How to Reorder Work Experience on LinkedIn in 6 Simple Steps

When I'm advising professionals on sharpening their personal brand --  particularly when it comes to their resume, bio and LinkedIn profile -- my number one tip is to move eye-catching, results-based achievements to the top.

For all the many wonderful attributes of LinkedIn, it insists on complete chronology with work experience, so whatever job you're in right now sits up top. Then the last job you held, and so on. It doesn't matter if you were the President of the United States and now you're a professional apple picker ... CEO will be listed second, with your picking profession center stage.

Which is dandy if you're putting politics aside for greener orchards (no one could blame you, really), but if you're looking for a more professional image as you charge back into the working world (or change industries, de-emphasize a short-term job, or after a downsizing) there's a simple way to place your top accomplishments front-and-center.

6 Simple Steps to Reorder Work Experience on LinkedIn

1. Log into your LinkedIn, click "Profile," then "Edit Profile."

2. Scroll to "Experience," and click "Add a Position."

3. On the "Company Name" tab, type a broad category you want to emphasize. For example:
~Marketing Strategist
~Human Resources Professional
~Financial Consultant
~You could even go with something like "Career Highlights" or "Industry Experience." 

4. On the "Title" tab, type in a little descriptive. Think of it as a subheading instead of a job title. For example:
~ Company Name: Healthcare Marketing
~ Job Title: Key Career Achievements

5. On the "Time Period" tab, input a start time that best describes whatever you've categorized. So if you've been in your current field for 10 years, input "2004" for start time. The most important factor is that you input the end time after the next position that comes up! So if you resigned from your last position in May 2014, the end time for this position should be June 2014 or after. Yes, there will be crossover with other jobs, and that's okay. You're not claiming this is an official job you held ... you're listing work experience.

6. On the "Description" tab, include whatever you need to highlight. For example:
~Heartstrong Medical Company: created brand strategy resulting in new product sales of $40 billion.
It doesn't matter if that particular achievement was back in 2002, and you've held 2 different jobs since then. If it's something that needs to be said first, put it right up top.

One point upon which I want to be completely clear: I'm not encouraging you to fudge details on your LinkedIn (or anywhere.) In fact, I strongly encourage you to fact-check all your information for honesty and accuracy throughout LinkedIn and on your resume.

From a personal branding perspective, you must position your career results and achievements in a way that will intrigue a future employer. When you look at the scope of your entire career, success isn't necessarily sequential. So don't let a little technical obstacle on one of the top professional resources on the internet keep you from putting your best foot forward, right at the top of the page.

For a few more tips about pumping up your personal brand on LinkedIn, visit here and here. And if you need a little professional assistance getting that LinkedIn profile in order, send me a note at amyATamymacwritesDOTcom.

Have a great week!

Don't miss a post! Subscribe here:

Enter your email address:


Delivered by

Back to Work Blog Series: 5 Steps to Confident, Smarm-Free Networking

Welcome back to the Amy Mac Blog Series Back to Work: Everything You Need to Know to Get Back in Business — a playbook of strategies to dust off your skills, your resume and your moxie as you change careers, launch a business, or head from the mom force to the work force. Catch up on previous posts here.

In the last post we talked about steps to Crafting a Winning Resume -- today, we're talking about how to network strategically (without feeling like an infomercial salesman) and land that perfect job.

Now that have several important building blocks in place — the 30-second pitch, your resume, trend awareness and social media — it’s time to start building your network in earnest. In my experience, women who have been out of the work force for a while (or are switching careers) tend to quickly discount current connections as viable networking opportunities.

Recently, an accountant friend ready to make the leap back into full-time work said “a dad on my son’s baseball team is a VP in marketing at a local Fortune 500 company. But since he’s in marketing, I’m sure he isn’t be able to help me land an accounting job.” Let’s dispel that myth once and for all: first, I’m sure the company has an accounting department. Second, as a local business leader, he likely has a personal accountant and knows several more.

Start building your network as soon as you begin thinking of returning to work — you’ll be amazed at how many opportunities find their way to you. If your scene has been more playgroup than boardroom the last few years, the options might seem overwhelming. Start with these five tried-and-true networking strategies:

Design a Digital and Traditional Business Card. Make it easy on any contacts who want to stay in touch. There are many options online to design and print business cards. Have some very simple cards printed with your name, contact information and your industry with the word “freelance consultant” after. For example, a retiring teacher looking to continue to work part-time in some capacity would say “Education Freelance Consultant.” Take the same information and create a digital signature for all of your emails.

