Freedom to toot your horn

In grade 12 I was taught that my resume had to be factual and concise. Brief and easy to read. My achievements and employability skills were to be the main focus. Basically, my resume was meant to stand out for when my potential employer went through a dozen or plus of resumes.  I had the power to create an invaluable marketing tool. However, whether my resume was worth a second look, my employer had all the power. In saying that, only that potential future employer would see my resume.

Then came the age of the internet. I mean the resume still must follow the same format. However, social media is fast becoming the first meeting between prospective employers and employees. LinkedIn –a platform for professional connections. I joined LinkedIn about 2 years ago for one main reason, my google account would not stop recommending it. I had been looking for summer jobs, and google said LinkedIn would be the right place to connect with potential employers. I gave in. I created an account but never used it till now.

LinkedIn allows you to create and edit your profile. If you write about your accomplishments, education, your skills… etc on Facebook you may be regarded as a show off or sharing to much by your friends. However, LinkedIn provides you with a space where you can you can promote yourself. In fact, it is expected as a way of attracting potential employers or like-minded people. Just like a resume, you hold the power to create a profile that helps you find the right connections. One thing: follow the resume format. In addition, LinkedIn allows you to read articles, share news or events. Send congratulatory and birthday messages. You can join and take part in groups where again you can promote yourself or your business. The groups perhaps create a sense of identity when you find like-minded people???  What I did find interesting is that your connections can endorse you for particular skills. I guess it works as someone recommending you or acknowledging your talents. Tuan states that space is freedom. LinkedIn does indeed create that sense of freedom. Go crazy and toot your horn.

image retrieved: https://goo.gl/images/x9APmn

All seems good till the downfalls. Unlike your resume that is only seen by those you have given it too; your LinkedIn profile can be viewed by whoever and whenever. Sometimes it tells you who has viewed it, but at times you just get a notification saying someone viewed your account with no name. In other words, LinkedIn makes it easier for people to be stalked “I viewed your profile because I may be interested in you working for me’’…stalked! Your profile is open to all users. If Furthermore, if your profile is not interesting, you miss connecting with others. Your profile is what makes the LinkedIn user on the other side decide on connecting with you. People are researching you. Juan Enriquez speaks on Ted about the online life and how that becomes permanent. LinkedIn give you the power and freedom to network with people who might just help with your career goals. However, freedom does not mean lying because it will become an electronic tattoo. In conclusion, LinkedIn profile should not be like a Facebook profile, rather an online resume that makes future employer or business partners say, ‘we want you!”

References

Enriquez, J. (2013) retrieved https://www.ted.com/talks/juan_enriquez_how_to_think_about_digital_tattoos

Kuttainen, V. (2017). BA1002: Our space: Networks, narratives and the making of place, lecture week 2: Power. [PowerPoint slides].

Tuan, Y. F. (1977). Space and place: The perspective of experience. U of Minnesota Press.