LinkedIn Networking
Why should I get a LinkedIn account?
Networking is an important skill whether you are looking for a new job, applying to a college, or establishing yourself as a credible expert within a career field. Nowadays, who you know can be just as important as what you know. LinkedIn is a valuable tool for building this network. In your post-military career, you will encounter potential mentors, recruiters, and other useful allies who can open the right doors on your transition journey.
Who should I add to my network?
On LinkedIn, you will encounter all types of users, some of who may even reach out to you out of the blue. Some of these potential contacts are more useful than others, however. For example, it is likely that you may come across marketers trying to push online courses or tools out of the blue. Generally speaking, these encounters are a waste of your time.
What you need are connections that offer value to your network. For example, if you are looking for a job in cyber security, you will no doubt want to reach out to people in this field.
However, you shouldn’t just randomly reach out to complete strangers on a whim. It’s important to establish what value you can offer as well.
How do I reach out to employers and mentors?
Timing is key.
Let’s imagine you meet a recruiter for a dream company at a job fair. The next day you will want to reach out to this individual on LinkedIn and send a connection request along with a message.
What should this message involve?
First, establish your relation to the connection. Recruiters at job fairs have met hundreds of potential applicants at each event, so provide the details of your meeting at the start of the message.
Second, make clear your reason for connecting. Do you have further questions about working at this company? Was there a particular opportunity that you’re applying to?
Finally, add a call to action. This can be something as simple as adding “Can we connect?” to the end of your message.
Do I still need to network once I have a job?
Building and maintaining a professional network is still an important task, even after you get hired. Remember, things are always changing in the business world. The job you have today either might not be there tomorrow, or you may be looking at other opportunities elsewhere. Therefore, it is important that you keep making connections.
Good network candidates include your managers, who can provide recommendations about your skill set. Alternatively, if you do contractual work, you can include clients as well.
Networking is an important skill whether you are looking for a new job, applying to a college, or establishing yourself as a credible expert within a career field. Nowadays, who you know can be just as important as what you know. LinkedIn is a valuable tool for building this network. In your post-military career, you will encounter potential mentors, recruiters, and other useful allies who can open the right doors on your transition journey.
Who should I add to my network?
On LinkedIn, you will encounter all types of users, some of who may even reach out to you out of the blue. Some of these potential contacts are more useful than others, however. For example, it is likely that you may come across marketers trying to push online courses or tools out of the blue. Generally speaking, these encounters are a waste of your time.
What you need are connections that offer value to your network. For example, if you are looking for a job in cyber security, you will no doubt want to reach out to people in this field.
However, you shouldn’t just randomly reach out to complete strangers on a whim. It’s important to establish what value you can offer as well.
How do I reach out to employers and mentors?
Timing is key.
Let’s imagine you meet a recruiter for a dream company at a job fair. The next day you will want to reach out to this individual on LinkedIn and send a connection request along with a message.
What should this message involve?
First, establish your relation to the connection. Recruiters at job fairs have met hundreds of potential applicants at each event, so provide the details of your meeting at the start of the message.
Second, make clear your reason for connecting. Do you have further questions about working at this company? Was there a particular opportunity that you’re applying to?
Finally, add a call to action. This can be something as simple as adding “Can we connect?” to the end of your message.
Do I still need to network once I have a job?
Building and maintaining a professional network is still an important task, even after you get hired. Remember, things are always changing in the business world. The job you have today either might not be there tomorrow, or you may be looking at other opportunities elsewhere. Therefore, it is important that you keep making connections.
Good network candidates include your managers, who can provide recommendations about your skill set. Alternatively, if you do contractual work, you can include clients as well.