There’s an old adage in the job-seeking world that says, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
LinkedIn is a business and employment-oriented social networking service that operates via websites and mobile apps and helps job seekers get to “know” the right people.
“It’s really important for those transitioning, both separating and retiring, to set up a professional LinkedIn account,” said Kendra Humphrey, Airman and Family Readiness Center work-life specialist. “It’s like a Facebook profile. You go out and make connections. If you’re looking for a certain occupation, it can help you land that position in the civilian sector.”
LinkedIn offers varied levels of profiles, with a sliding cost scale depending on what features and access a person desires. Fortunately, for service members, veterans have free access to the premium career subscription for one year.
“This package includes access to LinkedIn Learning as well as premium insights to understand what's going on inside companies you're interested in and how you stack up against others applying for the same job,” Humphrey said.
The A&FRC offers a LinkedIn workshop on a bimonthly basis, facilitated by LeaderQuest, an Information and Technology employer. They also offer a “tailor your resume” workshop.
“We want to help set people up for success in every aspect,” Humphrey said. “We bring in experts to these workshops so that Airmen can hear from industry leaders on how to best set themselves apart in the private sector.”
According to Humphrey, one of the most important things people can do to start setting themselves up for success is to build their resume, as that is what employers tend to gravitate to when reviewing a LinkedIn profile.
“Start that process now,” Humphrey said. “You want everything to be professional, crisp and clean, and absolutely do not lie on your resume.”
While a good resume can make or break an employment opportunity, employers might not even make it to that part of the profile if prospective employees are missing one crucial item: a professional photo.
“First impressions are everything,” Humphrey said. “Get a professional head and shoulder shot taken of you in clean business attire and well groomed. Do not put a picture up of you in your uniform. It’s all about presenting a professional image.”
Master Sgt. Peter Uson, A&FRC NCO in charge, stressed the importance of Airmen taking advantage of LinkedIn at the earliest possible time.
“If you start now, it will help build your network, follow employment trends, and keep you current on what type of talent companies are seeking,” Uson said. “You don’t want to be trying to figure that out at the last second. That will put you behind those who have been utilizing LinkedIn.”
The next “tailor your resume” workshop is Sept. 13 from 9 – 11 a.m. at the A&FRC. The next LinkedIn workshop date has not yet been determined, but information will be posted in the base bulletin when it becomes available. For more information on either workshop, or to sign up, call 567-7391.
| Date Taken: | 09.06.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 09.06.2017 10:32 |
| Story ID: | 247208 |
| Location: | SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 43 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, LinkedIn key to successful post-AF career, by MSgt Wes Wright, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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