The LinkedIn Book Second Edition In The Works

The LinkedIn Book â€" Second Edition In The Works This week is re-write the book week for me.  Last year, I remember sitting for about eight hours reviewing the final version of my book before it went to the print shop.  I was nervous, since I wouldnt be able to fix anything after it goes to print like I could a blog post but I remember closing the book and thinking This is good Im proud of this! Then I saw a few reviews on Amazon that were almost scathing.  Professional writers wrote about the book saying it was well, essentially crap. I was confused because I got a lot of feedback from others, saying the book was excellent, and it was exactly what they needed.  Of course, I wanted to believe this feedback, since people were talking about my baby, but I had this nagging idea in the back of my mind that I really did a disservice to everyone since I didnt get great reviews from everyone. Guess what?  I have to agree with the professional writers.  I cracked the book open with a pen, and started marking up the necessary changes.  I think I averaged 7 10 changes PER PAGE I cant believe the first edition went out like this! Okay, it wasnt that bad, but the second edition is going to be much, much better.  Heres my process:   Fix typos and grammar.  Tighten up the writing so it reads easier.  Done (I think) Reword sections that dont make sense.  I read and reread, and if I thought HUH???? I wrote rewrite.  Thats what Im doing today finishing up the rewrites.   Update the content.  In the last year there have been plenty of changes to LinkedIn thats the whole reason Im doing a second edition   I put a question on LinkedIn Answers asking what I missed in the first edition, and what should be in the second edition.  I got some excellent responses which Ill be sifting through the rest of this week and putting into the content of the book.  If you want a sneak peak of what might end up in the second edition of THE LinkedIn book, and what others think is important, go check out the LinkedIn Answers page with my question (and the answers, so far). By the way, did you know I have a blog behind the book ?  Its the Im on LinkedIn Now What??? blog!  Check it out! If YOU have any suggestions for the second edition of Im on LinkedIn Now What??? feel free to email me or leave a comment here I know the second edition is going to be way better than the first edition! This post is sponsored by Karen P. Katz, providing  CAREER MANAGEMENT and SUCCESS STRATEGIES for EXECUTIVES and PROFESSIONALS  Karen P. Katz is a career online identity strategist who promotes career change and success strategies for those seeking work/life balance.  Karen offers insight and practical solutions to career challenges based on 20+ years experience as an HR Generalist, Operations/Sales Manager, and Outplacement Career Management Consultant.         The Career Acceleration Network (CAN), LLC is the channel through with Karen implements cutting-edge strategies that effectively empower clients to take control of their long-term career goals. A proponent of life-long learning, Karen has earned industry certification as a Credentialed Career Manager; she was awarded a Masters in Adult Learning Organizational Development in 2005. Contact Karen at CareerAcceleration.net.  Karen blogs at Career Acceleration Notes, and is a JibberJobber Expert Partner. The LinkedIn Book â€" Second Edition In The Works This week is re-write the book week for me.  Last year, I remember sitting for about eight hours reviewing the final version of my book before it went to the print shop.  I was nervous, since I wouldnt be able to fix anything after it goes to print like I could a blog post but I remember closing the book and thinking This is good Im proud of this! Then I saw a few reviews on Amazon that were almost scathing.  Professional writers wrote about the book saying it was well, essentially crap. I was confused because I got a lot of feedback from others, saying the book was excellent, and it was exactly what they needed.  Of course, I wanted to believe this feedback, since people were talking about my baby, but I had this nagging idea in the back of my mind that I really did a disservice to everyone since I didnt get great reviews from everyone. Guess what?  I have to agree with the professional writers.  I cracked the book open with a pen, and started marking up the necessary changes.  I think I averaged 7 10 changes PER PAGE I cant believe the first edition went out like this! Okay, it wasnt that bad, but the second edition is going to be much, much better.  Heres my process:   Fix typos and grammar.  Tighten up the writing so it reads easier.  Done (I think) Reword sections that dont make sense.  I read and reread, and if I thought HUH???? I wrote rewrite.  Thats what Im doing today finishing up the rewrites.   Update the content.  In the last year there have been plenty of changes to LinkedIn thats the whole reason Im doing a second edition   I put a question on LinkedIn Answers asking what I missed in the first edition, and what should be in the second edition.  I got some excellent responses which Ill be sifting through the rest of this week and putting into the content of the book.  If you want a sneak peak of what might end up in the second edition of THE LinkedIn book, and what others think is important, go check out the LinkedIn Answers page with my question (and the answers, so far). By the way, did you know I have a blog behind the book ?  Its the Im on LinkedIn Now What??? blog!  Check it out! If YOU have any suggestions for the second edition of Im on LinkedIn Now What??? feel free to email me or leave a comment here I know the second edition is going to be way better than the first edition! This post is sponsored by Karen P. Katz, providing  CAREER MANAGEMENT and SUCCESS STRATEGIES for EXECUTIVES and PROFESSIONALS  Karen P. Katz is a career online identity strategist who promotes career change and success strategies for those seeking work/life balance.  Karen offers insight and practical solutions to career challenges based on 20+ years experience as an HR Generalist, Operations/Sales Manager, and Outplacement Career Management Consultant.         The Career Acceleration Network (CAN), LLC is the channel through with Karen implements cutting-edge strategies that effectively empower clients to take control of their long-term career goals. A proponent of life-long learning, Karen has earned industry certification as a Credentialed Career Manager; she was awarded a Masters in Adult Learning Organizational Development in 2005. Contact Karen at CareerAcceleration.net.  Karen blogs at Career Acceleration Notes, and is a JibberJobber Expert Partner.

