Will LinkedIn play a bigger role in applying for Jobs moving forward in the future?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 11:45:03 -0400

I can tell you that LinkedIn is now one of the more common tools Internet Job Boards, Companies, large Corporations, and Employment Recruiting Engines are using now days to help speed up the process of applying for positions.

They are taking the information right off your LinkedIn Profile now to populate key areas of information!

Do you have your profile fully up to speed?

I've heard GOOD and BAD things from RP Members and those looking for jobs as they transition, but I can tell you from first hand experience if you really do a good job of laying out your work history and identifying key results, data, and achievement at each, when applying for jobs online it will become faster! No one is guaranteed a job, but getting the right information in front of the Recruiters and Employers is a critical step! You can always go through and edit after the information is uploaded.

Response by SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM made Jul 31 at 2016 11:49 AM

SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 11:49:24 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs ,
Great thought provoking question! It is my belief that LinkedIn is already serving as a vital influencer within hiring decisions as more and more Recruiters are leveraging this valuable tool. In answer to your question, I believe that my profile is pretty spot on. Not meaning to sound pretentious or anything of the sort. Thanks for the share.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-l-lewis-mba-dsl-dl-30944bb3

derrick-l-lewis-mba-dsl-dl-30944bb3

Response by TSgt Steve Waide made Jul 31 at 2016 11:51 AM

TSgt Steve Waide — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 11:51:46 -0400

I have my profile updated as best as I can. I usually check it weekly if not more. I think it's a good idea to have one especially if you are in the market for a new job. In the age of the social media this can really benefit you as you look for a job. It seems it's like a resume without being an actual formatted resume. I have heard that more and more prospective employers are turning to social media for hiring processes.

Response by Liz Hodges Flores made Jul 31 at 2016 11:55 AM

Liz Hodges Flores — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 11:55:47 -0400

I AM ON LINKEDIN

Response by Alan K. made Jul 31 at 2016 12:18 PM

Alan K. — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 12:18:53 -0400

Linkedin is a great way to get insight into an individual by their contacts, their groups, recommendations/endorsements, who they follow. ii think it is better than a resume' as it is constantly updated...I know I do, It's pretty extensive.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2016 12:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 12:20:44 -0400

I believe so. Many younger professionals already use this resource.

Response by CSM Richard Welsch made Jul 31 at 2016 3:12 PM

CSM Richard Welsch — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 15:12:59 -0400

I'm looking for a few navel seals I worked with in Najif as a PMC
This is Rich AKA Doc

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Jul 31 at 2016 3:43 PM

TSgt Joe C. — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 15:43:36 -0400

LinkedIn is a valuable asset COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made Jul 31 at 2016 4:51 PM

Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 16:51:06 -0400

I would like to see it replace the resume'.....

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2016 6:34 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 18:34:24 -0400

I think it could!

Response by Anita Nowocin made Jul 31 at 2016 9:18 PM

Anita Nowocin — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 21:18:12 -0400

My daughter has received multiple job offers because if her LinkedIn profile.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2016 11:06 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 23:06:34 -0400

now that MICROSOFT bought you out the sky is the limit!

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 1 at 2016 2:20 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 14:20:57 -0400

RP Members and Connections looking for jobs - check out this LinkedIn Connection on LinkedIn for a very good example of how to set up your LinkedIn Account as your future resume. Note the achievements and those accomplishments at each position she held, nice Technical Communication Summary at the top as well. This is transfer over nicely to Job boards with very little editing. Check it out:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cnowocin

cnowocin

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Aug 1 at 2016 4:00 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 16:00:21 -0400

LinkedIn may well play a bigger role in applying for employment moving forward in the future COL Mikel J. Burroughs.
LinkedIn sends email to me every week or informing me of companies that might be interested in me.
1. If you have an uncommon name, it is easier for you to search for your profile in a site like linked in.
2. If you have a common name, including something that differentiates you from others with the same name in your name such as rank, degrees which apply to what you feel qualified to work in.
Having a well-written LinkedIn profile is important. Make sure you do not include sensitive or classified information on LinkedIn.
Also when you are a service members any regulations, directives, etc. you write are government property and not your own so you are not authorized to claim authorship of government documents. You can mention that you were lead in a process or assisted in the process.
My LinkedIn profile is at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-ford-4b298a20?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile
Linkedin has more flexibility than AKO did. When I was mobilized from 2001 to 2004 I discovered there were 17 other Stephen Ford's in the Army. Every now and then I would receive AKO NIPR emails from Kansa, Nebraska, etc, with instructions to turn my protective mask in, or some other type of out-processing or personnel actions. I always replied in a message and explained that I was not 1LT Stephen Ford or SGT Stephen Ford and that I was assigned in the Pentagon. Depending on what was going on sometimes the responses were quick other times I had to wait a few days.

stephen-ford-4b298a20

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Aug 1 at 2016 11:30 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 23:30:28 -0400

I attended over 10 employer panels at JBER Alaska during my transition. Every single time it was mentioned by the panel members to have a professional and strong looking profile on LinkedIn.

