{"id":878,"date":"2022-07-26T16:02:49","date_gmt":"2022-07-26T16:02:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/?p=878"},"modified":"2024-07-22T15:52:09","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T19:52:09","slug":"what-is-virtual-networking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/basics\/what-is-virtual-networking","title":{"rendered":"What Is Virtual Networking?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Networking plays an essential role in your job search<\/a> and career path. Not only is it an excellent way to meet people in your field, but building and maintaining your professional network allows you to learn more about your industry and help others in their job search (and beyond).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While professional networking often takes place in person, these days, virtual (or online) networking is just as crucial to your career success. And though virtual networking is similar to in-person networking, there are a few key differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll help you understand what virtual networking is and give you the tips and tricks you need to expand your network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Virtual Networking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Virtual or online networking is similar to in-person networking<\/a>, except it takes place on the internet.. The main difference is you can meet and connect with professionals with one click and in the comfort of your own home. However, the simplicity of connecting virtually means you could unintentionally build a professional network that doesn’t serve your career ambitions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certified career coach<\/a> Rachel Adkins, CPCC, CDCS, says the trick to successful virtual networking is to do it with intention. \u201cThink of virtual networking as intentionally building your professional network to help you meet your current and future career goals<\/a>. You don\u2019t want to include anyone and everyone; the goal is to virtually surround yourself with people who will help you progress in your career or help you expand your knowledge in your current role and industry. While it\u2019s important to have many connections, it\u2019s even more important that these connections are purposeful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Forage Find<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Networking with a recruiter greatly improves your chances of landing an internship! Attending on-campus events, virtual events, and connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn can help you form a connection with the company and make your application stand out!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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How to Network Online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Adkins says one of your best bets is to connect with people who have similar job titles to yours or have a job title you’re interested in pursuing, and to connect with people at companies you want to apply to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While finding all the information you need (and more) about who to connect with is easy, striking up an online networking conversation can be harder. At an in-person event, everyone is in the same room, often with the same purpose. Online, though, you may not have an easy way to start a conversation. So, how can you network online and find success?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Discover\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Professional Skills<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Explore and define your professional must-haves in this free course from Discover Financial Services. You'll learn how to identify what matters to you professionally and how to connect with a company that supports your career goals.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet Started\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAvg. Time:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t2-3 hours\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSkills you’ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDiscovery, planning, self-reflection, organization\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet Started\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
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Start on LinkedIn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While you can use almost any social media platform for virtual networking, if you choose only one, it should be LinkedIn.It was founded<\/a> specifically to give professionals a place to network, connect with other professionals, and search for a job online. And though it’s grown into so much more than that, LinkedIn is still one of the best ways to start virtually networking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>>MORE:<\/strong> A Beginner\u2019s Guide to LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To support your LinkedIn networking efforts, Adkins says you should fill out your profile before reaching out to any potential new contacts. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n