Linked In Profile

Just here recently, I lost my job. Before that, I would not have given Linked In a second look. In fact, I just typed up some invaluable information about myself and posted it in an effort to connect with the community, as my previous employer attempted to beef up its social media efforts. I realized some of the people in my network belonged in these groups that I saw on the right side of the screen or below their name but I did not understand its value. As I clicked on the group, I came to understand that 1) the network was strengthened with like-minded professionals, 2) it was an easier method to contact people within the group with specific tasks or action items in mind. For instance, An engineer who was a part of an engineer’s association, took the time to post job opportunities to just that group versus bombarding his whole network which obviously varied in professional backgrounds . Now the pro’s and cons of Linked In vary and although, I am aware of the fact that I would be reasserting the obvious which includes concerns over privacy and identity theft. Linked In has been reputable and a way for employers to see the backgrounds of people; which is a con for someone like me, who refused at one point to give the social media site any credence. A potential employer could assume based on what I have posted on Linked In, that I am not involved with much. So that is an unintentional consequence against me, now the pro is really for those who are social media maniacs. How many times does one have to fill out similar applications, over, and over, and over, and over again before someone enterprises the bright idea of one application fits all? Sort of like a Texas Common Application for collegiate students, and then send a resume with background details specific to the particular position. Well, as I have come to learn, Linked In is as good as it gets. I just do not trust that methodology because one thing I do know is that people can be judgmental and petty. I am always afraid that someone who I am linked with or to (no pun intended) may have burned a bridge with a potential employer or contact and then as they say, birds of a feather flock together – then I am labeled and judged. That is definitely where the tide gets a bit tricky. I understand that people are in the mode to get their information in the form of job applications out there, especially in these trying times. It seems the old fashioned way of applying for potential job opportunities has become antiquated.

Multi-Generation

The irony is uncanny. As when I was creating the post from my grandparent’s computer – I almost wanted to throw the computer out of the window – literally. Their high-speed internet package sat nice and neatly, on a desk, in a folder, as I waited for hours for the low-speed modem to “fire up”. The Pew Research institute stated that "since 2005, broadband access has increased dramatically in the United States across all age groups, but older groups are still largely unconnected to high-speed internet. For Americans ages 12-24, broadband access has increased by about half; for 25-64 year olds, it has about doubled; and for seniors 65 and older, broadband access has more than tripled. The percentage of the oldest age group to have broadband at home is still very low" My grandpa is one of those people. In a generation where social media and the internet are the catalysts for communication Interestingly enough I thought I would have a sit down with my Daddy Jack, as we kids call him - and see what he thought about social media and why the heck he is on not high speed internet. Here is an example of the outtakes that had me in stitches. Since I do not have editing equipment, I thought it to be best if I simply wrote out what transpired.

Me: Daddy Jack, how important was the internet when you were working at the post office? Daddy Jack: Well, the internet was not exactly in existence and we had our own internal way of conducting business. Me: Do you think social media is important?

DaddyJack: What do you mean by that?

Me: Do you think that Facebook and Blogging are important?

Daddy Jack: Well, the younger generation may not think that but it does. Seems to me that it is distracting – teens always on their phone twinning. I wouldn’t say it is important because life goes on without it.

Me: Twittering, Daddy Jack.

Daddy Jack: Well, whatever and texting on those phones which is rude, you do that all the time you know.

Me: I do not! Ginayle does!

Daddy Jack: You all do. Anyway, it stymies people from communicating with friends and family the old-fashioned way. I do like how you can get in contact with people you haven’t seen in a while, so that would be good. I just think your private business should remain private.

Me: There are social media sites that help with the job search too…

Daddy Jack: Well, then that is good but limit the information that is put out there. Some people from what I heard phish for information and I mean privacy is critical.

Me : Spell phish, I want to see if you got it right. Daddy Jack: You spell it, you’re in grad school.

Me: Thanks, DaddyJack...

Please see the video of my Daddy Jack telling it like it is in the kitchen.