Find your bosses on LinkedIn and see how they built their profile. Be original, be different, be bold, use media, but stay professional and representing your personal brand. Once your profile is done, keep improving it like a battle position.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 3:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 15:18:29 -0400

I'm a recruiter and have used LI extensively and sometimes exclusively depending on what I am sourcing for. It's a very valuable tool for professionals in most industries today. Why not have this tool at your disposal? Job seeker, leader, executive, or company - filling your tool belt with the proper instruments can only make the task better accomplished. IMO of course, good post as always COL Mikel J. Burroughs!

Response by SFC Randy Purham made Aug 9 at 2016 1:54 PM

SFC Randy Purham — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 13:54:11 -0400

I think it will. More and more companies are turning to Social media to screen and reach out to potential hires. LinkedIn is one the most viable sources for these types of endeavors.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2016 8:43 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 20:43:20 -0400

I'm commenting, because I want to see all these profiles, but Linked In is currently unable to fulfill any of my requests. These are a MUST SEE based on the one I was able to look at earlier.

Response by SSG William Egan made Aug 12 at 2016 12:53 AM

SSG William Egan — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 00:53:13 -0400

I NEED TO COME BACK AND REALLY UTILIZE THIS TOOL. I AM WAITING TO FINISH SOME THINGS WITH THE VA AND MY SURGERIES AND THEN I WILL PROGRESS DONW THE LINKED IN PATH. I HAVE ONLY HEARD GOOD THOUGH. JUST ANOTHER TOOL TO HELP.

Response by CAPT Michael W. Langston, PhD, DMin made Aug 18 at 2016 3:19 PM

CAPT Michael W. Langston, PhD, DMin — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 15:19:52 -0400

I use LinkedIn all the time. It give a great profile view of the person you're look at and it provides a safe way to interface with the individual without making any type of commitment.

Response by 1SG Jeffrey Bergeron made Aug 18 at 2016 6:13 PM

1SG Jeffrey Bergeron — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 18:13:00 -0400

I think it plays a big role already in find and landing a Job or new career. Research shows that 92% of employers use social media to screen out potential employees http://www.adweek.com/socialtimes/survey-96-of-recruiters-use-social-media-to-find-high-quality-candidates/627040.

It is good to setup a quality LinkedIn Page and be active when in the Job market. When I was looking for a new career I put my LinkedIn we link in my email. Showing a professional appearance matters. Additionally having a quality person review your LinkedIn is important as well. An easy way to get cut of the deck is to have spelling and grammar errors on your page.

Response by SGT Christopher Clarke made Aug 25 at 2016 6:09 PM

SGT Christopher Clarke — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 18:09:11 -0400

Yes, LinkedIn is an important part of networking and will be a leader in the hiring process. It's important to be active and write papers on it so that you stand out. You also need to ensure the profile page is complete, current and accurate. LinkedIn is one of my favorite platforms. Hooah

Response by Sgt Ian Richmond made Dec 6 at 2016 7:16 PM

Sgt Ian Richmond — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 19:16:06 -0500

I feel that any job application and website can help. I think that the more places you are, the more you're seen. Just as you state, gotta make sure the profiles are up to date and good.

Response by LT Michael Watson made Dec 6 at 2016 9:45 PM

LT Michael Watson — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 21:45:54 -0500

It may well be a major market influencer, but one needs to be careful of what they post to and how they respond. It is a very open environment, and one can gain insight into what is happening across the spectrum of industries. That said, if one comes across as hostile or arrogant, it will come back to haunt you. Social media is great, but volunteering too much information can have its dangers.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2016 7:23 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 07:23:35 -0500

I think RP could be a fantastic tool for applying for jobs. Especially for Soldiers transitioning. This is already a huge network with an endless wealth of knowledge. It would be a great way for transitioning Soldiers to explore different options that are available to them as well. In order for it to be an effective tool though, RP users would for sure have to keep up with their information posted on their page, update their resume, and communicate.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Dec 9 at 2016 8:18 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 08:18:29 -0500

I would say that it will. Online applications and companies checking sites such as LinkedIn seems to be the way human resources is heading. Heck, I'm listed as retired on LinkedIn but still get notifications that companies are looking at my profile. If you are job hunting or about to transition it only makes sense to keep your profile updated and use the resources that LinkedIn provides.

Response by SPC David McPherson made Dec 21 at 2016 9:25 AM

SPC David McPherson — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 09:25:29 -0500

I currently have a LinkedIn account, and I can honestly say that I receive all kinds of information on job openings, training classes, and continuing education classes/training.
So, I fully believe that it would be very beneficial for all RP members to have a LinkedIn Account, and to use every available resource that it offers to help them in their transition into the civilian job market, or to upgrade to a better job/position.
LTC Ford, here is my LinkedIn account information. https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mcpherson-2ab72a131

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Dec 21 at 2016 9:47 AM

Maj Marty Hogan — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 09:47:48 -0500

I have an account and use it for community coordination events as well as recruiting doctors to our unit in the ANG. I get some traffic- but a lot tends to be someone that wants to sell me a product or service that will help me. I am not currently looking for a job- but have heard decent things from those that are.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2017 11:10 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 11:10:50 -0400

LinkedIn is a great tool I believe and it makes it easy to keep an ongoing resume and add professional contacts for future references. I like how some jobs now can be applied just by linking the account. RP is also a great tool but the benefit is more for, I believe, when transitioning out of the military into the civilian sector and applying for jobs. I have both either way and I'd recommend the same.