New LinkedIn Tools & Apps for YOU
Resume Builder, JobsInsider, and Portfolio Display
There is no such thing as a “magic bullet” in job search. It takes daily dedication, determination and a great attitude while networking outside of your comfort zone. That said, there are new tools that help make smaller tasks a bit easier. I’ve written and spoken about the benefits of LinkedIn for a couple of years now and the tool continues to evolve and thrive in the job search, business development, networking and staffing arenas.
Check out 3 LinkedIn Tools and Apps:
1. Resume Builder: Start with this link: http://resume.linkedinlabs.com/. For this app to work most effectively, you need to have a fairly complete profile as it automatically pulls your profile information into a resume display. You can then toggle between 11 template styles including Classic, Executive, Business, Law and others. Then, Outline Mode allows you to rearrange or delete categories.
Advantages: The builder is quick and easy to use. It converts to .PDF which means it is portable and can be used, sent and uploaded outside of LinkedIn. I do like that it formats your profile information in a resume style which can give you a fresh perspective on how your content may be coming across to viewers. That said, I believe the cons outweigh the pros on this one.
Drawbacks: To edit the resume content you have to edit your actual LinkedIn profile which creates a mirror image of the two. In other words, there’s no way to have a resume that isn’t basically an exact replica of your full LinkedIn profile page. Also, the template types do not make good use of available space and organizing principles. And overall, it doesn’t eliminate the typical problems associated with resume templates. More importantly, you cannot customize your LinkedIn Resume for specific positions of interest. For greater versatility, you should also attach your existing Word and .PDF resumes with the Box.net application instead. Biggest drawback of all: feedback I’ve solicited directly from recruiters in my network regarding this tool have been quite poor.
2. JobsInsider: This is a Toolbar app. You can find it easily by Googling “LinkedIn JobsInsider” or click here. It works with MS Outlook, Internet Explorer and Firefox. Essentially, it “links” at a glance who is in your network that works at a company featured in a job posting on Monster, CareerBuilder, Indeed, Dice and others.
Looking up and connecting with company insiders through LinkedIn has been advisable for years now. This widget provides a shortcut. Once the toolbar is installed, visit one of the job search sites listed, pull up a posting of interest, and look for the JobsInsider window that opens alongside the posting.
It will list how many of your LinkedIn connections exist at that company with direct links to the company’s profile as well as the individual profiles of those who work there. This feature was already available for jobs posted within LinkedIn; now, it’s linked to external postings as well.
3. Creative Portfolio Display: For those requiring portfolios or simply to “go the extra mile” to showcase your talents visually, the Portfolio Display application comes in handy. Similar to the SlideShare app, signup is free and easy with email opt-in verification. You create a custom URL for your new Behance portfolio and build your new profile. Current drop down choices are specific to creative fields such as Production Artists, Digital Imaging professionals and others.
These 3 apps can be explored further to either take your job search to a new level, to jog creative ideas of your own and to jumpstart your networking efforts. None of them are a “job search cure-all”. For job search success you still need daily dedication to networking, company research, and active outreach through prescribed application channels. And follow up, always follow up. You can do this. Good luck!
-Lisa
Need more help? Visit http://changeyourjob.us
Tags: Change Your Job, Change Your Life, portfolio, resume, resume critique, resume critiques, resumes, visibility