How Linkedin are You?: Tips for Maximizing Your Career Profile Online bY dIReCToR, CAReeR deVeLoPmeNT beTsY duNhAm Have you ever heard the saying, “Don’t talk about it, be about it”? This is exactly what hiring managers and recruiters would tell you about your Linkedin profile—“Don’t tell me what you have done, show me!” An incomplete profile is an untold story. Start with your photo—put a face to that name! Use a high-quality photo of only you (no friends or cats) dressed professionally facing forward. (Selfies are for Facebook and Snapchat!) Use your headline to gain attention but don’t go overboard; try something like, “Effective sales associate who has exceeded sales goals four years running!” or “MBA student seeking an opportunity in sales and marketing.” Your summary is where your story is really told. Speak to your passion and the assets that you will bring to your employer. Don’t forget to add in a fun fact or two about yourself: Are you crafty? Do you tango? Tell ’em about it! Use keywords and phrases that hiring managers and recruiters might search for such as “product management” or “case management.” Be sure to add a link to your e-portfolio if available. Be strategic when listing your experiences. Consider this your online resume. List what you were responsible for and what you accomplished and always add dates. Share work that is more difficult to highlight on your resume such as photos, writing samples, links to videos and/or projects. Look around at what keywords other professionals in your field are using and insert these wherever possible. Add these keywords to skills you can be endorsed for by others in your network. Every time you’re endorsed, this is someone saying, “Look, Linkedin, she’s good at this!” Once identified, use these keywords to identify new contacts and ask them to connect. You can also use these keywords to identify groups that you should join. Join groups in your field so that you can keep up on what people are talking about, share articles relevant to the business or trade. Keeping current helps you stay in the know and will make a strong impression at interviews and networking events. And don’t forget to join the SVC site for more tips and job opportunities: Southern Vermont College Alumni. (Make sure it’s the ‘university’ page.) Now, you’re Linkedin!
GivinG BAcK At svc: stUdents rAise moneY to invest in commUnitY The McCormick Division of Business’ Philanthropy course, Investing in the Community, continues to be a popular class. Professor Jeb Gorham reported that a generous $5,000 funding commitment from The Bank of Bennington will continue for a fourth straight year. The Bank's funding has helped SVC students grant $15,000 to nine local organizations over past semesters. This spring, Philanthropy students will not only develop philanthropic funding campaigns from idea generation through requests for proposals to grant awards, but also work to collaboratively write a grant with a local non-profit organization. More importantly, students this year will work to leverage additional funding for their grant-making, with the goal to at least match the Bank’s level of funding this year. Three teams are working with SVC’s Development Office on different leveraging campaigns: small matching grants, crowd funding and targeted donors.
AnnUAl FUnd donor sPoTLIghT
WhY i Give: gReg WINTeRhALTeR
hUmAnities ProFessor since 1985 “I donate to SVC because I strongly believe in the mission of the College. It is a big part of my life; even small to modest donations are helpful for a tuition-driven school. I try to support many causes and not-for-profit institutions—SVC is on the top of my list.”
Alums, Get Linkedin! join the southern vermont college linkedin network and learn what over 1,500 followers are up to! stay connected with professionals in your field and learn about new job opportunities! make sure you go to the university page called southern vermont college and link with it!
svc/sjc chronicle
13