by infonista | May 1, 2018 | LinkedIn and Your Career
Officially (i.e., per the company), the purpose of LinkedIn Groups is to “…provide a place for professionals in the same industry or with similar interests to share content, find answers, post and view jobs, make business contacts, and establish themselves as industry experts.”
I’d agree with that description – LinkedIn Groups are a terrific resource for all of those activities. But it helps if you have a bit more background and strategic guidance to really max out groups’ benefits. So with the goal of using LinkedIn Groups to do cool LIS career stuff, here are some ideas to help you get started. (more…)
by infonista | Nov 21, 2017 | LinkedIn and Your Career
In a recent coaching session with several MLIS students, we worked on their LinkedIn profiles with the goal of positioning each of the students as someone intent on joining the ranks of LIS practitioners. In other words, a serious, engaged, almost-professional-level contributor.
Realistically, and quoting well-known LIS leader Jan Chindlund, you become a professional the day you take you very first class. Sometimes, however, it can be so easy to get wrapped up in assignments, group projects, exams, and student activities that you miss the reason you’re in grad school, which is to launch a rewarding LIS career.
Your LinkedIn profile will help you start launching that career while you’re still in grad school, so it’s a free, highly valuable tool you want to take advantage of. The challenge: as a student, how do you create a headline (with only 120 characters, including spaces) that starts letting people how terrific you are right now and how even more terrific you’re going to be at graduation? (more…)
by infonistaadmin | Dec 20, 2016 | LinkedIn and Your Career, Professional Branding
One of the most powerful types of “social proof” (testaments to your professional strengths) hiring managers can see is a great recommendation on your LinkedIn profile.
And people who like you well enough to be willing to write a recommendation for you do sincerely want to help you out!
But actually getting that recommendation written for you? That’s where things tend to fall apart…. (more…)
by infonistaadmin | Sep 20, 2016 | LinkedIn and Your Career, LIS Career Strategy, Professional Branding
In the old days, people would arrive for interviews with printed copies of letters of recommendation. Resumes would state “references available upon request.”
Now, however, as a jobseeker you have a much better and more effective way to showcase your strengths. When someone submits a recommendation for your LinkedIn profile, that recommendation can be seen 24/7, without you having to “present” it to an interviewer. (This is especially important when the majority of hiring managers will check out your LinkedIn profile before making a decision to interview you.)
Are LinkedIn endorsements and recommendations the same?
Not even close. (more…)
by infonistaadmin | Jul 4, 2016 | LinkedIn and Your Career, Professional Branding
Recently a grad student asked me how to write a headline or tagline for her LinkedIn profile that didn’t sound hopelessly vague or nondescript. Her valid concern was that as a student she didn’t really have a job title to point to, or an extensive “work persona.” I thought about it, realized I had no clue what to suggest, and promised to get back to her after doing some research post-webinar.
What I discovered was that although almost no one takes advantage of this profile feature, it’s actually pretty easy to do once you’ve figured out the basic approach. Whether you’re an LIS student, recent graduate, or established professional, the following steps should help you develop a terrific headline. (more…)
by infonistaadmin | Feb 4, 2016 | LinkedIn and Your Career, Networking
Recently I had a conversation with a colleague who is bright, extremely competent, and someone I turn to for great ideas and feedback on a regular basis. In other words, this is a colleague (and friend) you really want in your life because she brings so much value to it.
However, during our conversation she mentioned that she hesitates to ask people to connect on LinkedIn because it feels a bit like she’s stalking them. (more…)
