LinkedIn for Transitioning Military: Why You Need to Be There

LinkedIn for Transitioning Military

A few months ago, I attended a retirement ceremony for an active-duty service member. When the conversation revealed that he expected to transition in 18 months, I asked whether he were on LinkedIn. I quickly realized I'd pushed a hot button!

Without reservation, he stated directly that he was not on any social media while on orders. I imagined he might face a difficult transition without a professional network for support, guidance, and information.

So, What About You?

You're getting out. You've even been to TAP. Everyone, including your TAP instructor, says you need a LinkedIn page. Maybe social media isn't your thing or you're concerned about OPSEC. No one's asking you to break any rules.

Know this: LinkedIn is a necessary part of today's civilian job search and while it is possible to conduct your search without it, you don't want to limit yourself in this very competitive market because approximately 90% of recruiters use it to source talent.

How Does LinkedIn Work?

Like any business, LinkedIn is here to make money. They sell data, in the form of subscriptions to organizations that are either recruiting staff or trying to sell products or services. What makes the data valuable is whether it's current.

For LinkedIn to work for us, we not only have to create a complete profile but we also have to keep the information current by updating our information regularly and staying active via comments and posts.

Simply put, LinkedIn rewards activity by promoting the members who have updated and active profiles.

The Reason to Be on LinkedIn is to Be FOUND

You want to be visible, so that recruiters, headhunters, and hiring managers can find you. When I was a headhunter and received a resume that seemed like it might be a match for an opening, the first thing I'd do is jump on LinkedIn to see what else I could learn.

Recruiters find candidates on LinkedIn by searching on key words, skills, and job titles, along with other criteria such as location, education, and certifications. Showing up at the top of the search results is your goal.

LinkedIn is Different Than a Resume

LinkedIn is for building a valuable professional network to support your search for a meaningful new career. You're marketing yourself to a targeted audience that hires people in your field.

A resume is a tailored marketing tool for a specific job. It highlights specific accomplishments that demonstrate that you can do the work.

Summary

Through LinkedIn, you're able to build a professional network to support your goal of finding a meaningful new career. Consider your LinkedIn profile as a work in progress that evolves as you evolve toward your next career, whereas a resume is static.

According to LinkedIn, 7 people are hired every minute on their site. You need to be there, so you can be one of them!