The Role Of Technical Writing Skills On Resume

The Role Of Technical Writing Skills On ResumeHave you ever thought about acquiring some technical writing skills on resume? If so, you're not alone. There are a lot of people who feel that acquiring technical writing skills on resume will be helpful for all sorts of things. This is actually the right time to think about it.Technical writing skills on resume is a great way to convey your essence and knowledge about the subject. It also helps to enhance your resume and highlight your skill sets. In fact, a lot of people feel that they can't present themselves well in this regard because they don't have sufficient knowledge.Nonetheless, there are a number of aspects that you need to consider when you are compiling a brief list of the skills you possess in this regard. First of all, you need to know what the main aim of this kind of resume is.You have to be clear about what it is that you are trying to do with your technical resume. It can be a mere introduction to the skills and creden tials that you have acquired over the years, or it can be a statement on the strengths and the areas in which you can contribute to the company. Whatever it is, it is important to understand what it is that you are trying to convey.Now, it's also important to consider the length of the resume. Resumes are commonly of two formats. The first one is the chronological one and the second one is the one which feature short and sweet bullet points. These two formats are actually quite similar but if you're compiling a technical resume in a chronological format, it is important to ensure that your chronological resume doesn't leave out the details on the work experience and education.Now, technical writing skills on resume needs to be designed according to the requirements of the employer. Ifyou have a technical degree, this may be a reason why you need to give a detailed description of the skills and the work experience that you have acquired over the years. Likewise, if you don't have a t echnical degree, a brief mention of the work experience and the qualifications that you have acquired will suffice. Be concise in making this particular resume.Technical writing skills on resume can be also beneficial in other ways as well. It can be an added boost when seeking for employment in some places.This is because a long list of skills can make you appear too knowledgeable. You will be perceived as being a bit too obsessed with the task. Thus, it is important to build the resume by outlining the major skills, by listing the abilities and talents that you possess in a single list.

