As too many cleared veterans know, it can be tough to get a job.  Yes, there’s a market for your skills and clearance.  But there’s also a lengthy and sometimes frustrating process that follows your application.  So what can cleared veterans do to get their names out of the pile of resumes and onto the desk plate?

Get social.  Or at least redefine what the word means in the job market and use it to your advantage.

Re-boot your social media presence

Technology is the driver for connecting job seekers to recruiters.  While Facebook and Twitter are still in the running, LinkedIn is the site of choice for both job candidates and hiring managers.  Consider your profile as a work in progress.  Keep it updated.  But be aware that a public website such as LinkedIn, while great for building connections, may not be the best place to post your resume. LinkedIn can offer no site security, or verification that a potential employer really is who they say they are. That’s why the Cleared Network on ClearanceJobs.com is still the best place for posting your resume details, and seriously advancing your job search.

Update your social networking connections relevant to your target industry. Cleared job seekers have the greatest potential for jobs in the defense industry.  Search out that market to connect with employers and human resource managers in private and federal sector defense jobs.  Use some strategy to make those connections. For example, make lists:  Human resource managers at companies where you’d like to work; chamber of commerce leaders in cities with a strong defense presence; thought leaders writing about defense issues.  Set goals for how many people you want to connect with each week.  It takes time, but you have it in abundance.  This is a productive way to use it.

Update your interaction.  You likely have dozens of connections you haven’t actually talked to in months, even years. Sort through them and identify those who may have the potential to assist you.  Instead of email, reach out by phone.  If they are local, meet in person. Even if they can’t help you right now, that doesn’t mean they won’t know about something a week later.  You won’t miss those opportunities if you develop a stronger relationship.

Re-engineer your social life

Networking is still king when it comes to getting jobs, but it doesn’t have to be painful.  No one wants to attend an event where they don’t know a soul.  So look for activities and organizations where you have common ground.  As a former service member, you have ties to others who have served. Connecting with them helps connect you to additional groups they attend.  If you want to grow your chances of landing a job, grow your network.  It’s an odds-booster for job seekers.

Go places. But do it with purpose.  For example, consider volunteering with a local school’s FIRST robotics or STEM program. Typically, volunteers in these programs have technical skills and work in companies that hire engineers, IT experts and those with prior military experience.  All major defense contractors are active in these programs and this is where many of their employees volunteer.  These are people who can help you.  It’s also a great way to help others.

Socialize your cover letter

A good cover letter is critical to getting your resume some attention.  But if your past approach isn’t working, consider a new one.  Rather than a rehash of your resume in paragraph form, just think open and close.   Open with some personality and social skills. That means a little research first.  Did the company make news recently?  Look at business journals, company websites and other outlets to learn more.  Let hiring manager know you are aware of the company’s history and successes.  Say congratulations or indicate why this news matters to you.  And when you close, do it fast.  Rather than the standard line about hoping they’ll take your information into consideration, close with what they really want to hear: A positive and engaging line or two that states why your experience or your perspective will help you get the job done.

 

 

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Tranette Ledford is a writer and owner of Ledford, LLC, which provides writing, editorial and public relations consulting for defense, military and private sector businesses. You can contact her at: Tranette@Ledfordllc.com.