Unsure How to Handle Multiple Current Jobs on Your LinkedIn Profile?

Several times each week I'm asked, "I currently have two jobs" [sometimes related, sometimes unrelated]. "Should I have two LinkedIn profiles?"  

The answer is simple: No. As a matter of fact, it's against the LinkedIn User Agreement.

But how you list the two jobs depends on your LinkedIn strategy. To help you understand your options, let me take you through several multiple-job scenarios and show you how you can get the results you desire and avoid confusing people who view your profile.

To watch a video about this topic, "Got More Than 1 Job? LinkedIn Strategies You Better Know," go to my Facebook page or Periscope. Check them out, and be sure to like or follow me on those sites so you will receive notifications of the live-streaming LinkedIn tips and strategies videos I do several times each week.
.

Scenario 1: Career-related full-time job and part-time job unrelated to your career--and probably never will be related to your career

As long as you're confident that the part-time job will not be part of your future employment or career, I'd recommend you leave it off altogether.

One exception to this is hobbies that may provide a bit of income and that people in your network might find interesting--like playing drums in a classic rock band that does weddings and parties or a side gig as a photographer or artist if your work could be displayed in homes or businesses. In these cases, I would include a current job entry. Place it second on your profile, and share information that may help you get gigs for or sales to your connections or their friends and acquaintances.

You might also find it advantageous to add a short paragraph at the bottom of your Summary to tell people about your part-time job or hobby.
.

Scenario 2: Career-related full-time job and part-time job related to your current career or a potential future career

Keeping your current full-time employer in mind and any possible repercussion, I would include an additional current experience entry for your part-time job. Place it in the second position on your profile, and mention in the description that this job is part time. Then explain in your Summary which job is full time and which is part time--clearly emphasizing that your full-time job is your passion.
.

Scenario 3: Non career-related full-time job and career-related part-time job or side business 

Include two current experience entries, the first being your career-related part-time job or side business and the second being your non career-related full-time job. Make sure the first entry is loaded with your most important keywords relating to this job or side business. Share loads of details about your responsibilities, accomplishments, and whether you are open to being contacted about full-time employment in this field.

Your headline should revolve around this part-time career-related position or side business. Use your Summary to bring clarity to your current situation as well as where you want to end up--in all cases being sensitive to your current employer if you don't want to lose your job.
.

Scenario 4: Full-time job seeker or student and part-time job unrelated to your career or any potential career

Include a placeholder current experience entry that says you're a student or job seeker, and spell out the kind of job you're looking for and what skills and experiences you can bring to your future employer. State when you're available for hire. In addition to including keywords in the description of your experience, put them in your headline and title.

It's up to you whether you list the part-time job or not. Stating that you're gainfully employed will be looked upon favorably by some employers. If you can show how the skills you're developing at the part-time job can be helpful in the job you're seeking, that's obviously a good thing. Just be clear that this is a part-time job you're doing while you seek full-time employment.
.

Scenario 5: Full-time job seeker or student and part-time job related to your career or a potential future career

As spelled out in Scenario 4, include a placeholder current experience entry that includes the kind of job you're seeking, when you're available, etc., and include pertinent keywords as mentioned above. Be sure to include a statement about the part-time nature of this job and your desire to find full-time employment in this field.

When you embark upon changing your LinkedIn profile for any of the above reasons, be clear, truthful, and mindful of your career goals--and LinkedIn will help you get where you want to go.

The post Unsure How to Handle Multiple Current Jobs on Your LinkedIn Profile? appeared first on Wayne Breitbarth.

from Wayne Breitbarth http://ift.tt/1Wx3gT3