Pitch to Personal Networks.  Armed with your 30-second pitch and your business cards, start letting everyone you know you’re back on the professional market. This is a time to make an expansive list — everyone from your neighborhood, church friends, parents on the sidelines at your kids’ sporting events, to colleagues you worked with 10 years ago should be on this list.

Connect at Professional Networking Events. Almost every local Chamber of Commerce holds a monthly networking event, not to mention local chapters of various industry associations. These events cost about the same as a typical lunch at a restaurant, and are usually full of leading local professionals smart enough to keep their eyes and ears open for potential new talent.

Invest in Professional and Personal Development Seminars. Seminars on sharpening career and life skills are everywhere these days. Find one that piques your interest and invest in the fee — not only is it an excellent networking opportunity, but it’s also a new skill for your resume.

Scan Local Newspapers and Calendar of Events Listings. Most newspapers have “Calendar of Events” listings. Some of them even helpfully section out the business-related events. Make a point of reading these at least once a week to stay abreast of networking opportunities that will further your job search.

Remember ... when you have a networking opportunity you must have a goal in mind. For example, if you’re at a Chamber meeting, be determined to meet at least 3 new people, learn what they do, give them your pitch, and exchange contact information. Otherwise, it’s easy to settle in at the table for lunch and be monopolized by your seat mate.

And if you’re nervous about pitching to an acquaintance, try the soft-sale approach: ask them a question about their business (something like “what do you do in a typical work day?” or “who are some of your clients I might recognize?”) which then segues nicely into you telling them about your skill sets and career goals.

And don’t get discouraged if you don’t get any bites right away. I have people that I met weeks, months even years ago reach out and say “not sure if you remember me, but I need some help writing a news release…”, so just keep on networking — even after you land that dream job!

Next up in the Back to Work Blog Series: You're already a CEO ... here's how to use it in the working world.

Thanks for reading! (and please ... if you have any questions related to going back to work, send them my way!)

Don't miss a post! Subscribe here:

Enter your email address:


Delivered by

Back to Work Blog Series: The Secrets to an Attention-Grabbing Resume

Welcome back to the Amy Mac Blog Series Back to Work: Everything You Need to Know to Get Back in Business — a playbook of strategies to dust off your skills, your resume and your moxie as you change careers, launch a business, or head from the mom force to the work force. Catch up on previous posts here.

In the last post we talked about becoming a social media powerhouse -- how to use social media to stay in the conversation in your industry, find job leads and establish yourself as a competitive, knowledgeable professional in any field.

Today, we're talking about how to craft a winning resume ...

Pulling together an impressive, cohesive resume can be one of the trickiest parts of landing the right job when you’ve been away from the career world for a time. Not only must you make sure your resume is relevant with current achievements, it’s essential to set yours apart from the scads of impressive resumes floating around in today’s competitive job market.

Here’s a tip: treat your resume like a 30-second television advertising spot. Copywriters are paid big, Madison Avenue bucks to distill a message using the most captivating words and phrases to convince the consumer do one thing: buy their product. And they only have 30 seconds to make it happen - which is about the same amount of time you have to capture the attention of your potential boss.

So when you sit down to spiff up that all-important document, pretend you’re a modern-day Peggy Olson on Mad Men. You’re on deadline, the competition is nipping at your heels, and your job depends on knocking this ad out of the ballpark (because it does.)

The Secrets to an Attention-Grabbing Resume:

Develop a clear objective. Have you ever seen a commercial and wondered “are they selling apple juice, facial cream, or trying to convince me miniature pigs are delightful household companions?” Make it easy for your audience: state your objective in clear, simple terms. Want a leadership role as a health care recruiter? Say so. Looking for an entry-level position as a public relations specialist? Put it in writing. Main goal in life to be a trainer of miniature pigs? Ah …. I might leave that out.

Be results oriented. There’s a reason advertisers spout statistics like “preferred by 4 out of 5 dentists”: it proves positive results. You’re more likely to capture attention if you say “led team to a 40 percent increase in sales in the last 12 months” than if you simply say “increased sales.” In this situation, you want solid numbers where you increased profits for the company, or saved them a lot of cash.

