SFC Christopher Perry 176396 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was just browsing through the long list of folks LinkedIn says I may know. Doing so left me feeling the urge to bounce something off of you. I noticed that a number of the folks on the list has listed themselves as one rank or another (retired). This part I totally understand. The part that struck me as strange was the few that also had their profile photo as one in uniform. If you are now retired from the military are you not most likely on LinkedIn looking for a civilian job? If this is the case, is it not advantageous to hang up the uniform and look the part? 2014-07-12T14:58:57-04:00 SFC Christopher Perry 176396

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was just browsing through the long list of folks LinkedIn says I may know. Doing so left me feeling the urge to bounce something off of you. I noticed that a number of the folks on the list has listed themselves as one rank or another (retired). This part I totally understand. The part that struck me as strange was the few that also had their profile photo as one in uniform. If you are now retired from the military are you not most likely on LinkedIn looking for a civilian job? If this is the case, is it not advantageous to hang up the uniform and look the part?

2014-07-12T14:58:57-04:00 2014-07-12T14:58:57-04:00 1LT Private RallyPoint Member 176400

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SFC Perry. I fully understand and agree. But, to be quite frank, when I posted my current photo I got hit on by both guys and a few girls. Also, truth be told, I'm proud of the care we provided in Vietnam. It was in many respects both the best and the worst time of my life. I am also here to reconnect with people who knew me back in the day. So, for personal reasons, I tend to stick with an obviously historic iconic photo. Warmest Regards, Sandy

2014-07-12T15:04:28-04:00 2014-07-12T15:04:28-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 176402

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It saddens me to say it, but hang up the uniform [on civilian websites]. There is a large amount of discrimination toward Soldiers. I am not saying not to put it in your profile, but don&#39;t let the uniform be the first impression. I have two stories to back up my point:<br /><br />Story 1: I was unemployed for 8 months. I applied to hundreds of jobs and didn&#39;t get a nibble; not one call for an interview. My FB cover photo was my unit in Iraq standing on top of a stack of T-walls holding up the American Flag. I changed it. Over the following 2 weeks, I got 8 calls and was hired...get this...by a DoD Contracting company to work for...wait for it...wait for it...the Army.<br /><br />Story 2: While still on active duty, I was taking online courses toward my TX teaching certificate. My avatar was a picture of me in the jump seat of a black hawk. When we had our first face-to-face session, the instructor gave me a mocking salute and referred to me as &quot;GI Jane&quot; until I insisted that she stop.<br /><br />I post my photo in uniform here, but I wouldn&#39;t in a civilian facing website.

2014-07-12T15:12:20-04:00 2014-07-12T15:12:20-04:00 SSG Todd Halverson 176406

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I originally used a picture of me in uniform when I first joined LinkedIn. But, then had a contact on there say, &quot;Shouldn&#39;t you be portraying a civilian look since that is the type of job you are looking for.&quot; So, since her and others recommendations I have used mostly civilian looking pictures since I have been retired. Like you said it is time to hang up the uniform and look the part.

2014-07-12T15:16:05-04:00 2014-07-12T15:16:05-04:00 COL Randall C. 176435

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Regarding the use of military photos on Linkedin, it seems to be a mixed opinion with recruiters (some say do as it sets you apart .. some say don&#39;t because people might have misconceptions), but I would posit that the most often use military photo on Linkedin (a cropped headshot from the official DA Photo) isn&#39;t a good one to use while job hunting. Why? Because all the advice that is given on what makes a &#39;good photo&#39; for that site (smiling warmly, relaxed posture, etc) is exactly what we try not to do for our DA Photos!<br /><br />If you do what to use a military photo, I would recommend that you get one taken specifically for this purpose - deck yourself out in your service alphas (NOT your dress whites), put on a nice warm smile, relax your shoulders and take a good head shot.

2014-07-12T15:51:41-04:00 2014-07-12T15:51:41-04:00 MSG Wade Huffman 176452

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I would have to agree. I served nearly a quarter of a century and was, and still am very proud of serving and the uniform. Having said that, I have only worn my uniform one time since retiring, to my daughters wedding, at her request. <br />I chose to start a civilian career, that&#39;s what I&#39;m doing now, and the uniform is behind me.<br />My profile pic on this site (and other sites that I use) reflects who I am TODAY, not who I was. I&quot;m not saying that my way is the &#39;right&#39; way, just sharing why I choose the way I did.

2014-07-12T16:19:18-04:00 2014-07-12T16:19:18-04:00 CPT Catherine R. 176513

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you are looking for a civilian job (which is likely if you are on LinkedIn) then you should be a &quot;civilian&quot;. Don&#39;t give a future employer a reason to not call you in for an interview if there are that many resumes to screen through!

2014-07-12T18:25:48-04:00 2014-07-12T18:25:48-04:00 CPL Jay Strickland 176589

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for a contractor position pulling security overseas you want to highlight your military service. civilian police work is also likewise almost a benefit. If you try to go into another field then you need to show you can look professional.

