Networking

No matter who you are or what you do, you should always be networking. Networking is about meeting people, building relationships, and maintaining those relationships. Don’t be shy. Get to know people when you are at social gatherings, professional organizations, your child’s sporting events, church, the grocery store, the gym, or sitting on an airplane. Get to know the government contractors or civilian workers you come into contact with. Keep in touch with former coworkers who have transitioned into the corporate world. Find out where people work, what they do, and get their contact information. Let them know you’re in the military and are looking for a job. Send them your resume when you are within your “interviewing window” (see my post on the Job Search Timeline). A wise man once told me, “If you’re looking for a job, it’s always smart to network with someone who actually has a job.”

Here are a few other places to network:

• Job Fairs are a great way to meet and network with recruiters.


• Military placement firms are a great networking tool. They can connect you with their corporate connections and set you up with interviews.


• Social networking websites like LinkedIn, Xing, and Facebook.


• Employer Panels held by your base’s Transition Assistance office.

Get out there and start networking today. Feel free to contact me with any comments or questions.