Networking Tips for Introverts

Photo By Master Sgt. Miriam Espinoza | Sgt. Jesse Webber, a transportation manager with the 296th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, speaks to a representative from the Boots to Shoes program during a job fair organized by Hire America's Heroes at the Tacoma Convention Center Sept. 5. Webber is one of the many veterans who attended the Hire America’s Heroes job fair in search for his future career as he transitions out of the Army.  

FORT KNOX, KY, UNITED STATES

05.23.2017

Story by Jenny Hale 

U.S. Army Human Resources Command

Networking can be frustrating, but a recent report by LinkedIn showed that networking is the number one way to find a new job.

For a transitioning Soldier, networking can be the key to success. Social media sites thrive on the ability to network and professional development groups often pop-up across the United States to help connect professionals with other like-minded individuals.

Networking is not going away, but for those with introvert personalities, finding the courage to put themselves out there is no easy task. Below are three ways for introverts to network their way to success.

#1 - Use Online Resources

LinkedIn is a great resource for transitioning Service members. Through the company’s LinkedIn for Good, the organization gives eligible military and Veteran members 12 months of a free LinkedIn Premium Subscription. Networking on LinkedIn is one of the best ways to get connected with employers, companies, and future contacts.

For those who are introverts, networking behind a computer screen may be easier than in person. Job seekers can respond to a poster's statuses, message connections with their questions, and participate in groups.

Other social networking sites are also helpful for networking. Facebook offers private and public groups that have participants from around the world. Various groups focus on topics such as employment, specific industries, and networking. Consider joining specific industry groups or ones that are Veteran-focused to help network online.

#2 - Go to Networking Events

Face-to-face networking is still an important factor in finding a job. Going to a party or event to network can be hard for those who are introverts, but events that are specifically created for networking, like professional Meetup groups, are easier for meeting people. Since the focus of networking events is getting to know others, individuals who attend are more likely to start conversations, approach others, and engage in group discussions. Use these opportunities to network in a less stressful environment and look to meet others in targeted industries.

#3 - Recruit friends to help

Two heads are better than one. For those nervous about networking, bring a friend or two to an event. Outgoing friends are great to bring along as a support system and to help break the ice. The job seeker should explain what industries they are targeting, the positions they are looking for, and the locations they're interested in. With a friend close by, it may be much easier to meet new people and talk about career goals.

In addition, friends can also introduce a job seeker to connections at companies or in targeted industries. Ask friends if they know someone that may be able to help during the job search and arrange to meet for coffee or set up a phone call.

At the end of the day, a job seeker will need to meet and become connected to employers, recruiters, and company employees in order to increase the chance of receiving a job offer. The above ideas can help get a job seeker started, and so can the Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program, or SFL-TAP.

Transitioning Soldiers looking for more information on civilian career resources can reach out to their local SFL-TAP Center. The program helps transitioning military families through the job search journey. SFL-TAP is available to all eligible Soldiers with at least 180 days of continuous active duty service.

To maximize a transitioning Soldier’s networking success, SFL-TAP recommends starting the program 18 months prior to transition or 24 months prior for retirees. For more information, visit www.sfl-tap.army.mil or contact a local SFL-TAP Center. The program can also be found on Facebook (Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program), Twitter (@SFLTAP), and LinkedIn (Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program Connection Group).

• Date Taken: 05.23.2017
• Date Posted: 05.23.2017 09:27
• Story ID: 234852
• Location: FORT KNOX, KY, US