Posted on Jul 12, 2014
Should retirees use military profile photos on places like LinkedIn?
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I was just browsing through the long list of folks LinkedIn says I may know. Doing so left me feeling the urge to bounce something off of you. I noticed that a number of the folks on the list has listed themselves as one rank or another (retired). This part I totally understand. The part that struck me as strange was the few that also had their profile photo as one in uniform. If you are now retired from the military are you not most likely on LinkedIn looking for a civilian job? If this is the case, is it not advantageous to hang up the uniform and look the part?
Posted in these groups: 
Army
Retirement
Army Retirement
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 18
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It saddens me to say it, but hang up the uniform [on civilian websites]. There is a large amount of discrimination toward Soldiers. I am not saying not to put it in your profile, but don't let the uniform be the first impression. I have two stories to back up my point:
Story 1: I was unemployed for 8 months. I applied to hundreds of jobs and didn't get a nibble; not one call for an interview. My FB cover photo was my unit in Iraq standing on top of a stack of T-walls holding up the American Flag. I changed it. Over the following 2 weeks, I got 8 calls and was hired...get this...by a DoD Contracting company to work for...wait for it...wait for it...the Army.
Story 2: While still on active duty, I was taking online courses toward my TX teaching certificate. My avatar was a picture of me in the jump seat of a black hawk. When we had our first face-to-face session, the instructor gave me a mocking salute and referred to me as "GI Jane" until I insisted that she stop.
I post my photo in uniform here, but I wouldn't in a civilian facing website.
Story 1: I was unemployed for 8 months. I applied to hundreds of jobs and didn't get a nibble; not one call for an interview. My FB cover photo was my unit in Iraq standing on top of a stack of T-walls holding up the American Flag. I changed it. Over the following 2 weeks, I got 8 calls and was hired...get this...by a DoD Contracting company to work for...wait for it...wait for it...the Army.
Story 2: While still on active duty, I was taking online courses toward my TX teaching certificate. My avatar was a picture of me in the jump seat of a black hawk. When we had our first face-to-face session, the instructor gave me a mocking salute and referred to me as "GI Jane" until I insisted that she stop.
I post my photo in uniform here, but I wouldn't in a civilian facing website.
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CPT Catherine R.
COL Vincent Stoneking
So I shouldn't complain about my current employer on FB? Got it!
So I shouldn't complain about my current employer on FB? Got it!
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Col (Join to see)
Capt Ann Wolfer, thanks for posting your experiences, I am deeply saddened and offended that the civilian employment sector says one thing about supporting veterans, and then does another by not hiring them. Thanks for your guidance!!
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MSG David Kalb
Complete agreement with you CPT W. I had to go as far as not having any thing military that may draw attention to myself, even when going through security (even on bases). I would get singled out and 'we have to take extra precautions with you former military folks- you could be dangerous.' Many businesses quote 'PTSD' or 'CRSD' as reasons to screen out military. One manager went so far as to say he couldn't hire military due to the perceived mindset that anyone above the rank of SGT could not take orders; were too used to giving them only and would cause trouble.
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Suspended Profile
SFC Perry. I fully understand and agree. But, to be quite frank, when I posted my current photo I got hit on by both guys and a few girls. Also, truth be told, I'm proud of the care we provided in Vietnam. It was in many respects both the best and the worst time of my life. I am also here to reconnect with people who knew me back in the day. So, for personal reasons, I tend to stick with an obviously historic iconic photo. Warmest Regards, Sandy
SFC Christopher Perry
I was going the same direction with that one as well. I see a mile of difference between RP and LinkedIn. Either way, it really was a curiosity question only. I was not judging either way. To me it is personal preference. I was purely interested in getting thoughts on this one from some other folks. This photo is fantastic, I would use it for any site I had as well!
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Suspended Profile
I run small consulting firm leveraging personal communication skills, contacts, and resources working to make the world a better place. I have tried a number of photos both old and more recent on social media including RP, LI, FB, and others. The people I want to contact via social media most often recognize and respect the care provided in Vietnam as starting point for new connections and collaborations. My old nursing photo evokes the most helpful response from old friends, colleagues, and new connections. It seems to evoke a sense of the kind committed urgent causes I support. Warmest Regards, Sandy
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Depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for a contractor position pulling security overseas you want to highlight your military service. civilian police work is also likewise almost a benefit. If you try to go into another field then you need to show you can look professional.
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SFC Christopher Perry
CPL Jay Strickland Now that is an angle to the subject I'd not entertained. Thanks for pointing this one out.
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