The Downsized Diaries

“

I changed my ways, sir!” –Thomas Sams in the movie “Lean on Me”

After all the great comments regarding my Laid-Off on LinkedIn post, I had no choice but to admit the error of my ways and reform. So, with all the contrition of Thomas Sams on the rooftop with Joe Clark in “Lean on Me”, I took the advice of the readership and made my title reflect my laid-off status.  My title now reads:

Web Marketing Strategist w/20 Yrs PC Industry Experience Seeking Social Media Marketing Opportunity at Technology Company or Social Media Agency

(See my full profile here.)

My original post on this subject drew the 2nd larget amount of traffic, and largest number of coments on The Downsized Diaries to date.  I am grateful to all the recruiters and industry professionals who took the time to give me feedback:  Julie Walraven, Lindsay Olson, Leighsah, Susan,and Lisa Creech”Bruiser” Bledsoe.

I’ve been avoiding changing my ‘title’ on LinkedIn. Technically I’m not “out the door” for another 6 weeks or so, but… I am looking for another job, so I need to make this known on LinkedIn.  My personal hang-up has been, I can tell when someone’s been laid off on LinkedIn because their title has changed to something like:”Dynamic, Experienced  Sales Manager”.  When I see these, my heart kind of sinks because I know the person isn’t employed.  My impression has been some of  these ‘title changes’ come off like a desperate match.com profile.  No disrespect to anyone, I’m just sharing how I’ve perceived this up until now.

So my question is, how do you make your status known on LinkedIn without sounding “needy”?  Leave me your thoughts in the comments.