Blog Post #7 - Nasty LinkedIn rejection goes viral

There are two sides to every story, and in this case, I don’t feel that either side acted appropriately.

Let’s start with a look at Kelly Blazek, the self-described Job Bank Mother. She built her reputation on being an advocate for keeping talent in NE Ohio by creating and updating the Cleveland Job Bank listings for ten years (Romans). Her actions in dealing with Diana Makota were not the actions of “someone who wants her subscribers to feel like her little brother or sister.” Instead, her response was rude and unprofessional. She should have invited Ms. Makota to join her job bank.

In the case of Ms. Makota, she did not follow the correct protocol for LinkedIn. The whole premise of LinkedIn is a “gated-access approach” where contact with any professional requires an existing relationship or an introduction from one of your connections or your connection’s connection (second- or third-degree connections). LinkedIn actually counts the number of “I don’t know” and “Spam” rejections received and may go as far as to restrict or close the user’s account. According to Christine Romans, people shouldn’t “casually add a connection on LinkedIn, especially not with someone outstanding in their field.” A more appropriate approach for Ms. Makota would have been to ask Ms. Blazek to join the job bank.

Another point about Ms. Makota’s behaviour is in regards to her posting Ms. Blazek’s responses online. Potential employers may hold her actions against her. They may wonder if Ms. Makota were to be hired, would she post negative things online about them or their companies. So while some people may think it was brave for Ms. Makota to stand up for herself, it may have cost her job opportunities.

I learned several things from this video. First, never put something in writing that you don’t want shared online. Once it’s out there, it’s a permanent record. Even something seemingly minor can escalate and ruin your reputation. Second, LinkedIn has a protocol in regards to adding connections and getting introductions from your connections. This protocol is what enables LinkedIn members to develop a network of trusted contacts. Networking is important, but it’s also important to follow the rules. Had Ms. Makota followed the LinkedIn rules, this rejection would not have happened.

References

Cho, Janet H. Kelly Blazek again shuts down Job Bank Twitter account, a third rejected job seeker speaks out. The Plain Dealer. http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2014/02/kelly_blazek_restarts_her_job_bank_twitter_account_with_an_apology_and_the_hashtag_letcitydown.html. Retrieved 2015, November 7.

Romans, Christine. Nasty LinkedIn rejection goes viral. CNN. New York. http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/27/tech/web/linked-in-cleveland-job-bank/. Retrieved 2015, November 7.