Networking
Learn about employment opportunities by making contacts and gathering information. Networking is the most common resource
for locating a job.
What is Networking?
For the most part, networking is gathering information. You already have a network of family and friends that can help
in your job search. Build a network of Advocates that may include:
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Family and Friends
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Church affiliations
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Co-Workers
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Professional associations
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Military or Veteran Associations
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Volunteer groups
- Military career counselors
Start building your network well in advance, at least six months, of seeking veteran employment or a career change. Stay
in touch with your contacts and let them know of the opportunities that you are looking for. Ask questions that can help
you gather valuable information, such as:
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How did they find their job (especially others who have transitioned)
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What are the skills required for certain jobs
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Is there a professional organization that might provide help or contacts
- Do they know someone that may be a good contact for a job
Show your appreciation, after all you are asking them to endorse you as a good candidate for employment.
The article below demonstrates the basics of Good networking:
Ask The Headhunter - Part 1
Ask The Headhunter - Part 2
Beyond Networking
There are many other approaches to locating job opportunities that you should consider in addition to networking. Successfully
pursing your new career will involve utilizing all the job-hunting strategies available to you.
1. Placement firms and Recruiters
There are many placement firms and many recruiters but only a few specialize in placing military candidates. One of the
largest and most respected placement firms specializing in placing military candidates is Bradley-Morris, Inc.
As a recruiting partner of CivilianJobs.com, Bradley-Morris specializes in placing military officers and enlisted candidates
with management and technical expertise. Bradley-Morris, is veteran owned and the majority of their recruiters are former
military themselves. www.bradley-morris.com
2. Transition Offices (TAPS)
The Transition Assistance Program offices provide career search counseling and out-placement services. If you are transitioning
from the military these facilities have information on upcoming job fairs, transition seminars, companies wanting to hire
military job seekers, and well as other resources to help in your transition.
You can find a list of Transition offices in the Resource section.
3. College Career Centers
College career centers are an excellent source of information on potential employment. Check out your local high school,
community college or university, vocational school or technical school for job search information.
4. Employers Career Sites
If your networking efforts or job search has lead you to an opportunity at a specific company then you may want to directly
apply for an opportunity. Make sure you have developed a proper cover letter and a resume that highlights your skills and
experience. Check out the resume section of this site for more help.
5. Magazines and Classified Ads
The classified ads section of your local newspapers can be a quick way to learn of opportunities in your area. Trade publications
for your particular skill area or experience may also provide information on jobs that may be available.
6. Online Services
The Internet has provided a new, fast, and cost-effective alternative to recruiting and filling open job positions. Online
resume database services such as www.monster.com and www.careerbuilder.com now have millions of resumes of candidates seeking employment. They offer
candidates the ability to search numerous job postings from companies by type of job or by location. To assist the companies
seeking to fill open positions, the database services usually offers two types of services; Job postings as well as the
ability to search the database of candidates.
You can post your resume on CivilianJobs.com for FREE
The advantage to using CivilianJobs.com is that you are utilizing an online service that understands the skills, training,
and experience that is obtained through the military and the ability to translate those skills to the civilian job market.
We are prior military ourselves and are dedicated to providing the largest resource for employment for prior military.
The CivilianJobs.com network of services encompasses an online resume database service, affiliations with permanent military
recruiting firms, job news publications, as well as partnerships with companies offering hiring conferences and job fairs.
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