Summary of Integrating Technology in January 2020

Hello Integrating Technology colleagues,

We now have 2055 members in the Integrating Technology group . In January there was a discussion, posted to three groups including Integrating Technology on the topic of helping adult learners using LinkedIn to find jobs. This discussion is about integrating technology in the sense that LinkedIn is a website that may be of use for students looking for jobs if they know how to use it well. Here’s one of the posts from Bernie Floresca, the social media marketing consultant who was a guest in this discussion:

There are various facets to "best use LinkedIn" for Entry level workers. Here are some general guidelines, and remember, one-size-does-not-fit-all.

The obvious, is

1.   Create a profile that puts as much Education and work / volunteer experience, regardless of completion or "relevance." 

We've all been there where we're pretty much putting "anything" that makes us look competent.

Make it look like you took some effort to present yourself professionally, and most importantly, that you're a real person.  The headline and "About" sections give you plenty of opportunity. Most of the Don'ts in resume writing generally apply. 

Upload a professional photo, this is NOT Facebook (our cell phones do wonders). 

The not-so-obvious is

2.  Start building your connections, specifically, with people who may help in whatever it is the worker is looking for in the future, [same industry, decision-maker, big network in city where one wants to relocate to, for example, currently works in the job-that-you-want, etc}.

3. #1 has to look "good" such that people don't question wanting to connect.

Here's an example of an actual connect request that I'm not connecting with.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhishek-akela-7720861a0/

Initiated January 14th  Currently 642 views and 19 comments.

David J. Rosen, Moderator

LINCS CoP Integrating Technology group