Smart Networking and the Art of the Ask - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Smart Networking and the Art of the Ask - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Knowing how to build your network is crucial, but knowing how to tap into your network for help is even more important. After all, if you cant get the help you need for yourself or for others from the people you know, where will you get it? Some people are reluctant to ask for help out of fear of looking helpless or a fear of rejection. But giving help is actually very natural. As Daniel Goleman wrote in Social Intelligence, Our brain has been preset for kindness. We automatically go to the aid of a child who is screaming in terror; we automatically hug a smiling baby. Such emotional impulses…elicit reactions in us that are unpremeditated and instantaneous. So when someone sees us in need at a primal level, they react automatically to ease our suffering. With a higher-order need like finding a job, however, were less likely to get help for it by screaming like a five-year old. The art of the ask Asking for help can be tricky because when someone isnt able to deliver on your request, it can cause negative feelings on both sides. On the other hand, asking for something that can be fulfilled creates positive feelings, which then strengthens the relationship and sets up an environment for more help to flow in the future. The key is to think relationship rather than transaction and put more thought into how the other person feels instead of what you immediately need. Four things to consider Here are four things to consider when asking your network for help: Make your request appropriate to the level of your relationship. Something your best friend might walk over broken glass to do for you may not be something a newly minted connection would be as amenable to. Jumping the gun could do long-term harm to both the relationship and your personal brand. Ideally, you should build and strengthen relationships before you need them, but if that isnt possible, then scale your request back a notch and incorporate one or more of the following tactics. Ask for something easy to give. It’s easier for someone to give you advice on how to position yourself for a job than it is to give you a job since few people have unfilled positions in their back pocket just waiting to hand over to you. However, most folks do love to share insights and experiences, and talking about things theyve done takes little effort. It does take time, though, so keep the time request small as well. Youll get more contacts to agree to a 15-minute phone chat than a two-hour lunch meeting even if you offer to pick up the tab. Take the pressure off. You never want people to feel badly  about not being able to help you, which could hurt the relationship in the long run.  Instead, always include a pressure-release valve with every request by saying something like, “I know you’re very busy, so if you’re not able to do this, I completely understand.” Or phrase your request differently by saying, “If you feel comfortable introducing me to John, I’d appreciate it,” rather than, “Can you introduce me to John tomorrow?” Be appreciative of any help you get and keep folks in the loop. Its a good habit to thank those who offer you help, to keep the goodwill in the relationship flowing. Also, let people know that youve followed up on their suggestions and tell them what the outcome was. When they see that youve taken action, you’re more likely to get more of their help in the  future. Smart networkers excel at getting the help they need from their contacts when they need it. They think carefully about who to ask and what to ask for. More importantly, they ask for help in a way that contributes to, rather than detracts from, the health of the relationship. Keeping that connection intact helps ensure that contact will be there in the future, long after this immediate need has passed. Author: Liz Lynch is founder of the  Center for Networking Excellence and  author of Smart Networking: Attract a Following In Person and Online (McGraw-Hill, 2008).  She writes, speaks and consults to experienced professionals on  how to seamlessly integrate social media and traditional networking to save time and accelerate results.

What You Need to Know About Yourself to Help You With (Workplace) Change Marla Gottschalk

