APPLYING NETWORKING TECHNIQUES TO YOUR OVERSEAS JOB SEARCH Networking within the overseas arena has a few unique characteristics.
One of the challenges to networking within the overseas community lies in the inherent mobility of the expatriate workforce.
While overseas projects and programs may last for years, most people who relocate overseas remain for 1-3 years before making a move.
On a 500-person program, this can mean that one third of the workforce may change each year.
Unlike changing jobs in the U.
S.
, the departing employee doesn't get another job just down the street.
In fact, they "scatter to the wind" throughout the States or to other overseas assignments.
In these circumstances, maintaining your network requires a degree of initiative.
As expats frequently find themselves working in some pretty exotic locations, maintaining contact through mail or phone may be impractical.
E-mail addresses are more reliable, but are still subject to change.
In today's global environment, professional and social networking sites, such as Linkedin™, Facebook™ and Twitter™ offer the easiest options.
While Facebook™ and Twitter™ lean toward the social aspect of networking, Linkedin™ serves as the leading professional networking site.
HOW LINKEDIN CAN BENEFIT YOUR OVERSEAS JOB SEARCH LinkedIn™ growth has been nothing less than phenomenal.
Since its debut in 2002, it has grown to be the 27th most-visited-site worldwide and ranks 17th within the U.
S.
While LinkedIn™ enables you to connect with existing colleagues or friends, it offers the added advantage of providing a platform from which you can build your network.
Once registered, LinkedIn™ users can connect with known and trusted friends and colleagues.
Users create a profile that can be seen by others, having access to a wide range of settings to personalize your profile and establish what details you wish to share with your Connections.
Once you have established your Primary Connections, you have visibility to their Connections and can asked to be "introduced" through your trusted Connection.
These are known as Secondary Connections.
In this manner, you are able to develop you own network.
In addition to developing your network, LinkedIn™ offers several other features that can be beneficial to your job search.
As a LinkedIn™ user, you have the ability to join discussion groups with people who share your own career interests.
With over 700,000 groups, there's something for everyone.
Virtually every career field and overseas location is represented.
It's a great way to introduce yourself to others and add Connections to your network.
LinkedIn™ also offers a job search feature, as well as the capability of researching company profiles.
Finally, if you have lost touch with past colleagues or co-workers over the years, LinkedIn™ can reconnect you.
With over 75 million users, chances are that many past associates have established profiles and can be located.
Because users commonly include their past employers within their profile, you can often locate them by searching the company name, even though the company may no longer exist.
LinkedIn™ has a great, user-friendly website, dedicated to familiarizing users with their various features.
The site includes easy to understand videos and user guides than can have you up and running in no time.