6 Ways to Right Executive Networking Wrongs

Studies show that networking is a crucial part of the executive job-seeking process. While positions can be obtained by submitting a resume and cover letter, it’s much more common for friends and associates to help executive candidates get in the door.

If you haven’t been taking networking seriously, it’s time to take the steps necessary to improve your chances of being hired. Here are six ways that you can immediately right your executive networking wrongs.

1. Start Attending Networking Events

If you haven’t been getting out and attending networking events, you’re really missing out on some amazing opportunities to make great connections with people in your field. You could even benefit from meeting people who aren’t in your field but who are well connected in your city and beyond. You don’t want to pass up any opportunity that presents itself, which is why networking events are a must.

2. Join Clubs and Organizations

In addition to having passing encounters with other executives and influential people, it’s important to get involved with local organizations and/or clubs within your field that not only better the community or your industry but offer opportunities to regularly interact with associates who can help you find great employment opportunities.

3. Talk to Strangers at Social Functions

If you’re at a social function—it could be a family reunion or happy hour—don’t be afraid to talk to strangers about who you are and what your hopes are as an executive in transition. You never know; the next casual conversation could result in your next dream job.

4. Increase Your Presence Online

With much of the job seeking world moving online, it’s important that you increase your presence. Executive recruiters spend a lot of time seeking candidates online, so this is where you need to be if you’re going to be found. By setting up a Google profile, professional Twitter account or Facebook page, and even a website in your name where you can blog about industry topics, you’ll increase your chances of being seen.

5. Get a LinkedIn Account

While you’re online, don’t forget to sign up for a LinkedIn account. LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional social networking site, is one of the most overlooked networking options for executives. By creating a profile, adding your resume, and connecting with associates, you’ve already taken steps to improve your networking opportunities.

6. Take Part in Trade/Industry Discussions

Another step in the process is branding yourself as a leading voice in your field. In addition to starting a blog, you could request to add byline guest posts to other popular blogs and sites to offer your professional insight. Also, look into writing columns for newspapers and magazines.

The more effort you put into networking, the more likely you will be to run into new employment opportunities. So if you’ve been a bit lazy on the networking front, now’s the time to right your wrongs.

It’s important to remember to brand your resume before applying to each new position for more information on branding check out my recent article 5 Key Areas to Target When Branding Your Resume. You can also get additional job search and career related advice by checking out our blog or following us on Twitter @GreatResume.

Author: Global resume authority Jessica Hernandez of http://www.greatresumesfast.com is a former HR Manager who partners with professional- and executive-level candidates to create authentic, branded resumes and cover letters.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.