What You Need to Know About Yourself to Help You With (Workplace) Change Marla Gottschalk The wind of change, whatever it is, blows most freely through an open mind. â€" Katharine Whitehorn Ive been told more than once, that Im not the best role model concerning change. (To be candid, I agree with the characterization.) I balk at the mere whiff of a change â€" holding on to hope that it wont ever come to pass. Then adjusting my course will not be necessary. Honestly, this can become a problem. As you may have read in this post, Ive struggled with even the smallest of changes, muddling along until the new normal finally appears. Until that moment, I feel somewhat annoyed and completely out of sync. For better or worse, my go to reaction is to keep my world frozen, until I can carefully consider every aspect of the situation. Unfortunately, holding time at bay usually isnt often an option. (This also irks me. Why cant things go at my pace?) Regardless, I firmly acknowledge the value of flexing our workplace change muscles. However, knowing ourselves is likely the very first place to look when building this skill set. I believe that we all have a leading predisposition when faced with change at work â€" representing both our collected experiences and temperament. Of course, this influences our leading strategy when reacting to change, as well. Thats where things get tricky. (If you manage others, just reflect on what this means for your team.) We need to come to an understanding of our own tendencies and recognize how this might affect our response. This realization, is a crucial step. As a consultant, who advocates for change â€" here are a few of the predispositions Ive observed over the years: Piners or Grievers. These individuals lament the coming of change, even when it is inevitable or necessary. They may grieve for the roles, policies, procedures and co-workers of days gone by. They do move on eventually â€" but often with decreased fulfillment, satisfaction and a measure of sadness. Researchers. An unbridled penchant to gather information is the leading response for this group â€" as looking at the issue from all angles often helps them move on. Unfortunately, a leading by-product of this view is analysis paralysis. Another issue: time may not be a negotiable. (This would be where I fall, although I pine at the start.) Supporters or Embracers. These individuals are generally open to change and feel excited to contemplate the future. They may not be the primary driver of change, yet are happy to see the possibilities and help things move forward. Alarmists. For these individuals an impending change triggers intense feelings of urgency. This could lead to premature or risky career behaviors that negatively affect them longer-term. (Such as quitting on a whim, etc.) Dreamers. This group always manages to see the best in the current situation, even when there is overwhelming evidence to move on and accept some kind of change. (I would add there is a mild level of complacency operating here). Because of this perspective, they might miss opportunities to properly plan a place for themselves in the new order of things. Observers. Usually quiet and calm, these individuals take a solid wait and see approach. They rarely panic â€" and prefer to watch things unfold organically. They might superficially support the change, but may eventually exit if the change eventually is perceived as negative. Aggressors or Terminators. These individuals feel anger when they are faced with an unexpected change. They may become a strong “naysayer”, vehemently opposing a change and could exhibit negative behaviors without reflection. After I drafted these, I searched for other frameworks that capture how we process change. I happened upon the Kubler-Ross Change Curve, which applies the seminal model of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross concerning grief, to change efforts within organizations. (This theory states that we all move through specified phases when dealing with change, rather than identifying a leading emotion that we deal with over time.) I thought it wise to mention it here. Where do you fall? Have I missed your leading orientation toward change? Share your style in comments. Dr. Marla Gottschalk is an Industrial Organizational Psychologist.  She is a Consulting Psychologist at Allied Talent. A charter member of the LinkedIn Influencer Program, her posts on workplace topics have appeared at The Huffington Post, US News World Report and The World Economic Forum

Should You Include High School On Your Resume?

Should You Include High School On Your Resume?Most people think that it is a good idea to include high school on your resume. This is not always the case. There are certain things that you will want to remember when it comes to high school and resume writing.As with most listings, lists are made up of names, titles, and dates. The problem with listing this on your resume is that you may not be able to access the information in the future. This can be a headache to deal with, but that does not mean that you should not list this on your resume. High school is a very important part of the education process.First off, there are a lot of people who forget that this is what the resume is for. You should keep in mind that this is the tool that you will use to get your job application through the door. It will be used by hiring managers as they review resumes and pick out the right candidates. They will not be interested in learning the day to day life of the candidate.The best way to determ ine what the company is looking for is to look at the job description that they provide and then see if you fit into the description. If you do not, then you should think about listing that information. You do not want to miss out on this opportunity because you are not focusing on the important parts of the information.The second thing to keep in mind when it comes to listing the high school experience is that you need to make sure that you list your education and your work experience. You want to highlight all of the achievements that you have had. By doing this, it is easier to show that you have learned new skills and have increased your knowledge in different areas. You should also go into detail about your education and work history.When it comes to how to make sure that you include high school experience on your resume, you need to consider what you will want to write on the first section. You should include all of the education that you have received and then list any certif ications that you have received. This is an important point because you want to be sure that you list the education that you have received and those that you have earned. With the certifications that you have received, it is good to mention these as well.The next thing that you want to consider is what type of skills you may have on a daily basis needs to be included. For example, you may have worked on a roofing crew. This is something that you could list here as a way to show that you have a good work history. However, if you do not work with your hands, you may want to write down those hobbies or interests that you have that could be of interest to the company that you are applying to.The main thing to remember when it comes to listing high school experience on your resume is that you should focus on the important points. Do not let the information that you have been listed with on the resume fall by the wayside. If you do not add the important information to your resume, you wil l find that you have to redo your resume multiple times over the course of your career.

