Are you seeking ways to grow your career and expand your professional network? If so, then utilizing professional networking sites is a great way to do it. These online platforms can help you connect with other professionals in the same or related fields, giving you greater access to potential job opportunities and resources that can help advance your career.
This article will list 15 of the best professional networking sites out there today and explain how they can be used to benefit your career. With these tools, you’ll be able to make more meaningful connections with people who could potentially offer valuable insights into advancing your goals and aspirations.
What Do You Mean By Professional Networking?
Professional networking is when individuals in the same or related fields use online platforms to connect, exchange information and resources, and gain access to potential job opportunities. It’s a great way to grow your professional network and gain greater insight into the industry you are working in. Many times, these connections can help lead to better job opportunities and collaborations with other professionals.
There are various ways to widen a professional network. The more traditional methods include joining professional associations and attending networking events, seminars, and conferences. These can take a lot of time and effort, but they can be very effective as they involve direct interaction with potential contacts.
However, the digital age has spawned a variety of professional networking sites that allow people to connect easily with each other from anywhere in the world. These sites provide users with a more accessible and convenient way to establish contacts, giving them greater access to potential job opportunities and resources. They are also typically free to join and use, which can be a great way to build professional contacts without breaking the bank.
Why Is Professional Networking Important?
Professional networking is an integral part of your career growth. It can help you build relationships with other professionals who might be able to offer various resources for building career growth. It also lets you learn more about the industry and stay updated with the latest trends, which can help you stay ahead of the competition.
Job Opportunities
By actively participating in these networks, you can develop a strong professional presence online, making it easier for employers to find you. You can also showcase your skills and accomplishments, giving potential employers a better idea of what you bring to the job. Employers often turn to these networks when looking for candidates, so having a strong presence is key.
Referrals
Networking sites are also great for getting referrals. If you have a good relationship with someone, they can recommend you when an opportunity arises or refer you to contacts they have in the industry. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door and make valuable connections.
Brand Growth
If you want to grow your brand and create a strong reputation in the industry, then professional networking can be an effective way of doing that. You can showcase your skills and accomplishments through these platforms and connect with industry influencers who can help raise your profile. Some networks even allow you to create a portfolio for yourself, which can be used to demonstrate the quality of your work.
Career Advice
Besides connecting with potential employers, professional networking sites can also be a great way to gain career advice. Through these platforms, you can connect with professionals who may have more experience in the field and can offer valuable insight into industry trends. They may even be able to provide advice on job search strategies.
List of 15 Professional Networking Sites
1. LinkedIn
One of the most popular and widely used professional networking sites, LinkedIn is an essential tool for anyone looking to grow their career. It allows users to build profiles, share their experiences and accomplishments, search for job postings, and connect with other professionals. Over 900 million people use it, making it a great place to make valuable contacts. As a bonus, they offer a variety of free resources that can help you develop the skills needed to advance your career.
2. Xing
Xing is a professional networking platform focusing on building relationships. With over 20 million members, it’s a great way to connect with potential employers and industry influencers. With companies like IBM, Accenture, and McKinsey on its list of members, it’s an invaluable resource for anyone looking to expand their network.
3. Meetup
Many professionals use Meetup to connect with like-minded people. Aside from making friends and building relationships, it can also be a great way to find mentors and role models who can guide your career development. Their various groups, which range from career-related to hobbies, make it a great one-stop shop for networking. They also have 50+ million users, so you’ll surely find someone who can help.
4. Facebook Groups
Although it’s primarily used for staying in touch with friends, Facebook can also be an excellent tool for professional networking. Various groups on the platform have been created to help individuals in the same field connect and exchange resources. For example, many groups are dedicated to specific industries or areas, such as technology and finance. But more general groups also focus on career advice and job opportunities.
5. Gust
Gust is a platform designed specifically for entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. It’s great for connecting with potential investors, partners, and mentors who can help you advance your business goals. With over 800,000 members and links to AngelList, IndieGoGo, and other investment platforms, it can be a great way to get your business off the ground.
6. Slack Communities
Many professionals now use Slack’s group collaboration options to connect with like-minded individuals. These virtual networks allow you to exchange advice and resources, ask questions, and find potential job opportunities. Aside from that, some of these groups even organize virtual events and conferences where you can meet other professionals. They’re a great way to stay connected without leaving your home.
7. Jobcase
Another great platform for job seekers, Jobcase has over 130 million users and is home to various resources. It’s great for connecting with potential employers and learning about multiple industries. Using machine learning, Jobcase can match users with job postings tailored to their skills and interests. You can also post relevant information about your career to help employers find you.
