{"id":74823,"date":"2022-04-12T19:00:01","date_gmt":"2022-04-12T19:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/uncategorized\/2022\/04\/12\/networking-making-the-most-of-your-connections\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T14:31:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T14:31:17","slug":"networking-making-the-most-of-your-connections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/education-transition\/2022\/04\/12\/networking-making-the-most-of-your-connections\/","title":{"rendered":"How to leverage your connections to land a civilian job"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Personal connections are critical when transitioning from the military to a civilian job. And not just any job \u2014 one you want and are a great fit to fill. The good news is you\u2019ve made a ton of connections through your military service. You just need to know how to use them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The answer is networking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEighty percent of all job offers are referral-based and made through the power of networking,\u201d said Carla Miller, Senior Program Manager at Hiring Our Heroes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pete Blum<\/a>, Navy\/Marine veteran and military transition expert, agrees. \u201cFinding that new career can be made simpler by having an established network, being connected to people at companies you\u2019re interested in, and learning what is a good fit for you before you take the leap.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start Early<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Start networking early to develop strong relationships and ensure your connections are ready to help when needed. Blum recommends beginning \u201cat least two years before transitioning out of the military.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An early start is particularly important when seeking senior-level civilian employment. \u201cMany senior leaders in the military work right up to the last minute of transition,\u201d said Blum. They \u201care the ones that need to start early the most. Senior positions in the civilian world are harder to get.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expand Your Network Online<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Without even trying, you\u2019ve developed a network of military connections, family, friends, and neighbors. Now is the time to build additional connections and nurture those you\u2019ve already made. Experts recommend using LinkedIn for networking online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLinkedIn is the best business networking tool for veterans and spouses to use for finding a new career or if they start their own business,\u201d said Blum. \u201cNo matter where you are in the world, you can network with people where you want to end up and before you get there!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Veteran Amanda Huffman of Airman to Mom<\/a> agrees. \u201cI thought I had a great network because I met so many people while I served. But I didn\u2019t realize the value of connecting with veterans outside of the branch I served in. I have found LinkedIn a great way to connect with veterans outside my standard network.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use the People You May Know feature<\/a> to find contacts you\u2019ve previously made. Send a message asking how they\u2019ve been and sharing a brief update about you. Focus on maintaining relationships by reaching out every few weeks or so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start With Military Contacts<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor transitioning military, it\u2019s great to start building connections from those you know from the military; you know they always want to help their military brothers and sisters,\u201d said Blum. \u201cThe greatest thing here is perspective. If you talk to a veteran who has already transitioned, they understand what you\u2019re going through and they have experience on what has worked and what has not.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connect With Civilians<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Connecting with civilians within your industry of interest is also important. \u201cOne, so you can learn from them. Civilians do things different from the military,\u201d Blum said. \u201cTwo, civilians can introduce you to more civilians, which means more opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make the most of networking with the following tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n