Learn How to Write a Resume

Learn How to Write a ResumeYou want to learn how to write a resume and you really do want to have the skills that employers look for. However, how will you be able to learn how to write a resume if you don't have a good resource to follow? Let's take a look at some tips on what you can do.The first thing you should do when trying to learn how to write a resume is to organize your materials properly. This means reviewing the contents of your documents. If they are not organized, the chances are that the employer will not be able to find anything important in your information.If you are unsure about what information to include in your application, you should spend some time thinking about what you are trying to achieve with the information you have. You may not necessarily need all of it. You can adjust as necessary, but this will help you in the long run.It is very easy to get overwhelmed by your documents, so you should make sure that you know exactly what you want to include in them . This way, you will be able to focus on other things and not waste any time trying to organize them later. It will also help you focus on the important information on your resume.There is no such thing as a perfect resume. You should write each one as you go along. The more time you put into making a resume, the better it will be.Another important aspect of writing a resume is to make sure that the information is correct. While it can be tempting to skip this step, you should pay close attention to every sentence and paragraph you write. If you are unsure about a particular section of your document, make sure you look it up in the correct place.The last and most important thing to do before beginning to write a resume is to read it over several times. Think about each part carefully and try to figure out if it is right or not. Doing this will help you to work out any problems before they become serious problems.Finally, write as many resumes as you can. Each one should be written c ompletely differently from the one before it. This will help you perfect your craft and will give you the knowledge to produce more resumes.

Why Do Some Hiring Managers Ignore Candidates After an Interview

Why Do Some Hiring Managers Ignore Candidates After an Interview Have you ever been in a situation where you had an interview that you thought went well, but then didn’t hear back from the hiring manager? You are not alone. Many job seekers have found themselves “ghosted” by companies they were eager to work for. They assume they must have done something to influence this outcome and they rack their brains trying to figure out what happened. More often than not, the reason has little to do with something within the candidate’s control and everything to do with something going on in the company. Here are a few such scenarios.You are not their top choice. Interviewing is competitive, and it’s not unusual to find yourself in a position where you are not the top candidate for the role. While you wait anxiously for a response to your most recent follow-up email reiterating your interest in the role, the hiring manager may be negotiating an offer with another candidate. If that candidate does not accept the role, they may circle back to you, but they will most likely remain silent during this process so they don’t forfeit the chance to offer you the role if the other candidate declines.A business situation has taken precedent over the interview process. Interviewing is not the main responsibility of most hiring managers. And while we would like to think that filling a role is their number one priority, often it is not. Business challenges must be dealt with, and this could be the reason for the delay responding to you.The viability of the job is being questioned. A lot can happen in between the time a job is first posted and the interview process concludes. Funding for the position can be pulled, the company can decide that the original job description is no longer aligned with their needs, or a hiring manager can determine that none of the candidates adequately meet the requirements of the job and they may start from scratch with a new description or even a new job title.The hiring manager is inundated with candidates. In some cases, the hiring authority just doesn’t have the bandwidth to communicate with every candidate. And if you aren’t a top candidate for consideration, they will probably keep their communications to those who are.So what can you do about these situations? Try to find creative ways to stay top-of-mind with the hiring manager and/or anyone you met during the interview process. In addition to your general follow-up, see if they are open to connecting on LinkedIn and try to engage with them there. Or send an email with some information that is relevant to their business needs or make mention of recent company wins to show your continued interest in them as an employer. If you landed the interview through your network, touch base with your contacts and let them know that you haven’t heard back. They may be able to offer some insights regarding what is going on internally that may have led to the silence. And finally, don’t let the lack of response get you down or slow down your progress in your search. The more you reach out to people, the greater the likelihood that you will find people willing to engage and excited by your candidacy.

