Posted on Dec 13, 2013
SGM Clarence Zarnes
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Why or Why Not? I started a LinkedIn account over 4 years ago when I left the Service as a means to network for employment connections. I didn't use it fully until about 2+ years ago when I become unemployed. This is when I realized the disconnect many Veterans suffered when seeking civilian employment. A few months later I started a Group on LinkedIn called Florida Veterans Transition Network to assist Veterans in their endeavor to find civilian employment. I use this group to connect Veterans and Veteran Supports to assist Veterans in their Job Search Endeavors. Last year I was recognized by LinkedIn as the Top 5% Most Viewed Profile on LinkedIn. I now hope to duplicate the same efforts here on RallyPoint. Feel free to connect with me on RallyPoint, LinkedIn and my LinkedIn Group.
Posted in these groups: Imgres EmploymentMilitary civilian 600x338 TransitionNetworking logo Networking
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Responses: 29
CW5 Sam R. Baker
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Edited >1 y ago
Yes, it was forced on me years ago through a volunteer situation and organization for networking. It has grown immensely over the years and I now have a completed profile there as it seems that networking will really need to be pressed for service in the near future!

Additionally, I do believe they give veterans a free year of premium service once you retire.
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SGM Clarence Zarnes
SGM Clarence Zarnes
>1 y
Chief,
You are correct on both accounts. It's interesting how as Service Members, we struggle with using Social Media. I believe there is a number of valid reasons as to why, in part our military training on OPSEC. However, connecting and networking with the outside world via face to face and on social media, particularly on LinkedIn is a vital part of one's success after the military. However this connection and networking activities must start at least a year prior to leaving the military. Unless something changes, I believe having and actively maintaining a LinkedIn account will be required for future success throughout one's work life.
Thanks, Clarence
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CW5 Sam R. Baker
CW5 Sam R. Baker
>1 y
So true SGM.
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SFC Maintenance Supervisor
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I use Linkedin but I'd like to find contacts from Linkedin to invite to use RP. Is there a way to do that? I tride to pull contacts from Linkedin with the link above but it only pulls FB.

Thank you
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SGM Clarence Zarnes
SGM Clarence Zarnes
>1 y
SFC C, go to the top of your profile page and find the following line, "Invite your colleagues and build influence by sharing your personal link: http://www.rallypoint.com/join/sgm-clarence-zarnes" Then cut and past the link, "http://www.rallypoint.com/join/sgm-clarence-zarnes" into your LinkedIn Update or Post. Then when people click on the link they will be taking to your profile on RP. This process should work in any social media forum and or email.
Thanks, Clarence
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SFC Maintenance Supervisor
SFC (Join to see)
>1 y
Thank you!
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
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Been on LinkedIn longer than any other social media.
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SSG Trevor S.
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For anyone who would like to connect on LinkedIn, here is my profile.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/trevor-smith/69/94b/568/
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PO2 Michael Campbell
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Absolutely yes! I took a job working crap hours and for not great pay when I first transitioned from active duty, a friend of mine introduced me to linkedin, and after I built my profile, I was actually getting emails and calls from people in my area. These are positions I would have never known even existed.
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SGM Clarence Zarnes
SGM Clarence Zarnes
>1 y
<P>PO2 C,</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Thanks for sharing your success story!&nbsp; You are correct, there are number of opportunities on LinkedIn that are not available elsewhere.&nbsp; One of the major keys to success on LinkedIn is having a completed profile with a professional looking photo.&nbsp; </P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Thanks, Clarence</P>
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CMC Robert Young
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I use it regularly as a professional networking tool. It has paid good dividends so far, I am hopeful that it will continue to be a help as I look for whatever the next job might be.
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SGM Clarence Zarnes
SGM Clarence Zarnes
>1 y
<P><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman">MCPO Y,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"></FONT></FONT></FONT>&nbsp;</P>
<P><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman">Great to hear you are having success!&nbsp; LinkedIn can be a great tool for many professional networking opportunities.&nbsp; But it is also one that must be worked regularly; it is a matter of ROI.&nbsp; The more you Invest in LinkedIn the more you will get on Return. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"></FONT></FONT></FONT>&nbsp;</P>
<P><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman">Thanks, Clarence<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
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LT Jessica Kellogg
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I just created an account. &nbsp;Still checking it out and trying to figure out how to get the most out of it.<div><ul style="padding-bottom: 8px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; line-height: 17px; display: table-cell; width: 503px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 8px 12px 2px 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2em;"><dl class="public-profile" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; word-wrap: break-word;"><dd style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 9px; padding-bottom: 1px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: top; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; display: inline-block; zoom: 1;"><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jessica-kellogg/95/157/22/" title="View public profile" name="webProfileURL" style="margin-right: 10px; padding-left: 19px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: middle; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; display: inline-block; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s.c.lnkd.licdn.com/scds/common/u/images/apps/profile/sprite/sprite_profile_top_card_v8.png); background-position: 0px -249px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jessica-kellogg/95/157/22/</a></dd></dl></li></ul></div>
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SGM Clarence Zarnes
SGM Clarence Zarnes
>1 y
<P>ENS K, That is great!&nbsp; It is a processs, but at least you have started.&nbsp; Just work to complete it in full and work to grow your connections.&nbsp; You are welcome to connect with me.</P>
<P>Good Luck, Clarence!</P>
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SGT Craig Northacker
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Let's chat after April 15.
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SGM Clarence Zarnes
SGM Clarence Zarnes
>1 y

SGT N,


Sounds good!


Thanks, Clarence

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Maj Chris Nelson
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I have a linked in account.&nbsp; Also have it almost completely completed with ALL my military information.&nbsp; I have then also attached 2 resumes that are more civilian HR friendly...one for clinical nursing, one for Nursing Education.&nbsp; I still have about 20 months until retirement, so I am not AS active on the site at this time (although I have gotten 3-4 cold "calls" for employment so far!).&nbsp; I just don't want to start being serious on the site until I am in a better window to look for employment post military (less then 12 months).&nbsp; I have also gotten a couple letters of reference and some endorsements.&nbsp; Overall, I see GREAT potential.&nbsp; For medical (nursing/nursing ed), I don't see as much potential for employment on Rally Point, but RP has a great network for learning and contributing management/leadership information.&nbsp; Feel free to look me up on LinkedIn.&nbsp; Look for Chris Nelson out of Great Falls, MT.
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SGM Clarence Zarnes
SGM Clarence Zarnes
>1 y
<P><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman">MAJ N,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman">Sounds like you are on the right track with your implementation of LinkedIn and the posting of Resumes.&nbsp; It would seem that your thought process for its use is on track as well.&nbsp; Lastly, you are correct with your assessment of RP also.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman">Good Luck!<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman">Thanks, Clarence<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
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LTJG Robert M.
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Yep, I was an early adopter, signed up<span class="member-since"><strong></strong> January 31, 2005.&nbsp; Has been a great business tool.<br>http://www.linkedin.com/in/robertmyles/<br><br></span>
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SGM Clarence Zarnes
SGM Clarence Zarnes
>1 y
<P>LTJG M, </P>
<P><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman">Great, I appreciate the testimonial!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P>Thanks, Clarence</P>
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