How about Lies They Tell Transitioning Veterans, Part 2: Passive Networking is Effective?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 17:03:14 -0400

How about Lies They Tell Transitioning Veterans, Part 2: Passive Networking is Effective?

By Peter Gudmundsson
CEO & President at RecruitMilitary

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lies-tell-transitioning-veterans-part-2-passive-peter-gudmundsson?trk=pulse-det-nav_art

This is the second in a series of columns entitled “Lies They Tell Transitioning Veterans.” As before, the incendiary nature of the title is not meant to belittle or accuse the contract instructors who conduct these on classes. Rather, the language is intended to challenge the ambitious transitioning veteran to give careful thought to the veracity of his assumptions and efficacy of his efforts.

Most transition classes provide at least passing mention of the power of networking and the importance of setting up a LinkedIn profile. Few of these classes, however, effectively communicate that networking is hard and active work. There is no such thing as effective passive networking. The idea that one can just set up a Linkedin profile and wait for jobs to appear is a common misconception.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Sep 8 at 2015 5:07 PM

SGT Scott Bell — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 17:07:36 -0400

man

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Sep 8 at 2015 5:18 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 17:18:43 -0400

I do agree that networking is not a passive effective method, I will (to a SMALL degree) disagree to the Linked In profile thing. If you spend time, draft your information carefully and include words that will trigger search parameters, you can have some luck. I worked on my LinkedIn account for a number of days, polishing it up to the best that I could... I even included a statement of "non-availability" until a specific time frame due to military obligation....since that time, I have had at least 3 possible job offers just off my "passive" LinkedIn account. Now, I would say that I may have had more, if I was ACTIVE with it.... but I am also not quite in that target time frame yet (but fast approaching!).

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 8:12 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 08:12:16 -0400

Sir-Among many unintentional "mis-truths" laid out during "transition assistance training", I recall an overly optimistic and perhaps dated view of "networking". When I first entered the civilian workforce, what I discovered was that most companies have very specific criteria they are looking for in a minimally qualified applicant...Once that baseline is established through a series of frustratingly impersonal portals, networking may come into play. However, it is truly poor advice to service members to imply a good professional online presence will land them their "big break".