A Veteran's Guide to LinkedIn

I spent 20+ years in military intelligence.  Due to that, I have been anti-social media for the better part of its existence.  I am very much a social media novice.  When you start your transition, one of the first things you are going to be told is to create a profile on LinkedIn and start networking.  If you were like me, you’re not overly excited about this.  My ignorance towards social media added to the stress of my transition.  I have three strategies that worked for me and might help you navigate this part of your transition a little bit easier.

Before we get too far into this let me clearly state that I am not, nor do I pretend to be, an expert on LinkedIn.  As far as I’m concerned creating the perfect LinkedIn profile is in the eye of the creator.  Build what works for you and what you are trying to say about yourself.  If you solicit advice on your profile, you need to first understand that everyone has an opinion.  Right, wrong, or indifferent, everyone has an opinion.

I would like you to remember the acronym PTO.  If you are not familiar with the term PTO yet, it stands for personal time off, the civilian equivalent to military leave.  PTO is a good thing, just like using LinkedIn during and after your transition is a good thing.  Use PTO to remember these three tips for using LinkedIn: Profile Simplicity, Targeted Networking, and Open-Minded Approach.

Profile Simplicity

The LinkedIn profile can quickly get out of hand.  I would advise to focus on the basics as you get started.  You can always add to and make changes as you get more comfortable.  Here’s a “just the basics” checklist for you to get you started:

• Profile Photo – If you have access to one of the free services for profile photos, use it. If not, it’s not that hard to take a professional looking photo at home.  This should not be a vacation photo or crazy selfie; remember you are looking for a job.
• Banner Picture – To start this doesn’t have to be anything fancy. The important thing is to have one.  Shows you put some effort into your profile.  You can always upgrade this later.
• Headline – This is one of the most viewed and criticized items on your profile. Keep it simple and put down what your job is.  Add in any credentials or other key titles you want to highlight for the job search.  Personally, I don’t like the “Transitioning Service Member” label in the headline.  Play with the headline and go with what speaks to you.  If it says what you want it to say, then you’re probably on the right track.
• Profile Sections – Use the ones you need. There are many sections available to you, I recommend you have at a minimum the following:

1. 1. Experience – Tell us what you have done. Avoid using the military to civilian job converters, they are not an easy crossover.  Instead list your military job and describe what you did.
   2. Education/Certifications – Any schools attended and or certifications you have earned.
   3. Skills – you can have up to 50. Pick out the 50 skills you most identify with.
   4. Volunteering – Volunteering always looks good.

That’s it!  This is all you need to get started.  You can always add to and change your profile as you get more comfortable.  Starting with this basic information will get you started on the right foot.

Targeted Networking

Targeted networking is a deliberate approach to networking.  Think about the things that are important to you, things you want more information about, and things you have questions about.  These are the things you should be “targeting” in your networking.  Utilize LinkedIn’s search functions to search by:

• Location to find people close to you or where you are thinking of living so you can learn more about the area. This can be valuable information, especially if you have school aged kids.
• Industry, Service or Company to learn more about a potential career field. This is the baseline for informational interviews.  Make a little small talk with new connections before asking for an informational interview, the request is always met with better results after you have built a bit of a relationship.
• Schools or key words to find commonalities with others. It is easier to network when you have something in common already.  Use the commonalities to break the ice and make the connection.  Then build from there.

You can send out connection request after request without a plan, but what is the point?  Why build a network of people you don’t know and don’t have anything in common with?  Your networking will be much more beneficial if you are targeted in your approach.  In case no one told you yet, send all networking requests with a personal message.  It not only the right thing to do, but it also just means more.

Open-Minded Approach

Approach LinkedIn with an open mind.  There are tons of opportunities available to you in this world, be open to at least thinking about them.  Get into a regular posting schedule about the things that interest you.  Start with 1-2 a week until you get comfortable.  As you grow on LinkedIn, you will start to have opportunities arise you never considered.  Through LinkedIn I have:

• Met wonderful professionals around the world willing to have a conversation with me.
• Co-founded VET S.O.S. Podcast.
• Become a published author.
• And had several other great opportunities that I never would have known about had I not been active on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn is an amazing tool when used correctly.  There is a saying “Your Network is Your Net Worth”.  There is a lot of truth in this.  Life has always been about relationships.  Networking is the key to building relationships.  Embrace LinkedIn using the simple tips I have outlined here, and you will be well on your way to cultivating a powerful network that supports you and your ambitions.

Shawn Welsh is the Founder and Co-Host of the VET S.O.S. Podcast.  The show features information and resources about veteran support organizations and key personnel in the veteran support community.  With a passion for helping others, he started VET S.O.S. to provide a lifeline to veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses.

Shawn is a retired U.S. Army veteran with over twenty years of experience as an intelligence professional.  As a senior noncommissioned officer, he was dedicated to taking care of his Soldiers and continues that mission today with VET S.O.S.  Shawn holds several advanced degrees including a Master’s Degree in administrative leadership from the University of Oklahoma.  A member of the Maxwell Leadership Team, Shawn is also a certified resiliency trainer who lives in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife and their two children.

Contact Info:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnwelsh00/

VET S.O.S. Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@vets.o.s.podcast

RSS: https://media.rss.com/vetsos/feed.xml

Email: shawn.welsh00@gmail.com

Header Image Credit: Airam Dato-on. Find it here.