What makes you a high-speed LinkedIn user?

2015-09-11T14:45:22-04:00

The push continues for military members to develop a resume that is free of military jargon in order to help them find private-sector employment once they complete their military obligations. For some reason military members tend to forget how to apply this concept to their LinkedIn account. Whether you are job hunting or you just want to have a nice-looking profile, here are a few tips to remember as you move forward. I won’t lie; I still do some of the things I have written about.

Have a headline that shines:

What does ‘NCO Army’ mean? You could be a sergeant or a sergeant major as an NCO. Wouldn’t you say the responsibilities are much different for those roles? A private-sector human resources screener may have no idea what an NCO is, let alone the responsibilities of each NCO rank. Titles like operations supervisor, technical adviser or senior technician can be translated better to the private sector.

Find the right photo:

For LinkedIn, you need a picture that makes you look approachable, professional and employable. The first thing people look at on your account is the picture. For many of us, the first inclination we have is to use our official military photo. If you look scary or intimidating in it, don’t use it. LinkedIn is not Facebook. Consider LinkedIn a no-selfie zone as well. Have someone take a picture of you. You can get a picture of you in your uniform with all of your medals that has a smile on your face can’t you?

Write a summary:

Tell people your pitch. If I was in line with you at the commissary for a few seconds, what would you tell me so I would hire you? How are you better than the person in uniform behind you in line? Use keywords someone wants to hear in the field you want or currently work in with some accomplishments/results. Did you increase performance of a particular job? Did you reduce spending, create something or manage a large amount of people? Sell yourself in your summary.

Ask for recommendations:

You probably have evaluations or an award from a military boss that described how awesome you were to them. You should contact them and see if they will recommend you. If you impressed someone and they wrote you an award or great evaluation, chances are they will, more than likely, write a recommendation for your LinkedIn account. Bottom line, you don’t know if you don’t ask. Don’t forget, if you are writing a recommendation for someone, keep it demilitarized.

Use quality endorsements:

I’m not a big fan of endorsements but many people are. I have been endorsed for DOD or government I don’t know how many times. What does that mean? I work for a branch of the military under the DOD. So what? What does that tell anyone about me when they look at my profile? If I worked at Pizza Hut, would you endorse me for pizza? How about endorsements for skills the private sector understands like brand management, team building or budget analysis?

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5 tips for maintaining a high-speed military LinkedIn account

Response by SFC Joseph James made Sep 11 at 2015 2:48 PM

2015-09-11T14:48:26-04:00

Actually updating it and using all the benefits of the website. I never knew how many people I have worked with us LinkedIn until I started my account. The benefits of Networking can never be over-utilized! Great post CPT Private RallyPoint Member!

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2015 4:17 PM

2015-09-11T16:17:55-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, I didn't join LinkedIn until 2013 and didn't really put effort into into my profile until about 6 months later. My profile is updated now and I've connected with many current Military members, retired Military and various civilians ranging from the small business side, federal government, contractors and all the way up to major corporations. I haven't uploaded a resume yet because I'm still active duty for at least a minimum of 3 more years, but I have recieved a few job offers. I think LinkedIn offers a great platform for networking and numerious ways to find employment.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2015 4:26 PM

2015-09-11T16:26:45-04:00

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member, according to the NFL, it was the NFL's fault that the headsets weren't working properly and besides the outcome of the game wouldn't have changed. Talking and listening through a headset wouldn't have stopped Gronk from catching all of those TD's.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Sep 11 at 2015 5:28 PM

2015-09-11T17:28:16-04:00

Linked In is a great tool for professional networking and a great resource for information etc. I will say before you post your profile / resume all military members should be using the coaching program on VAforVets they have a great program for helping you turn military lingo to civilian terminology.