Discover and use “Flash Words.” Target audiences tend to have “flash words” – words that make them take notice, make their heart race … and make them want to jump in their car and rush to buy what the advertiser is selling. Good flash words for any resume are: leader, results-oriented, award-winning, and summa cum laude. (I’m just saying, that couldn’t hurt.)

Be a Benefit. Effective commercials start by telling you how their product will improve your life, and your resume should focus on how your skills will improve your new place of business. Ask around and see if you can discover anything about the job you seek – did the last assistant show up late every morning, resulting in her ultimate demise? Emphasize your attention to detail, organization, and punctuality. Are they seeking someone to lead a team in a new endeavor? Clearly state your recent experiences in leadership in new product development.

Brag, and be quick about it. Once you’ve shown them how much they need you, it’s time for your hard sell. Your resume is one place where it is essential to boast about your accomplishments. This is not the time to hide the fact you were quoted as an expert in the Wall Street Journal on page 3, deep in the “personal interests” section. Nope, that goes right up at the top of the resume – set the tone quickly so the reader is intrigued enough to keep reading.

Resumes are your calling card into the business world. Ask yourself: if this were a 30-second commercial, would I jump in my car, rush to the store, and buy this product? Using the above tips will vault your resume into the “must interview” list – no matter what your dream job.

Peggy would be so proud.

Next up in the Back to Work Blog Series: Network Like You Mean It.

Thanks for reading! (and please ... if you have any questions related to going back to work, send them my way!)

Don't miss a post! Subscribe here:

Enter your email address:


Delivered by

Back to Work Blog Series: Becoming a Powerhouse on Social Media

Welcome back to the Amy Mac Blog Series Back to Work: Everything You Need to Know to Get Back in Business — a playbook of strategies to dust off your skills, your resume and your moxie as you change careers, launch a business, or head from the mom force to the work force. Catch up on previous posts here.

In the last post we talked about mastering the buzz of your business ... meaning if it's trending in your industry you can spout statistics, give your opinion, and talk about how a national trend affects the local market. And a great spot to show you're in the know is through social media.

For many people, social media was just taking hold when they stepped off the career track. Today it's a critical component in a job search, providing prospective job hunters a convenient way to jump back into the conversation. Not only can you gather information by being active on social media, you can prove you have an understanding of using different social media sites to drive key messages (a requirement for many jobs these days), all while staying in the conversation with key industry players. Follow these steps to building your social media presence ... done well, it could provide the connection to landing your perfect job:

5 Steps to Becoming a Powerhouse on Social Media

Prioritize your engagement. There are so many social media opportunities, so many sites, so many platforms it can be overwhelming. Determine which sites best meet your needs and focus your efforts there.

Linked In. This is a must for any job hunter. Set up your profile here first and start connecting with everyone you know that already has an account. From there, you'll find connections in the industry. Before you know it, you'll have an extended virtual network spouting job opportunities right and left. 

Twitter. Twitter is fast becoming the top social media trendsetter and trend-spotting site, but I only recommend a presence on Twitter if you plan to “tweet” and engage frequently — at a minimum twice a day.

Facebook. Most folks use Facebook as a way to connect with long-lost friends and as easy, mindless entertainment versus as a way to do business. Your focus here depends entirely on your industry. It’s the perfect venue for retail, restaurants, photographers and writers because photos, specials, sales, insider information on specials, along with easy-to-read, funny or informative articles allow users to keep the relaxed vibe.

Pinterest & Tumblr.  Sites like Pinterest and Tumblr are fantastic if you're in a image-dominate industry. For example, if you’re planning to jump back into retail or interior design, building boards on Pinterest allow you to cultivate and display your taste online. For industries like accounting or banking, it’s unlikely these sites will contribute significantly to your mission, so consider them a hobby and use your time accordingly.

Write one consistent bio and post it to every site. A succinct, captivating bio (sometimes called executive profile) is a very brief overview of who you are and what you do -- and a critical piece in the personal marketing toolkit. The trick to hitting the sweet spot with a professional bio is being relatable in a compelling way. Aim for a bio that piques — and holds — the reader’s interest, encouraging them to want to know you a little better, and ultimately become a loyal member of your audience. 

