How to Network…

I recently wrote a blog that concentrated on the importance of career networking. It provided a few examples of methods you can use to build and maintain a network of professional support.

Knowing how to network is incredibly important – especially when you’re searching for a new job or career. And, knowing what NOT to do is just as important.

Here are a few networking tips on what NOT to do:

1. Don’t tell everyone! While it’s definitely a good idea to tell your friends and family that you’re interested in finding a new job, there are a few people with whom you shouldn’t be so forthcoming. Namely – all of your co-workers.

It makes sense that you may start to feel like your co-workers are trusted old friends after working with them for a good amount of time. Sure, you may even have in-depth water-cooler chats with Tom from HR on a daily basis. However, that does not make him a good person to talk with about your job search. Trust me, when it comes to your job search, people like Tom are not your allies. You’re better off keeping this information to yourself around the office.

2. Don’t advertise your job search on social networking sites! Even though networking groups like LinkedIn.com can be a great resource for career networking, if you’re currently employed, make sure your page doesn’t give “job hunting” as one of the reasons you’ve joined the site. That lets all of your professional connections know about your job search. And, if your current employer gets wind of this information, you may get the boot before you’ve found a new position.

3. Don’t use your real name online! If you’re searching for a new job, it’s a good idea to use a pseudonym on any web sites that might make you seem unprofessional. For instance, if your MySpace or Facebook page displays photographs of you partying, make sure you use a fake name. Many potential employers are in the habit of Googling their job candidates. So make sure that your name doesn’t ruin your chances for future employment. There’s nothing wrong with having fun with your personal pages – as long as you make sure to separate them from your professional pages.

Sometimes, job networking can be an art in subtlety. Make sure you’re talking to the right people, at the right times, at the right places. Does anyone have any other networking no-no’s to share?