The Unseasoned Weekly: March 18

Do you really need LinkedIn (unfortunately yes), let's talk courage vs. confidence in a job search, apply for a role as a client relationship manager.

- Words from the other side of outdoor seasonal work-

The Check In

On a recent AMA on Instagram, a community member asked: “Do I really need to do linked in? Plz no but if yes then sigh, ok”

For someone with an outdoors background, logging into LinkedIn can feel a lot like showing up to the mountain town bar and finding a business school fraternity reunion. You understand the general framework of the place (social media platform), but the people sitting on the barstools (what is a “b2b fractional leader”) are *not* your type.

But despite my initial reaction, surprising even myself, LinkedIn has become one of my favorite social platforms. Not to mention it’s - yes then sigh, ok - quite helpful with the job search. Here’s why:

1. You don’t need to post to gain value. Just like some people post on TikTok but the vast majority only consume, LinkedIn has value to job seekers even if you never make a post.

2. It’s easy to find your people. If you haven’t been active on LinkedIn since college (or ever), your initial feed will likely populate with thought leaders tech bros and other professionals who feel a million miles away from your current career situation. But all it takes is a few weeks of strategic connecting - starting with people you already know (including me!) - to make your LinkedIn feel a lot more like home.

3. The algorithm provides the most valuable type of job lead. During the job search, the ideal open position is one in which you have a one-on-one connection with someone within the organization or business. The way the algorithm functions, once you’ve connected with enough people, you’ll start seeing the “I’m Hiring” posts of your friend’s friends. LinkedIn helps you expand beyond who you directly know, while still understanding the path of connection.

4. Posts stick around. For those who are comfortable communicating online, LinkedIn posts have a lot more staying power than anything in the Meta suite. For example, I will see consistent traffic on posts I’ve made weeks previously, a stark comparison to a platform like Instagram, where reels often have a 24-hour shelf life.

5. Cold connections are normal. Most of my 600+ connections on LinkedIn are strangers. But we share an interest, industry, or skillset that brings us together to build professional relationships. This is especially helpful when applying for jobs as it allows you to network your resume into the organization by way of a contact.

6. Did I mention it’s outside the Meta suite? Oh yeah, I did. Always a bonus!

Do you need an optimized LinkedIn profile? I won’t lie to you (that would be gross). No, you don’t need the perfect profile to start. What you have is likely fine and the most important part is to get started.

But if you want the cheat code to a polished, professional profile and a strategy for using it, all in less than 60 minutes, my career support services are always available.

Have you used LinkedIn to secure a new role? What are your questions about LinkedIn? Reply to this email or send a DM!

xx - Emerald

- Questions for Your Next Journal or Hike -

On Reflection

A spring reminder! The $100/year Founding Member subscription unlocks full access to the newsletter plus an annual 1:1 career support session with me (with booking availability as soon as this Thursday).

✔ Need a second set of eyes on your resume?

✔ Want an accountability partner (with strategic advice) to finally get your LinkedIn polished and published?

✔ Preparing for an upcoming interview and need to practice sharing your outdoorsy background with the hiring team?

At 33% off, this is the most cost-effective way to work with me—an exclusive offer just for my dedicated newsletter community.

- Dispatches from the Unseasoned Community -

Heard on Social

Is promoting yourself giving you the ick? This week we talk about the difference between confidence and courage and why our outdoor experiences sometimes make us *too* humble.

emeraldlafortune

A post shared by @emeraldlafortune

@syringapine_creative said: “This is so applicable in creative coaching as well! Love the ideas of how to move through this process! Thanks for sharing!”

We love to hear it. Join us this week to learn with our community of over 4,000!

- Tips for your next application -

How I’d Apply

Workiva is hiring a Client Relationship Manager, a full-time remote position.

Unique Value Proposition (UVP):

Have you worked in the service industry? Better yet, have you worked in the service industry on multiday wilderness trips? You’ve essentially been a client relationship manager!