Posted on Jan 15, 2017
How many letters of recommendations should one try to get before ETS'ing? Or does it matter who the letter is written by?
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This is for optaining civillian work of course. Just curious to what some people have done to better their chances at getting a job after the military.
Posted in these groups: 
Jobs
Transition
Jobs Transition
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 6
I've been working in the employment sphere for a little over a year now. It isn't my "bill paying" job, but thanks to some great people, I have had the great pleasure of speaking to both Veterans and employers concerning new transitioning Veterans and civilian employment so please allow me to share my thoughts.
First, like others have said, build yourself a professional profile on LinkedIn. LinkedIn has a great program for Veterans where they will give you a 1-year Premium subscription for FREE. Take advantage of this program. More information on this program can be be found here:
https://linkedinforgood.linkedin.com/programs/veterans/premiumform
When you build your profile, give it the time it needs. Think about what you are putting out there. You don't want to use a picture of you at the bar that a friend took while you are downing a beer or something crazy.
And along those lines, give your resume the time it deserves. You do not write a resume, you craft one. A good resume is something you throw together and hope it works, a great resume is one that works for you by helping you communicate your skills and experiences effectively for the civilian work space. Use your DA638s, 4187s, DD214 and other forms to help pull out examples of what you done and how those skills are valuable to the employer. Remember, that while employers respect what you have you done, at the end of the day, they are more concerned as to the why over the what when it comes to your awards and stuff.
Another great thing, which you have started here is ask, ask, and ask again. Remember, there have been thousands of people in your exact shoes and we will have taken different paths and gain different insights. Having the ability to draw from that is amazing, so if you have questions, ask. No question is dumb. Heck, I took the time once to show a Veteran how to tie a tie because while he was in the Army he only wore a clip on tie.
Going back to your original question, the letters are really only good for that first job. Now, if you get out and find your dream job right off the bat that is awesome and congrats to you but just remember, as you continue to develop your skills, your references should grow. Calling upon someone to be a professional reference 10 years after the fact is not a good idea. Also, make sure your references know you are using them. Don't leave them out in the blind.
I hope you find some of my comments insight and are able to figure out a path based on not only what I said, but from the collective bank of knowledge here on this thread. And, if you have any questions or comments that you would like me to address, feel free to contact me here on RallyPoint! Best of luck to you on your transition, remember, it's not a sprint it's a marathon.
First, like others have said, build yourself a professional profile on LinkedIn. LinkedIn has a great program for Veterans where they will give you a 1-year Premium subscription for FREE. Take advantage of this program. More information on this program can be be found here:
https://linkedinforgood.linkedin.com/programs/veterans/premiumform
When you build your profile, give it the time it needs. Think about what you are putting out there. You don't want to use a picture of you at the bar that a friend took while you are downing a beer or something crazy.
And along those lines, give your resume the time it deserves. You do not write a resume, you craft one. A good resume is something you throw together and hope it works, a great resume is one that works for you by helping you communicate your skills and experiences effectively for the civilian work space. Use your DA638s, 4187s, DD214 and other forms to help pull out examples of what you done and how those skills are valuable to the employer. Remember, that while employers respect what you have you done, at the end of the day, they are more concerned as to the why over the what when it comes to your awards and stuff.
Another great thing, which you have started here is ask, ask, and ask again. Remember, there have been thousands of people in your exact shoes and we will have taken different paths and gain different insights. Having the ability to draw from that is amazing, so if you have questions, ask. No question is dumb. Heck, I took the time once to show a Veteran how to tie a tie because while he was in the Army he only wore a clip on tie.
Going back to your original question, the letters are really only good for that first job. Now, if you get out and find your dream job right off the bat that is awesome and congrats to you but just remember, as you continue to develop your skills, your references should grow. Calling upon someone to be a professional reference 10 years after the fact is not a good idea. Also, make sure your references know you are using them. Don't leave them out in the blind.
I hope you find some of my comments insight and are able to figure out a path based on not only what I said, but from the collective bank of knowledge here on this thread. And, if you have any questions or comments that you would like me to address, feel free to contact me here on RallyPoint! Best of luck to you on your transition, remember, it's not a sprint it's a marathon.
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SGT (Join to see) I agree with SGT (Join to see). Create a professional profile on LinkedIn. Join the LinkedIn group, "Veteran Mentor Network." This group can help with your job search. Have a great resume that is tailored for the job that you are seeking. When I was discharged, I interviewed for a chemical plant job with one hundred others. I landed the job because I had an outstanding resume and knew about the company. I was better prepared than the other applicants. When I obtained my degree, I went to work on the Space Shuttle program. I was hired because I was better prepared than the other applicants. I had a solid resume, sharply dressed, and was extremely prepared during the interview phase. preparation is the key to obtaining the job that you want. Best of luck.
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SGT (Join to see)
I forgot about VMN. There's also V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) and the Rallypoint Linkedin Groups.
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Connect with them and ask for endorsements on LinkedIn (or Rallypoint).
Ensure you have a professional LinkedIn profile and resume and a clean up overall social media profile.
Find a way to actively work on whatever it is you want to be doing in your career. Enhance your social media profile. Blog, podcast, vlog, and/or get active in forums related to your interests and career goals.
For example, I get a lot of profile views due to the types of questions I ask on Rallypoint and other forums. Let your passion(s) bleed over the table every once in a while.
Last thing, use more tags for this - "Career Advice", "Transition", "Civilian Career", and "resume" seem most applicable.
Ensure you have a professional LinkedIn profile and resume and a clean up overall social media profile.
Find a way to actively work on whatever it is you want to be doing in your career. Enhance your social media profile. Blog, podcast, vlog, and/or get active in forums related to your interests and career goals.
For example, I get a lot of profile views due to the types of questions I ask on Rallypoint and other forums. Let your passion(s) bleed over the table every once in a while.
Last thing, use more tags for this - "Career Advice", "Transition", "Civilian Career", and "resume" seem most applicable.
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