Is Professional Networking the New Social Media

Is Professional Networking the New Social Media Ah, technology. Its engrained in our DNA, its been talked about way too many times, and we get it. Wed all rather be on our smartphones right now anyway. The rise of social media has dominated our lives, and we definitely use it to our benefit â€" to connect, to hunt for jobs, to learn and to find guidance. This increasing media usage has led to the belief that professional organizations may be starting to look outdated, even old-school. In Buzz Marketing Groups survey “Professional Organizations Study 2015,” respondents left these older organizations for the following reasons: 37 percent saw no value in the organization 45 percent said it was too expensive to participate 35 percent said the group wasnt made up of peers theyd like to associate with 31 percent felt that groups did not have enough technology 27 percent said there was a lack of curation Sixty-seven percent of millennials said theyd join an organization founded by peers of a similar age â€" organizations like YEC and FounderSociety. These groups address the needs and concerns of millennials, and as a result, they have accelerated in growth and sparked a new interest in professional organizations. Were caught up in this web of new and social media. According to Nielsen, we think technology use is the most defining feature of our generation. Theres no such thing as too much technology for us anymore. As reflected in the stats above, were often unsure of the benefits of joining these old organizations. We feel like they wont be tailored to our needs and concerns. If they are, it can be one of the best decisions you make for your future. Want to know why? Heres five reasons: Social Gains Imagine yourself in a room with people who all have the same interests as you. Wouldnt it be great to talk and debate about what you love with a bunch of like-minded individuals? Youd walk away with some new insights and possibly even new friends. Professional organizations have always been about networking, whether theyre outdated or not. Any form of communication within a professional organization â€" be it through joining LinkedIn, attending a conference or solving problems with your peers â€" is key. They say money makes the world go round, which is up for dispute â€" but if theres one thing we cant live without, its social capital. Establishing meaningful and trusting relationships with leaders and colleagues can help you achieve your goals. Broadening Your Knowledge When you join a professional organization, you further your career by one main action, and thats learning. You can get access to educational resources provided directly by the organization, including newsletters, research and seminars. Within these resources, leaders in the industry often share their thoughts on the latest trends, practices and innovations. Its all there, right under your fingertips. The more you learn about your organization and its place in the world, the more youll stay ahead of your competition. Job Opportunities Successful networking within a professional organization can land you in the job youve always dreamed about. Your mentors, colleagues or bosses can connect you to people who are on the hunt for your unique skillset. Most professional organizations provide job listings to their members, so take advantage of this. Exclusive Perks As millennials, we like exclusivity â€" we want to feel special. Theres no shortage of that feeling in a professional organization, especially due to the perks of joining one. Many organizations offer things only available to members, such as access to resources, invite-only events, deals and discounts, and health care and travel benefits. Theyll do just about anything to make you feel like a part of the community. Giving Back to the Community Its one thing to feel a sense of belonging in a community, but its another to use your skills and expertise to give back to that community. Organizations often coordinate with local charities and service groups. Some even allow members like you to speak or teach in nonprofit organizations. We millennials love charity, and the sense of giving ones wealth, be it financial or personal, to a place where its needed more. As it turns out, maybe were not so shy when it comes to joining professional organizations. What matters more, however, is whether theyre tailored to what we know and are able to work with. Technology has held a special place for all of our lives. We hold our peers close, whether near or far, and we use these two things to enhance our careers. Millennial should keep these things in mind when considering career expectations. Once were certain these can be met, we will certainly become active and engaged members of professional networking groups.