Candidates seeking interview advice can then contact them.
Posted on April 21, 2010
www.20minutes.fr
