Ok — maybe it’s not that far yet… but dang near.
Well that sucks...
I’m currently going through a process that I try to stay on top of once or twice a year — updating my LinkedIn Profile. It has seriously taken place of what my résumé used to be. I mean it makes sense in the grand scheme of things right?
I don’t really send out paper things much these days – a lot of people don’t. Seems like everything’s done online. Why not just keep your digital copy of all of your work experience out in the cloud, and up-to-date? If something does require a paper copy – you could always just go to LinkedIn and cut and Paste the necessary experiences together.
I’ve received job offers through LinkedIn, made a number of connections and gathered numerous recommendations all on one site.
I strongly doubt that the professional sphere will completely shift to a LinkedIn reliant industry anytime soon – but I definitely don’t think it’s impossible. It’s a system that’s already in place for both employer and employee alike while bringing in a more modern element of social connecting.
All of that said, you’ll want to keep your LinkedIn account polished if you truly do plan to use it for its professional networking power. That little fact will help some people out tremendously – and hurt others. Through LinkedIn you can maintain constant contact with a potential employer or business partner. Messages can go back and forth between the two – and when an opportunity arises, you can really act on them in a speedy manner without having to perform whatever random HR functions existed in the past (sorry HR friends).
You truly get “to know” potential whtaevers through this medium, and I think therein lies the power behind it all vs. a traditional résumé.
Treat it as you would treat any other social network, only with a little more tact:
- Don’t go on a storm of cursing on LinkedIn if you dislike a company or business issue – a future employer or business partner may be watching.
- Don’t be egotistical – no one likes a jackass.
- Try not to saturate the LinkedIn sphere too much with your presence either – keep in mind it’s probably a lot easier to “over-connect” through a virtual environment than it is to do so in real life.
- Make friends and be upfront with them. There have been a few posts written on GRDX about that matter.
That’s about all I have to say on the topic – but I reiterate – keep your LinkedIn account polished if you plan on using it folks. I’ve personally seen some friends hustle to get a résumé re-worked when it’s too late and they lose some of their marketability. don’t let that happen to you – stay on top of things!
What pointers would you give someone about managing their online brand through a site like LinkedIn? Do you use LinkedIn? If you’d like to connect – just contact me on the site. I don’t mind connecting with new people at all 
Tell me any other thoughts you may have on the subject matter in the Comment Section below.
Peace and thanks for reading.
