5 Ways Military Service Members in Transition Can Thrive in Online Networking

2016-01-28T11:17:08-05:00

Searching for the right job in this competitive economy is different today than it was just a few years ago. Job seekers in today's digital age have a variety of options when it comes to networking and locating potential opportunities.

As a member of RallyPoint, you’ve made a great first step in ensuring your unique combination of skills and experience help in your job search. Taking advantage of the strengths of additional social media networks, particularly LinkedIn, on the job search can be particularly beneficial for online students.

(Many military service members elect to pursue their degree online ( http://rly.pt/mil-degrees ) because of the flexibility that distance learning provides. When it comes time to transition to the civilian workforce, service members have a variety of traits ( http://rly.pt/Vets-Best-Employees ) that potential employers desire.)

One of the best ways to get in front of these employers is through LinkedIn. Transitioning service members should consider these five ways they could benefit from using this social media platform:

1. LinkedIn groups
LinkedIn groups have emerged to provide a central location for specific interests and groups of people. For example, a variety of military groups on LinkedIn can help former service members on the job hunt: Military Network, Military-to-Civilian Transitioners and Veteran Mentor Network, to name a few. If you have a LinkedIn profile, you can join these groups at no extra charge and network with professionals who have similar backgrounds. These groups could also provide ideas for relevant talking points in future job interviews. To access LinkedIn groups, navigate to your "Interests" tab, then select "Groups" from the pull-down menu.

2. Recommendations
In this section of your personal profile, someone from your network can offer a recommendation on his/her experience in working with you. This is a great opportunity for potential employers to look at compelling content when they come across your profile. Don't have any recommendations? That's OK. Identify a LinkedIn connection or two who could speak to working with you (currently or in the past). Shoot them a message and ask if they would provide a recommendation for you. In return, you could always write one for them, as well.

3. Endorsements
Is your LinkedIn profile as complete as it could be? One way to find out is to look at the "Skills & Expertise" section of your profile to see if you listed any skills that could be endorsed by fellow connections. Each skill that you list could be endorsed by any number of people, as long as they are one of your connections. Think of it as a stamp of approval. The more endorsements you rack up, the better it looks to potential employers. Don't have many endorsements? No problem. Start endorsing some of your connections. It's common practice for connections to reciprocate the gesture.

4. Make sure your profile is complete
Think of your LinkedIn profile as an extended resume. Social screening is alive and well in the social media age. Potential employers will most likely look you up. In their evaluation, you might as well give them something positive to separate yourself, right? Fill out your profile as much as possible. One area on LinkedIn that job seekers overlook that could score bonus points with potential employers is the "Volunteer Experience & Causes" section. If you volunteer and make a difference in your community, make it known on your LinkedIn profile.

5. Job search
LinkedIn can also act as a job searching site by itself. Its "Jobs" tab includes extensive features for job seekers, including the ability to search by title, key words or company name. You can also save job openings for later review or set up job alerts. Service members should use LinkedIn as one of their primary options while on the hunt.

Hunting for a job is never easy – whether you’re a civilian or transitioning out of the military into a competitive job market. The trick, as with nearly all things, is to work smarter, not harder.

Social media provides several worthwhile tools to help in the acquisition process for your next career. LinkedIn is crucial – both in helping you develop a professional online profile that recruiters can access and review … and in the job hunt itself.

Good luck!

Military | Grantham.edu

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Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Jan 28 at 2016 11:33 AM

2016-01-28T11:33:25-05:00

Good information, thank you for sharing!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 12:32 PM

2016-01-28T12:32:27-05:00

Excellent post! LinkedIn is a good online networking site. The LinkedIn group, "Veteran Mentor Network," has great discussions that will aid service members transitioning. You could post your resume to your LinkedIn profile and then start a discussion asking for the group to review and comment. You can also ask the group to review your LinkedIn profile.

I recommend the following on your LinkedIn profile:
1. Add your career goal(s) to your Summary section.
2. Under Experience, each work experience should include actual duties and accomplishments. Actual duties instead of something that looks like it came from a job description.
3. A suit or other professional attire instead of a military uniform.
4. Complete your profile!

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 1:36 PM

2016-01-28T13:36:35-05:00

Great points. Networking is more important sometimes than having a great resume. Who you know may land you a job more than anything in today's market, however be sure to have that solid resume ready at all times as well. -Steve TransitioningVeteran.com

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jan 28 at 2016 4:19 PM

2016-01-28T16:19:39-05:00

Having a complete profile is beyond important. Use as much attention to detail as you would on a resume and get all your skills out there. You won't be found without all the great keywords recruiters search based on job descriptions. And if you are found through your own application, a recruiter's first impression will be your online profile. Keep it sharp and up to date like your uniforms!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 6:15 AM

2016-02-02T06:15:53-05:00

It's important to be active on the site also. Joining a group is like standing in the corner at the party. You need to engage the members in the discussion threads.

You can also write articles that extend the expertise touted in the employment section of your profile. Contributing to the community gets your profile noticed.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2016 12:39 AM

2016-02-03T00:39:21-05:00

Good information to help those who have a need to know and how it works for them to get in the door and get someone to help them with their careers .

Response by SSG Terry Back (Martin-Back) made Feb 9 at 2016 6:02 AM

2016-02-09T06:02:30-05:00

Networking socially is just that, social... In my book, "Networking the Right Way", I point out how you have to understand personalities, (listen and evaluate before opening your mouth), as well has having a resume ready and tailored to the business you are contacting or connecting with. Generic resumes will lead you nowhere, have a solid cover sheet to go along with the resume after a good recon of the business on Linkedin. Know how to prepare for an interview and above all, be professional.

Response by PO1 Bill Adams made Feb 9 at 2016 10:17 AM

2016-02-09T10:17:20-05:00

Facebook is a good place to network with others with your military specialty.
Some Navy Firecontrolmen started a Facebook page the primary purpose of which was to network about jobs. They post job openings, and talk about what field they went into after discharge.

Use facebook search, to find your specialty or old unit. You might even find some old friends there.

Response by SFC Percy Clements made Feb 9 at 2016 10:31 AM

2016-02-09T10:31:04-05:00

Be sure to have several names with contact information for recommendations. They don't need to just be your buddies you served with, try to have at least two previous supervisors (officer/enlisted). You want someone who can accurately give a recommendation on your job details/performance from a leadership role. It's common sense, would you rather hire someone based off his/her buddies recommendation or their CO's ?

Response by CW2 Michael Berthiaume made Feb 9 at 2016 2:55 PM

2016-02-09T14:55:05-05:00

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Response by SGT Marvin Harrington made Feb 9 at 2016 5:50 PM

2016-02-09T17:50:18-05:00

Great way to find opportunities or to post skills you have if looking for employment or business.
Also no one understands a veteran than another vet!!!! Guys if you think you are alone and feel a certain way, you are not alone. Use networking to benefit

Response by SSG Jose Flores made Mar 8 at 2016 12:43 PM

2016-03-08T12:43:54-05:00

Don't forget fellas that their are organizations out there willing to assist in this areas to ensure your success when transitioning from military service. I happen to work for one and also being a client has been extremely beneficial to my education and career.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Aug 5 at 2021 10:43 PM

2021-08-05T22:43:35-04:00

Thanks for sharing