What a Week

     During the months that make up my hiatus from the daily routine of university classes, my days become such a blur. Without glancing at my iPhone, I truly do not know what day or date it is. Since being on break I have worked every single day, with maybe one or two days off for personal rest and relaxation. Blah. This last week is one of the only times that I actually enjoy working, though.

     The National Rifel Association hosts its annual MidwayUSA & NRA Bianchi Cup National Championship in Columbia and the shooters stay at the hotel I work at. It’s absolutely wonderful because there are men and women from the states, Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Switzerland and, my home - Germany! Over my four years working at the hotel, I have befriended a wonderful German family and their father, Bernd Gebhardt. I get so excited to see him because he is such a nice man. This year I met another wonderful lad who has quickly become a friend, Dominic. It’s always lovely to meet people like them because it makes me feel like I am back in Germany, but it makes me homesick and urges me to make the decision to move back as soon as I can. All of the shooters depart Sunday morning for Deutschland, and upsets me because I will miss them all very dearly, but it makes me look forward to next year and visiting Germany, as well.

8 Things You Are Doing Incorrect on LinkedIn

Molly Cain | Forbes

Recommendations
Get some recommendations. Send out a request for a recommendation to at least five people you’ve worked with or currently work with.You’ll be surprised at how willing, honest and complimentary people will be of your work.

Too Many Recommendations
If you get a flood of recommendations one day, everyone will know you’re looking for a job. Job searching occurs under the radar. Always be looking for recommendations, even when you’re satisfied with your job.

Lying
If you lie, you will eventually get caught.

Flirting
Don’t be a creep. Take your party elsewhere. If you see someone on LinkedIn that you find attractive, find another way. Or connect to them and actually be profession and strike up a real networking relationship.

Not Describing Your Job
Some say it’s okay to list job titles only, and then put the description in the summary at the top of the overall profile. Some say it’s best to describe each job, as if building a résumé. When it comes down to it, either of these works, you just have to do one of them so people know you actually work. 

No Photo
Ask an amateur photographer friend to snap a few pictures of you. You’ll reap the rewards.

Stuff
Think about your hobbies, your organizations, what you do for fun and list them. It shows that you’re human and that you enjoy life. Then list any awards you’ve won at work and any professional affiliations you may have. Then go out and join a few LinkedIn groups, start a few discussions and get active.

Change Your Profile
Don’t do any major fixes to your profile all at once, be strategic about it. Make changes gradually and smartly. You have colleagues who keep an eye on your profile regularly.