Networking Profile

A networking profile can help because it provides networking contacts with information, beyond that of a traditional résumé, to help them better understand what you are looking for and how they can help.

Addressing Your Networking Challenges

Let’s face it, networking is awkward—especially when talking with strangers.  However, a networking profile can help because it provides networking contacts with information, beyond that of a traditional résumé, to help them better understand what you are looking for and how they can help.

A networking profile has five parts:  a list of positions you desire, duties and responsibilities you have held, accomplishments you have achieved, a basic employment history, and a list of companies for whom you would like to work. 

List Your Target Positions

While you may want to highlight an ideal position, provide your contacts, instead, with a list of job titles generally associated with the job you desire.  Titles should also include the role you want to play (e.g. supervisor, manager, director) as well as your preferred industry. 

Provide Your Professional Profile

After you highlight key positions, present your network with a concise description of the work you actually perform.  Avoid using abbreviations, language that is too technical, or industry jargon that your contacts may not understand.

List Your Key Accomplishments

Accomplishments tell those in your network that you can do what you say you have done.  Presenting facts about your skills is not boasting; it allows others to understand how you can add value to any organization. Be succinct as you describe how your strengths have helped you achieve results. 

Outline Your Work History

This section is not supposed to provide your contacts with a detailed work history.  Rather, it simply provides a basic employment overview to show work consistency and to highlight the types of employers you have worked for in the past.

Limit the content of this section to the company name, your title, and dates of employment. 

List Your Target Companies

Provide your contacts with a list of your top 15 to 20 most desired companies.  In doing so, you will jump-start their ability to picture the types of companies where you would like to work most.  Simply listing the company’s name will be sufficient for this section.

Sample Networking Profile