Who has had success with LinkedIn?

SFC Stephen King — Wed, 04 May 2016 08:33:37 -0400

I am slowing developing my network and profile as I begin to find my next career.

Response by SFC Josh Billingsley made May 4 at 2016 8:34 AM

SFC Josh Billingsley — Wed, 04 May 2016 08:34:51 -0400

I have used linkedin with great success to find all of my jobs. Ping me if you want more details but h

Response by SFC Josh Billingsley made May 4 at 2016 8:37 AM

SFC Josh Billingsley — Wed, 04 May 2016 08:37:52 -0400

Accidentally posted early. Here's the gist of it: it's a networking tool but it doesn't stand on its own. Use linkedin take contact with key decision makers I organizations you are interested in and then reach out to them. Don't come empty handed either. I took my last boss out for coffee to discuss pain points on their organization and landed a position with their company. I was poached off of linkedin for my current position. Use it as a tool but don't think because you connected with someone that they are now a connection. Leverage it to build a personal connection outside of the platform

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 8:54 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 May 2016 08:54:14 -0400

I'm able to keep in contact with former co-workers and use them as references. I'm not sure if I'd be where I am now if it wasn't for Linkedin

Response by SGT Ben Keen made May 4 at 2016 9:04 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 04 May 2016 09:04:25 -0400

How would you define "success" with LinkedIn SFC Stephen King? I been on LinkedIN since my transition and have found it to be a good tool especially if you take them up on their free Premium account for transitioning Veterans. But, like anything in life, you get out what you put in. I took the time to sit down and polish up my LinkedIN profile and now include on the resume as a way for possible employers to see my skills and what others are saying about it. I've been told a few times that is why I was selected over other candidates.

Response by SFC Adam Potter made May 4 at 2016 10:28 AM

SFC Adam Potter — Wed, 04 May 2016 10:28:54 -0400

I use LinkedIn as a recruiter for my organization, and I utilized it from the job seeker perspective. Not only do you want to build your network, you will want to join "groups". As a job seeker I found the groups had the greatest value. I was looking to relocate to an area where I did not have a network and posted that I was a veteran seeking employment, and the location I was searching. I would receive a number of helpful responses of opportunities, and contact information.
I also recommend any recruiters you come in contact with via job fairs, etc. find them on LinkedIn and connect with them. Send updates to them if you apply for a position, etc.
LinkedIn is a powerful professional tool that can greatly assist you in your transition.

Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made May 4 at 2016 12:19 PM

SSgt Donnavon Smith — Wed, 04 May 2016 12:19:50 -0400

I just recently changed jobs and I found my new one on Linkedin

Response by SGT Larry Michael Bleckler II made May 4 at 2016 3:58 PM

SGT Larry Michael Bleckler II — Wed, 04 May 2016 15:58:20 -0400

It is a great way to network and I get job alerts sent to my personal emai and recruiters and companies for open positions. It is good to connect with friends that have moved on that can help you get a good start on a job you may be qualified or want to start in a new field.

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made May 4 at 2016 10:10 PM

PO2 Peter Klein — Wed, 04 May 2016 22:10:05 -0400

As a business owner, LinkedIn has been a great source of new clients for me. As several others have posted here, you get out what you put in. Join groups. Answer the questions you can. Acknowledge others birthdays and work anniversaries. it is NOT Facebook. Be professional Help others. Be patient. It is networking and networking does not work overnight.

Response by SSG Derek Scheller made May 5 at 2016 6:36 AM

SSG Derek Scheller — Thu, 05 May 2016 06:36:07 -0400

I have and my father. I would have more but being enlisted still I haven't been able to take anyone up on their job offers/interviews.

Response by TSgt Craig Crews made May 5 at 2016 7:39 AM

TSgt Craig Crews — Thu, 05 May 2016 07:39:45 -0400

LinkedIn is a great resource. You will find that it is hard to get an Interview sometimes without a recommendation from an inside source. There are many Vets out there that if you are sincere in your approach would have no problem at least getting you an introduction. I use it for Business contacts but also just regular type networking. My Son was playing basketball overseas, and I reached out to see if I knew anyone in China, that could help him out as far as restaurants or just general places to go and see and also places to avoid, just as we do in the Air Force with the sponsorship program. So I found it a great resource for those types things as well.

Response by Cathy Suarez made May 5 at 2016 8:47 AM

Cathy Suarez — Thu, 05 May 2016 08:47:07 -0400

When I receive resumes I check for their Linkedin profile. Having one shows you know how to market yourself, network, you're up to date on technology, and have done your homework.

Response by LT Erik Frederick made May 5 at 2016 8:48 AM

LT Erik Frederick — Thu, 05 May 2016 08:48:40 -0400

Great ways to use RallyPoint and LinkedIn for transition:
1) Career direction or company exploration: use the search capabilities and reach out to a veteran in either the field or career path you are targeting. Ask them if they would spend a half hour with you either in person or the phone helping you learn about either. Always ask if they know other people they can refer you to speak with next.
2) Getting the job: Once you have the job targeted, by all means submit your resume through the appropriate channel but then follow up as above: Use Rally Point of LinkedIn to find someone at the company to help you out. The more senior, the better. Ask them to walk your resume to the hiring manager. Given how hard it is to get a military resume through Human Resources, let alone an ATS, write me if you don't know what that is, having a "local" advocating for you will be huge help.

Both strategies are analogous to moving to a foreign country, and yes, learning the language, but also reaching out to fellow expats to help.

Even more, Veterans are an enormously strong "alumni group" that in my experience is always willing to help fellow vets.

Step 3: Pay it forward!

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 30 at 2016 12:09 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Mon, 30 May 2016 12:09:00 -0400

Look me up - Michael Blount. I have about 7,000 connnections