Actually, Xing can't do anything that Facebook can't do. Nevertheless, many people have both profiles and separate their professional and private lives, even in the online world.
Social networks have become part of our lives: There we post holiday photos, discuss current affairs, offer our shared room for sub-rental, find old and new friends or look for work. But our parents taught us that we exist twice: privately and professionally. Even though a lot has changed in recent years and work and private life have increasingly merged in many ways, we can still easily distinguish between these two worlds. It's okay to be the king of the party in your free time. On the other hand, showing up to work with a beer helmet and alcohol level is less appropriate. And that's exactly why we exist twice in the digital world: privately on Facebook and Twitter, professionally on Xing.
Essentially, Xing is nothing more than a network for professional, professional exchange. A platform for contacts where we want to show our serious and professional side. A medium for exchange with potential employers, colleagues and possible business partners. We present ourselves accordingly: friendly, smiling, decently dressed and, above all, qualified. After all, we want to leave a good impression on all the companies and headhunters who are also part of the network. But that doesn't mean that after registering with Xing we can sit back and believe that countless irresistible job offers will find their way into our mailbox all by themselves. As with all social networks, the rule applies here: the more active I am, the more present I am to others.
Tell me who you know and I'll tell you who you are!
As the term “social network” suggests, the contacts we have on Xing play a special role. This is what makes our Xing profile different from a normal application - unless, of course, you attach a copy of your address book to your application. The vitamin B that we have or don't have is quickly and easily visible on Xing. But even in virtual space, it's not just who we know that counts, but also what we can do and who we are. Sabrina Eimler from the University of Duisburg-Essen is of the opinion that, above all, the overall package must be right and the person behind the profile must appear authentic. Because just as we acquired a real knowledge of human nature as small children, during puberty and as young adults, we have also done the same, almost imperceptibly, in our digital socialization. As a rule, we know what is realistic and what is simply far-fetched. And because not only we, but also companies and especially their human resources departments quickly discover large-scale fibs, it is advisable to always remain authentic. If we then have a few real skills and qualifications to show, the job search should work - both online and offline.
Find out more about your Xing impact here: Sabrina Eimler
Sabrina Eimler from the University of Duisburg-Essen is currently writing her doctoral thesis on the subject of “Xing” at the Chair of Social Psychology: Media and Communication at the University of Duisburg-Essen: “In principle, everyone can use Xing. Because only those who want to be found and make themselves visible will be found. What is most important is that the overall package is right and that the person appears authentic. Because the viewer always asks the question: Can that be? Does that match the photo? The head of Google marketing is relieved of the many contacts, but not necessarily the business student in the 3rd semester.”
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Actually, Xing can't do anything that Facebook can't do. Nevertheless, many people have both profiles and separate their professional and private lives, even in the online world. Social networks have become part of our lives: There we post holiday photos, discuss current affairs, offer our shared room for sub-rental, find old and new friends or look for work.
