Networking as a valuable career development strategy is nothing new. What has changed, however, is how networking occurs. Many networking activities are now held, and can be found, online. Since networking is all about connecting with other people, if people are online then online networking should form part of your strategy.

Professional networking events can be found on public platforms, or through direct communications from various groups. Some groups and organizations use Eventbrite to advertise their events, such as conferences and networking: Try a “networking” keyword search, or browse by category, date, or region. You can also try searching for networking events in your area using Meetup or reaching out to postsecondary institutions you have attended to see what is available for students or alumni. Keep in mind that organizations might also use other names like “fireside chat” to indicate a networking event.

To hear directly from groups about upcoming events, connect with professional associations or search for groups on LinkedIn. Charity Village has a list of professional associations across Canada to help you get started on your search.

Preparing for online networking events

Preparing for networking events is only somewhat different when they are online. Follow the same suggestions given earlier to prepare for these events, but take a few extra steps for events that will be conducted virtually. Here are some additional considerations when preparing to attend an online event:

• Find a quiet, private, and well-lit space.
• Position and test your technology.
• Ensure your background is tidy and professional.
• Have information and resources at hand, including your resume, job descriptions, tools to take notes, etc.
• Turn off or mute all electronic distractions.
• Be prepared for fast-paced chatting, for example by having well-crafted, error-free questions prepared in advance so that you can cut-and-paste them during live chats.

Social media and networking

You can learn a great deal about prospective employers and make great network contacts by using social media. In addition to a traditional online presence through web sites and blogs, many employers have a presence on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Look for organizations on the various social media platforms where they may have a presence so that you can follow or connect with the ones that interest you. This is a great way to identify key employees in the company, build connections with them, and engage with their content. Over time you could develop a rapport and ask them for an informational interview.

Your (Online) Reputation

Your online reputation is based on what you post about yourself and others online, including posts, tagged photos, and forums.

Employers often look at social media accounts of prospective employees, so be sure to keep all of your social media information positive and professional. Here’s how:

• No matter the platform, be sure to have a professional, current profile.
• Use a professional photo and be consistent across all of your social media profiles.
• Remove posts that could be considered inappropriate or offensive.
• Set up your privacy carefully.
• Update your profile regularly with relevant information.

Getting started with LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional social networking website where you can post a professional profile, research employers, apply for jobs, and network. As of August 2021, the social networking site had over 18 million members in Canada alone^[3] – with over 72% of employers using it for recruiting as of 2020^[4] – making it a great place to seek out and make new contacts. Using LinkedIn is a great way to let your contacts know you are looking for work, to ask people for advice about what working in your target career is like, and to find out what you can do to be competitive.

In order to get started with LinkedIn, you’ll need to set up a profile for yourself and learn the basic ins and outs. Here’s a few short videos for you to watch and get started with:

• Watch this video on how to set up a LinkedIn account if you do not already have one
• Watch this video on How to add your photo to your LinkedIn profile
• Watch this video on the basics for navigating LinkedIn

Your LinkedIn profile is where people on LinkedIn can learn about who you are as a professional, your education, experience, skills, and career goals. LinkedIn profiles can be reviewed by anyone, so keep your profile private until you have had the opportunity to complete it. When you’re ready to get started, check out this video on how to create a LinkedIn profile.

How to network using LinkedIn

Develop your professional network using LinkedIn by connecting with the people you already know and building your network from there. Your first step should be to locate and connect with your current contacts. Remember to stay in touch with your connections (versus contacting them only when you need help).

Once you start building your network, look at the connections of your contacts. If you search for a contact by name, LinkedIn will show you if/how you are connected.

Additional Resources

Find more tips here for using LinkedIn, such as Networking Etiquette, managing your network and newsfeed, and building your brand.

More resources to maximize the benefit you can get from using LinkedIn:

• Watch this video to learn how to add connections on LinkedIn.
• Watch this video to learn how to post a status update on LinkedIn:
• Watch this video to learn how to follow companies on LinkedIn:
• Watch this video to learn how to use LinkedIn messages:
• Watch this video to learn how to look for jobs on LinkedIn: