Are You Out of Work During the Pandemic and On LinkedIn?

Recently, I’ve been seeing the green frame with #OPENTOWORK appear on more and more profile pictures on LinkedIn.

This only confirmed for me what I’d been hearing from many colleagues and reading in the media that the pandemic and its accompanying recession are relentlessly hitting home to many.

What makes this situation even more heart wrenching for me is that many of these LinkedIn profiles go about advertising their owners’ unfortunate situation in all the wrong ways.

Let’s talk about this!

Normally, I advise clients not to celebrate their unemployed status on LinkedIn.

Once they no longer are employed, I normally recommend either being self-employed or working with a non-profit.

Anything but showing themselves as not doing anything but looking for work. 

Like it or not, the longer someone has gone without work, the more inclined potential employers are to either wonder what’s wrong with them or try to nickel and dime them on the salary.

Sadly, older workers seem to be affected the most here.

There is a setting in Data Privacy on the LinkedIn profile which alerts recruiters that you’re open to be approached.

I have always encouraged people looking for work to set this accordingly.

Now, there’s that green frame for your profile picture.

And I’m alright with people using that to advertise their status.

What I’m not alright with is people descending into the pathos of their situation and coming across as desperate.

I’m not trying to be heartless here.

I know people are hurting, I know some of them personally.

But, if someone is looking for a job, especially in these challenging times, then the winning strategy is still highlighting the value that they bring to the table.

Hollywood productions aside, no one gets hired because someone feels sorry for them.

I know it’s not fair, but I don’t make the rules. 

The secret to surviving in these times and finding a job is having a great LinkedIn profile, using it properly, and networking like there’s no tomorrow.

Being flexible and willing to reinvent yourself don’t hurt either.

I’ve done it several times in my own career and doing so got me out of several situations before they turned into the next Titanic.

For those of you who are still gainfully employed currently, please try to reach out and help those who aren’t.

Maybe you can’t hire anyone or even know of any openings but sometimes just taking a call and sharing your industry knowledge is all it takes to help someone through a particularly rough day.

Remember, someday, it could be you on the other end of that call.

Think about it! 

That’s it for now!

Please check out my 8 step approach for developing a social media program for more ideas on how to use social media.

Also, never forget to reach out to either ask questions or to ask for help from someone like myself! In the meantime, thank you for following and reading my blog.

I look forward to any and all comments that you may have. I will reply to any comments made to this blog post as promptly as I can.

And, remember!

I do this for a living and if I can be of any assistance to either you or your organization, please feel free to call on me. Our initial discussion will be of no charge to you.

I can also be reached at conpsweeney@someddi.com.

My Twitter handle is @conpsweeney.

Stay well!