8. Reddit
The popular discussion website is another excellent way to network with professionals. With over 50 million active users daily and thousands of subreddits dedicated to specific fields, it can be a great place to find mentors, role models, and potential employers. These subgroups also have various resources to help you stay up-to-date with industry trends and exchange ideas with other professionals, from career-related advice to discussions about the latest news.
9. Shapr
Shapr is a great way to connect with other professionals. It’s free, easy to use, and provides users with tailored recommendations for potential contacts. All you need to do is set up your profile; the app will suggest people who may be a good fit for you daily. It also has an in-app messaging system to help you effectively manage your career. The site is like Tinder for networking, so you swipe to match with potential contacts.
10. Wellfound (AngelList)
Wellfound is a platform for startups and entrepreneurs. It’s great for connecting with startup founders, venture capitalists, and others who can provide business growth resources. It’s also a good place for applicants to communicate with smaller companies that often don’t post job openings on larger job boards. The site also puts essential information at the forefront, such as benefits, team size, and financials, so employers can better understand the company.
11. Bark
A less-known platform but still a great one, Bark is designed to help users build relationships and gain access to resources that can help them in various situations. Best for buyers and sellers, the site can be used to find contacts in practically any field. It also provides users with detailed information on potential contacts and helps them manage their networks across many countries, such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Ireland.
12. Opportunity
Opportunity is available worldwide and has millions of users. It’s great for connecting with people from all different backgrounds and industries, including tech, finance, marketing, and more. The site has many features that help you stay up-to-date with industry trends, build relationships, and gain access to potential job opportunities. It also provides users various resources, such as webinars and industry news, to help with career growth.
13. Indeed
One of the most well-known job boards, Indeed is a great tool for networking and finding potential employers. Another American-based platform is available in over 60 countries and can be used to search for jobs, post resumes, and connect with potential employers. Even students can use it to find internships or part-time work.
14. Glassdoor
Like Indeed, Glassdoor is an excellent resource for job seekers. Aside from providing job listings, the platform also includes salary information and reviews of various companies. This can be a great way to research potential employers and gain insight from current and past employees. You can also use the platform to connect with potential employers or colleagues in the same industry.
15. Monster
Another well-known job board, Monster, is great for connecting with employers. It has a user-friendly interface and offers a range of resources to help you with your job search. With over 1 million jobs in its database, it’s a great place to find potential opportunities and connect with employers. It’s also available in over 40 countries, so it’s a great way to make international connections.
How To Pick The Right Professional Networking Site For You
When choosing a professional networking site, it’s essential to consider your goals and the type of contacts you are looking for. Different sites have different features and provide access to various kinds of contacts. Consider the following:
a. Type of contacts
For example, if you are looking for contacts in the same industry, LinkedIn or Xing would be a great choice. If you’re a startup founder looking for investors, Gust would be an ideal platform.
b. Location
Not every site is available in every country, so make sure the one you choose is in your area. LinkedIn and Indeed are two of the most widely used and available platforms.
c. Features
Aside from the type of contacts you are looking for, it’s essential to consider the features each site offers. Some platforms, such as Jobcase and Slack Communities, have specific features tailored to particular industries or job seekers.
d. Cost
Most professional networking sites are free to join, but some offer premium services for an additional cost. Consider if these features are something you need before signing up.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the best alternative to LinkedIn?
Because LinkedIn is the most widely used professional networking platform, it can be challenging to find an alternative that offers a similar level of features and contacts. But some good alternatives include Jobcase, Xing, Meetup, and Slack.
2) Which is the best professional networking site for employees?
The best professional networking site for job seekers depends on their goals. The site should offer features tailored to their needs and have contacts in their industry. Some of the most popular platforms are LinkedIn, Xing, Meetup, and Jobcase.
3) Which is better: LinkedIn or Indeed?
LinkedIn is great for connecting with employers and learning about different industries, while Indeed is better suited to finding job openings. But both have millions of members, so they are equally effective for making valuable connections.
4) Which is the most popular networking app for students to build careers?
One of the most popular apps for students to build their careers is Reddit. Its modern interface, large user base, and various subreddits make it an excellent way for students to connect with potential employers and mentors without much pressure.
Final Thoughts
Professional networking is a great way to build your career and make valuable contacts. With the help of these sites, you can find potential employers, connect with industry influencers, and gain access to resources that can help you develop your skills. Before choosing a platform, ensure it has features relevant to your goals and the contacts you need. With the right website, you can take advantage of all its benefits and grow your brand. Professional networking sites can be a great way to open up new opportunities and build your career.
