7 Common Mistakes Transitioning Service Members Make on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a powerful tool.  

 … especially for transitioning service members looking for a job in the private sector. But if you're not intentional about how you use the platform, you might make some big mistakes that could hinder your chances of success. 

Here are 7 common mistakes Transitioning Service Members make on LinkedIn (and what to do instead).  

Mistake # 1: Having an incomplete profile.  

If you want LinkedIn to work for you, you’re going to need to complete your profile. That means filling out every section, writing a compelling headline, and providing potential employers with a comprehensive picture of your capabilities and experiences. Oh, and don't forget to upload a friendly, approachable profile picture. (LinkedIn isn’t the place for your war face.) 

If you’re a LinkedIn newbie, this article will show you how to set up an effective profile. 

Mistake # 2: Translating military experience without a clear career goal. 

If you’re still on active duty, it’s totally acceptable to list your current job title and military experiences – especially if you don’t know what you want to do after the military. 

But when you’re applying for jobs in the private sector, you need to speak to your ability to do a specific type of job. You need to highlight the skills and experience that make you a good fit for the role, and these things should be reflected throughout your LinkedIn profile. 

Side note: Be careful when translating your military rank!  

Overinflating your position can deter potential employers, so seek guidance from mentors in your desired field to make sure your translations are accurate and meaningful. (Simply labeling yourself as a “CEO” because you were a commanding officer won’t cut it in the civilian world.) 

If you’re looking for mentorship, we highly recommend American Corporate Partners and Veterati.

Mistake # 3: Only connecting with people you know.  

LinkedIn is a goldmine for expanding your professional network, so don't limit yourself to people you already know.  

Step out of your comfort zone and connect with professionals in industries, companies, and locations that interest you. The key is to be intentional about your networking efforts. You never know who you might meet or what opportunities might come your way.  

Hot tip: Try sending 10 new connection requests each day to consistently grow your LinkedIn network. Here's a quick video that will show you how to find people to connect with.   

Mistake # 4: Overloading your network with military transition content.  

It’s okay to share tidbits about your transition journey. But overloading your network with transition-related content can backfire and make it look like you’re not ready to move on. 

So, show potential employers what makes you an awesome job candidate instead!  

Talk about the skills you developed in the military and how they’re transferable to your future career goals. Share stories that highlight your accomplishments (fitness test achievements, promotions, etc.) and the challenges you’ve overcome. While you’re at it, share your hobbies and interests, too.  

And keep it positive; your future boss might be reading your posts.  

Mistake # 5: Expecting other people to find job opportunities for you. 

You wouldn’t walk up to a stranger on the street, hand them your resume, and say, “Hey, find me a job.” So, don’t do that on LinkedIn! That’s not how it works.  

Instead, do your own research and find a specific job you're interested in. If you don’t already have a connection within that company, try the following –  

• First, connect with the recruiter who posted the job. This is the person who’s most likely to be able to help you get your foot in the door. 
• Then check to see if there's a Veteran program manager, DEI person, or Veteran recruiter in the company. These people are specifically responsible for helping Veterans find jobs, so they can give you valuable advice and assistance. 
• Reach out to Veterans who are already working at the company. They can give you insights into the company culture and help you network with other people. 
• Finally, reach out to non-veterans who are working at the company in your field.  

Whenever you send a message, be specific and give the person you're reaching out to something to work with. If you do that, you're more likely to get a response. 

Example: “Hi, John! I’d love to speak with you about the operations manager role you posted about earlier. I have extensive operations management experience from my time in the Army, and I’m excited by the prospect of moving back to my home state of Kentucky. Do you have some time to connect?” 

Hot tip: Before you submit your job application, make sure you target your resume. Here’s an article to show you how.  

Mistake # 6: Not engaging with your LinkedIn network. 

LinkedIn is a social media platform, so the idea is to be… social! It’s the key to building relationships and expanding your professional network.  

Try spending 10 minutes each day interacting with posts from your connections, showing your support, and leaving meaningful comments. Get involved in industry discussions. This is a great way to establish yourself as an expert in your field and connect with other professionals who share your interests. 

Building trust through regular engagement can open doors to future opportunities! 

Mistake # 7: Waiting until the last minute to start networking. 

When’s the best time to start building your LinkedIn network? Yesterday.  

Even if you’re several years away from retiring or getting out of the military, you should start building your network now – before you need it. Military transition is stressful enough, and you’re going to want a strong network to lean on when you’re ready to actively look for your next career opportunity.  

New to digital networking? Keep an eye out for upcoming USO Mastering LinkedIn Workshops. HireMilitary’s Founder, Michael Quinn , will teach you everything you need to know – from the fundamentals of networking and how to use LinkedIn to building a personal brand and beyond!   

Bonus Tip: Grow Your LinkedIn Network

If you're just starting out on LinkedIn, one of the best things you can do is to connect with recruiters - especially those dedicated to helping Transitioning Service Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses find meaningful jobs.

Our team is constantly looking for talented candidates, so connect with them today and give your job search a boost!

Lucy Robinson

Amber Pitkin, MBA, PMP®

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

HireMilitary is always moving forward to help Veterans and Military Spouses find meaningful employment by bringing employers and the Military Community together. Visit HireMilitary.us to learn more!