A charming photograph beats a faceless Avatar. While a professional headshot is preferable, if you aren’t ready to invest in a professional photo session, have a friend take a shoulder-up photo of you after you apply your makeup, touch up your highlights and just generally get spiffy. You don’t necessarily have to be in professional dress, but wear something that exudes your ability to step back into the world of customer connection.

Set up a schedule and stick to it. Don’t take the time to set up your profile on social media sites then ignore them for weeks or months at a time. Set a schedule to post and interact on that site, then stick to it.

Follow trends on social media. Search for leaders on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Linked In. Not only will these sites provide relevant content, data and trends, many also post job openings.

Next up in the Back to Work Blog Series: The Secrets to an Attention-Grabbing Resume.

Thanks for reading! (and please ... if you have any questions related to going back to work, send them my way!)

Don't miss a post! Subscribe here:

Enter your email address:


Delivered by

Back to Work Blog Series: 4 Easy Steps to Master Your Industry's Buzz

Welcome back to the Amy Mac Blog Series Back to Work: Everything You Need to Know to Get Back in Business — a playbook of strategies to dust off your skills, your resume and your moxie as you change careers, launch a business, or head from the mom force to the work force. Catch up on previous posts here.

In the last post we talked about closing the gap in your resume ... an essential step when you've been away from the work force for an extended time. But you can't stop at closing that gap on paper. To prove in an interview or at a networking function you aren't completely out-of-touch with your industry, you need to master the buzz of your biz.

What's that exactly? It means if it’s trending in your industry you can talk knowledgeably on the subject. You can spout statistics, give your opinion, and talk about how a national trend affects the local market. Thanks to a number of easy-to-access resources, no additional training, certifications or degrees are needed to get up to speed on the leading trends, industry buzzwords and current challenges the industry is facing.

Incorporate these 4 resources into your daily or weekly routine whenever possible, and you'll find yourself in-the-know in no time:

Read the local paper. Search for articles applicable to your industry several times a week. This keeps you in touch with important happenings, and how they translate to your local market — and might just give you job leads down the road.

Subscribe to trade publications. Let’s face it: not all trade publications are created equal. I recommend finding the leading trades in your industry and taking out a short-term subscription. While you’re judging how relevant the content is for your needs, you’re gaining knowledge that will provide conversation starters as you network.

Read top blogs for your industry. A quick internet search with the terms “top blogs + [your industry]” will turn up several sites that rank blogs by subscribers and other tools like Alexa ratings. Find national and local blogs for your industry, and read them frequently.

Set up informational interviews with professionals in the industry. Staying in touch with industry news consistently for several months before you jump back into the workforce not only prepares you for potential interview questions, it also shows you any gaps in experience you need to fill while giving you an excuse to reach out to leaders in the industry. If they hear of a job opening, it’s likely they’ll keep you in mind.

Next up in the Back to Work Blog Series: Becoming a Social Media Powerhouse.

Thanks for reading! (and please ... if you have any questions related to going back to work, send them my way!)

Don't miss a post! Subscribe here:

Enter your email address:


Delivered by

Back to Work Blog Series: Closing the Gap in Your Resume

Welcome back to the Amy Mac Blog Series Back to Work: Everything You Need to Know to Get Back in Business — a playbook of strategies to dust off your skills, your resume and your moxie as you change careers, launch a business, or head from the mom force to the work force. Catch up on previous posts here.

In the last post, we developed a "Plan of Attack" for your return to the working world ... a set of questions and considerations that hopefully helped you determine your ideal work situation. With your set of ideals in hand, now it's time to start preparing for that dreaded task: updating your resume, perhaps for the first time in years.

Explaining a ten-year gap in a resume or building a client base as a freelancer is easier if you have amassed some relevant professional experience in the last 6 months. But how do you gain the experience you need to fill the gap in the resume?

Volunteer.

Ah, I could feel you cringing from here. “My time is too important to work for free!”

I feel your pain, but before you get those high-paying assignments or land the coveted corporate job, you must prove you are up to the task. And volunteering is a great way to do it.

Before I jumped back into the working world:                                                                          

I led the publicity efforts for the local Junior League’s efforts to promote its annual American Girl fundraiser.

I wrote several articles for high-profile websites (including one on building your resume to get back into the work force. Read it here.)

