by Bethany Jett, @BetJett
Recently I had to submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) along with an application into a program. A CV is similar to a resume, but instead of highlighting only your work history and skills, the focus is more on your entire body of work. In fact the term curricula vitae roughly means “course of life.”
I wish I’d always kept a file open so that I could continually add to my publication history, but alas, I did not. So after spending a lot of time researching the best format for a CV, I spent a lot more time finding the different articles I’ve written, citing the websites, linking the articles, and adding sections.
Once the CV was finished and turned in, I decided it was time to have one space where I keep all this valuable information. Luckily, LinkedIn is the perfect place to not only store my information and network with other writers, but also for potential clients to find me. By moving my CV to LinkedIn and updating it on that site, it is a “one-stop shop” if I’m ever in a situation where I need to submit a CV, I can easily update it.
Even if you won’t ever need to submit a CV, it’s a smart idea to invest the time to add your information to LinkedIn. I have friends who have been hired for writing projects based on their LinkedIn profiles. Sounds like a pretty good reason to keep it updated to me.
What is LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is a social networking service that allows you to make “connections” and endorse others. You can update your profile to include different sections: a summary or bio, the languages you speak, your publication history, your experiences, honors and awards, organizations, education, skills, certifications, patents, volunteer activities, and so much more.
However, LinkedIn has more of a professional vibe, so the rule are slightly different than how you manage Facebook or Twitter. The Muse has a great article 8 LinkedIn Mistakes You Should Never Make that you should definitely check out. After reading their tips, I’ll be going back to my LinkedIn to take advantage of Mistake #7.
How can I use LinkedIn?
Your profile can be customized based on how you want to use it. As an author who uses LinkedIn almost exclusively for my writing and publishing career, I choose to keep my education and volunteer section lower on my profile, with my publication history, experience, and awards higher on my list.
You can also list up to fifty skills, which allows other LinkedIn users to endorse you in those skills. Those endorsed skills rank higher on your list and show anyone viewing your profile that you have people who appreciate your level of skill in certain areas.
How much does LinkedIn cost?
LinkedIn has both free (Basic) and paid (Premium) services. Oftentimes, LinkedIn will give you a trial of LinkedIn Premium for free. If you try Premium, you’ll see four plan options: Career, Business, Sales, and Networking. I’ve only used the free version, so I can’t attest to how they work. It doesn’t cost me anything to display my publication history or experience level.
It’s my recommendation to start off 2017 by updating (or creating) your LinkedIn profile. Then everything you do this year can be easily added as it’s accomplished. There are a lot of benefits to using LinkedIn effectively, so as part of my goals for 2017, I want to learn how to really use the site to my advantage. If you want more information on what LinkedIn can do for you, I’ve listed a few…errr…several resources. Make sure to bookmark this page so you can easily come back for these resources.
And if you’re on LinkedIn, I’d love to connect!
For Further Reading:
Forbes.com: “Recruiters Say Avoid LinkedIn At Your Peril”
10 Ways Writers Can Use LinkedIn to Find Freelance Gigs
5 Reasons You Need to Be on LinkedIn Even When You Have a Job
LinkedIn for Authors ***Great Read***
7 Reasons Why ALL “Professionals” Should Use LinkedIn
5 Surprising Ways Writers Can Use LinkedIn
Is LinkedIn a Waste of Time?
The REAL Power of Linked In for Authors
11 Reasons Why You Need to be on LinkedIn as an Aspiring Techie
THE 20 ESSENTIAL LINKEDIN GROUPS FOR ASPIRING WRITERS
[reminder]Are you using LinkedIn? Have any tips?[/reminder]
Bethany Jett is an award-winning author of The Cinderella Rule, speaker, ghostwriter, and founder of JETTsetter Ink, a consulting and editing company. She has written for numerous publications, created the My Moments Planner, Serious Writer Companion, and is the founder of Serious Writer Academy and the Build Your Brand Program. Her newest work, Through the Eyes of Hope releases January 2017.
Bethany is a military wife and all-boys-mama who is addicted to suspense novels and all things girly. She writes on living a brilliant life at BethanyJett.com. Connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram (new profile), LinkedIn, and Twitter.
The Conversation
Bethany, I’ve tried a couple of time to use Linked In, but each time I’ve left it (as I recall, with some difficulty). I found that it didn’t help me hook up with other writers, but instead I was bombarded with requests to “like” other members in different professions. Got any suggestions for making it work for a writer?
I’ve joined a couple of writers groups, but haven’t actively participated in them. I think, however, that being active in those groups would be the perfect place to connect. Here’s a link to a small group called Christian Writers and Publishers: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2399945/profile. I just joined! 🙂
LinkedIn is always going to ask you to endorse people. If you don’t want to do that when you’re on, just click the “x” or “skip.” I hope that’s helpful. I’ll be diving in to the articles I listed and we’ll learn as we go on this one!!!
Thanks so much for including my article on “LinkedIn for Authors” among your recommended reads! It’s so important for authors to find a platform that works for them and use it to the fullest. But at the same time, it’s also important to note that each platform serves a different purpose. So depending on the genre of the book and the needs of the author, the “best platform” for them will vary. As an author and a publisher, I have found LinkedIn to be great for the professional resources I need, like printers, reviewers, event coordinators and others. But I have also found that more serious readers seek me out there. So maintaining my profile, keeping it current and active, is important to the health of my writing business.
Tara, thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment! I love what you said – each platform has its own purpose and it must be respected!