1. Professional Social Networking
Career Advising
Southern Connecticut State University

2. Professional Social Networking Allows Students to…
Build Online Presence and Personal Brand
Network with personal and professional connections
Job Search
Access resources and information in specific career field
Expand skill set with technology world
5 Rules for Success..
Know Your Platform
Customize Everything
Ask for Something Specific
Take it Offline Whenever Possible

3. Type of Networking Sites
LinkedIn- world’s largest professional network with over 100 million members connects you to your trusted contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals.
60 million professionals
200,000+ organizations
Over 150 industries
2.1 million students
37,000 university groups
Facebook- largest social networking site with over 400 million accounts intended to connect friends, family, and business associates.
Twitter- an information network, with real-time information that connects you to the latest information about what you find interesting. Simply find the public streams you find most compelling and follow the conversations.

4. Why Should You Join Networking Sites?
Connect with classmates, faculty, and family professionally
Find new opportunities for internships and full time positions
Manage what potential employers learn about you from the Internet

5. What LinkedIn is NOT vs. What LinkedIn IS
A place for party photos
A place to update the status of anything other than work related information
A traditional job board
LinkedIn IS…
A Professional Social Networking Site
Best social media platform to reach business decision makers
A network that allows you to make the most out of trusted professional networks

6. Job Seekers Tips to Best Utilize LinkedIn
Ensure your profile is complete and up-to-date
Your connections should represent your “real world” network
Search on LinkedIn Jobs
Message Key Network Contacts
Demonstrate Your Expertise on LinkedIn Answers.

7. LinkedIn Connection Requests
Example 1
Hi Laurie…
A friend of yours, [insert name here] suggested I connect with you as I am new to LinkedIn and just learning the ropes. I would appreciate any help you may offer.
Thanks [insert your name]
Example 2
Last September I had the pleasure of meeting you at the Web 2.0 Conference in NYC. While I knew no one you took the time to talk with me and offered some places to visit while I was in your town.
Thanks so much and I look forward to reconnecting. [insert your name]
Brief is fine, just make it PERSONABLE!
- Beyond Social Media

8. Common LinkedIn Mistakes Among College Students
The generic invitation to connect
Shows lack of effort into building a relationship
Lack of Sensitivity
Like a resume, a profile should be brief and targeted
Spelling/grammatical errors, inconsistencies
Just as you would carefully review your resume, you should check your profile
Weak Headline
Clearly identify yourself and your career interest
No Recommendations
Recommendations serve as a powerful resource for potential employers to see previous colleagues endorse you.

9. Facebook
Began as a social networking experience for college students. Has grown into an experience for everyone including those who seek a professional networking experience
Tips:
Decide if your Facebook Page will be social or professional
Choose what information on your profile business contacts or prospective employers should see
Create a simple profile (or clean up existing one)
Limit the photos you post
Post content relevant to your job search or career
Use Facebook to build relationships with your Friends
Choose your Friends wisely

10. Twitter
Helps build connections with interesting and relevant people around the world who are working and talking about topics related to your interests.
Tips:
Make your profile public
Choose a Twitter name
Fill in real location
Create a strong bio
Choose a photo that is more of your face
Start a following slowly
Don’t just follow anyone
Pay attention to other’s tweets
Retweet Judiciously

11. Finals Thoughts
Professional Social Networking is a tool to assist in your job search and networking experience.
Recruiters still expect candidates to apply with a resume and a cover letter via the company web site or a job board site.
In order to have a well-rounded search, you still need to search for jobs and take time to apply.

12. All juniors, seniors, and graduate students
Aimee Piccin Associate Director of Academic and Career Advising Wintergreen Building (203)
All juniors, seniors, and graduate students
Kelianna Bonn Graduate Assistant Wintergreen Building (203)
All freshmen and sophomore students
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