I led the publicity efforts for a political re-election campaign, including a fundraiser with U.S. Senator Bob Corker.

I wrote feature articles for an award-winning alumnae publication.

I handled publicity for the PTA, with great results (for the school. I think I got an eye twitch, but that’s another story.)

I did it all for free. Volunteering is a smart way to do some feel-good work while building your experience — no matter if you’re a writer, an accountant or a photographer. There are lots of non-profits and small businesses who could use a hand, so offer your expertise in exchange for a great reference, beef for your resume or as a way to expand your contacts.

Incidentally, in every instance I listed above, it either translated to a paying job or has given me an invaluable contact in building my business.

No matter your future plans, try volunteering — it sharpens skills you already have, builds skills you need, is a great social outlet, and best of all … it is incredibly rewarding to make a contribution to an organization that might not exist without the help of volunteers.

Looking for ideas on where to volunteer? Start with your local:

Junior League
PTA
Alumnae associations
Religious organizations
Small businesses
Non-Profits
Civic organizations
Neighborhood associations

Next up in the Back to Work series: Mastering the Buzz of your Biz.

Thanks for reading ~

Don't miss a post! Subscribe here:

Enter your email address:


Delivered by

Back to Work Blog Series: Your Plan of Attack

Welcome to the Amy Mac Blog Series Back to Work: Everything You Need to Know to Get Back in Business — a playbook of strategies to dust off your skills, your resume and your moxie as you change careers, launch a business, or head from the mom force to the work force.

If you’re considering returning to work after a long absence (or changing careers, or starting a new business) you may be asking yourself “where do I start?” and “will anyone consider hiring me?”

More and more businesses are recognizing how a game-changing, motivated team player often comes packaged as a former stay-at-home mom or a retiree. They are less concerned with what you have been doing the last 10 years ... and more excited about what you bring to the table today.

The first step in a successful career move is to take some time to consider your ideal work situation. 

Here’s why: when searching for a job, especially if you have been away from the work force for a while, you must project focus, commitment and passion. You can accomplish this by putting some thought behind what you bring to the table, what sets you apart from the competition, and a plan for how you will make your career work within your various life constraints.

In short, you need a Plan of Attack.

So grab a pad of paper, a pen and an hour or two of solitude and answer a few questions:

What are your professional and personal skills? Create a laundry list of thingsyou do well — everything from your accounting degree to your photography skills to your ability to cook a mean Spaghetti Carbonara. Taking stock of all your attributes will not only help as you write cover letters, but will also open your eyes to opportunities you might not have considered.

What’s your motivation to go back to work? Money, independence, creative or intellectual outlet, divorce/major life change, the kids are older? Be clear about why you’re working to eliminate any number of seemingly great opportunities that don’t meet your needs.

What are the ideal hours you plan to work? Do you want to go back full-time, or ease back two days a week? Can you work 5 days a week, but need to leave by 3 p.m.? Can you work full-time, but need to work from home? You may not be able to devise a perfect schedule, but if you clarify your ideal you will be in a better position to negotiate.

What’s your minimum salary requirement? Tabulate expenses you’re more likely to incur once you go back to work — like childcare, housekeeping, gas mileage and eating more meals out. When you start from no paycheck, anything can seem like you’ve struck gold … only to discover you’re really not taking home much at all after the additional expenses.

How far are you willing to travel to work? Living in a busy metropolis like Atlanta, for example, can severely limit on-site job options when a ten-mile drive could take an hour or more during rush hour. Decide what your best option is for location, then decide the outer limits you’re willing to commute.

Are you available for travel, weekends and evening events if needed? This is something required by many jobs, from corporate to retail, so it’s important to consider the potential impact on your family life.

By defining your ideal work situation, you create a focus that helps you land the right job to create a work/life balance. Will you get every single item on your work wish list? Maybe not, but by defining those attributes that add up to the perfect job for you, you will come much closer to landing a job with a majority of those “love to have” items.

Keep this Plan of Attack handy — it becomes the foundation for everything related to the search for your ideal job: how you write your resume, what networking events you attend, even how you engage on social media.

Next up in the Back to Work series: Closing the Gap on your Resume.

Thanks for reading ~

Don't miss a post! Subscribe here:

Enter your email address:


Delivered by