2014-07-12T20:32:41-04:00 2014-07-12T20:32:41-04:00 LCDR Doug Nordman 176976

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>First, I'm on Linkedin because that's where many of my readers are. It's just as much a social media platform as it is a career site. I state that I'm not looking for a job, but lots of people find me when they're wondering about their own careers. I guess that my civilian career has become "author" and "coach", but it doesn't pay for surf wax. <br /><br />Second, if you're seeking employment from a career board like Linkedin, then your profile photo should look like the career you want to have. (Unless you want to be Batman-- good luck with that.) Maybe you're wearing a suit or maybe it's a polo shirt, but I'm pretty sure that it's not a military uniform. And if you're getting chatted up for an attractive profile photo, then congratulations! It tells you a lot about the industries and companies you're seeking and helps you screen them out. I'd rather have that happen with my profile photo than during my first month on the job. <br /><br />The Navy has the custom of "cruise jackets" and "deployment t-shirts". The back has a catchy title like "WESTPAC '14" and a Google-Map image of where you were. It's also covered with unit patches, morale-boosting (or snarky) slogans, and perhaps a nickname that you earned on liberty.<br /><br />Now imagine that GE or IBM or Ford did the same. Would you show yourself wearing that clothing in a profile photo on Linkedin if you're looking for a job at Siemens or Oracle or GM? So maybe you shouldn't show a military uniform on your Linkedin profile-- unless you're seeing a career in that military.<br /><br />Finally, if you're wearing a military uniform on your RallyPoint profile, then I hope you're on active duty or at least retired awaiting pay. If you're a veteran or a retiree then put the uniform away. Forget about who you were and look forward to who you are.

2014-07-13T12:23:29-04:00 2014-07-13T12:23:29-04:00 CSM Michael J. Uhlig 177000

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Call me biased but I am strictly looking for veterans when I start hiring...I have no problem with a veteran showing their pride in service by wearing their uniform on LinkedIn.

2014-07-13T12:39:27-04:00 2014-07-13T12:39:27-04:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 209275

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I agree with many of the sentiments on here. Military style photos for a site like linked in may narrow the responses (really, the views) you get on the site. Similarly there is much discussion about utilizing military job descriptions and titles in the Linkedin system, as many recruiters are not searching for "Platoon Sergeant" or "S6" but instead searching for things like "Project Manager" or "Supply Chain Planner". <br /><br />This being said, if you want to work in a job that utilizes your military experience, no harm in using your military picture. Most likely the people looking for you will know what they are looking at and drive interest in you from your picture. But don't be surprised if there isn't a huge interest from the business community, when they may be looking to see how well you can transition out of the military mindset. As a bit of a case study, my personal views on Linkedin were zero for a long time, as my position titles were all Military based (Plans and Policies Officer, G4) and when I changed them to more civilian friendly speak (Senior Logistics Planner), I found that I was getting viewed every few days. While I'm not actively hunting on Linkedin for a new position, it was nice to see the change in interest level.

2014-08-19T12:17:37-04:00 2014-08-19T12:17:37-04:00 Maj Chris Nelson 217869

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am using the same photo here at RP as I am at LinkedIn. Air Force "official photo" recommendations do not appear to be as "formal" as Army offical photos. As I am currently still active duty, I feel that the use of my official photo is warrented. After i retire, I will be updating my photo to be some type of a quality photo in business attire. <br /><br />With that being said, There are some organizations and recruiters that must not mind the photo....I have had no less then 3 cold contacts for employment oppertunity.... all starting immediately, even tho my LinkedIn says "not available for full time employment until 2016"....At this time, I am mostly focused on networking and refining my profile/resume to be highly effective when the time comes to implement.<br /><br />If anyone goes to my LinkedIn and finds any recommendations, I am more then willing to consider revision!

2014-08-26T12:23:32-04:00 2014-08-26T12:23:32-04:00 Maj Chris Nelson 217877

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>duplicate post.

2014-08-26T12:25:43-04:00 2014-08-26T12:25:43-04:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 217958

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The rules differ somewhat for the various services. The Army goes by AR 670-1, which states that "retired personnel are authorized to wear the uniform only on the following occasions:<br /><br />(1) While attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.<br /><br />(2) Attending parades on national or State holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve U.S. military unit is taking part. Uniforms for these occasions are restricted to service and dress uniforms; the combat uniform and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn. Wearing the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above, is prohibited."<br /><br />Based on this guidance, I'd say it's a bad idea for a retiree to post on LinkedIn with their official photo.

2014-08-26T13:27:22-04:00 2014-08-26T13:27:22-04:00 Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member 284788

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I suppose it depends on the job you are trying to get. If you are trying for DOD contracting it may help. I doubt it does anything one way or another. I have been offered several jobs without a official pic so I guess they key specific words in your profile more than anything.

2014-10-20T01:28:11-04:00 2014-10-20T01:28:11-04:00 SSG Jose Ortizburgos 289724

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I did the same one time and did not get a call so why change. Some people get the opportunity and some do not..

2014-10-22T22:54:31-04:00 2014-10-22T22:54:31-04:00 SSG Jose Ortizburgos 289726

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I don see why not. You fought for the freedom of the people, lets be recognized for what we accomplished.

2014-10-22T22:55:57-04:00 2014-10-22T22:55:57-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 1003901

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I totally agree that when looking for civilian jobs on "social media platforms" then the uniform should not be in the picture. If you have a resume that has been put together properly, then it will reflect your military career and history.

2015-09-29T20:57:50-04:00 2015-09-29T20:57:50-04:00 Michael Sweat 1089851

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you're seeking employment in certain industries such as defense/national security, law enforcement, etc., I see nothing wrong with wearing the uniform. In fact, as an employer if the Government Services space focused on defense and national security who has hired hundreds of vets over the years, I love to see a candidate's LinkedIn profile photo in uniform. Unfortunately, if your job search in focused in a different direction, I fear it may be limiting.

2015-11-05T12:28:24-05:00 2015-11-05T12:28:24-05:00 2014-07-12T14:58:57-04:00