We had the pleasure of speaking with two incredible experts, Jenna Richardson from TechVets and Peter Thompson from the Veterans Support Programme, who shared invaluable insights on how veterans can navigate the world of networking with finesse and success.
Top tips
Embrace the power of online platforms like LinkedIn
Jenna Richardson, the Employer Relationship Manager at TechVets, is a huge advocate for harnessing the potential of online platforms for professional networking. She highly recommends LinkedIn as the go-to platform for veterans to kick-start their networking journey. Here’s what Jenna suggests veterans can do to make the most of LinkedIn:
- Craft an outstanding profile: Your LinkedIn profile is your digital business card, so make sure it shines a light on your outstanding military experience, skills, and career aspirations. Tailor it to the civilian job market, focusing on your transferable skills.
- Connect with employers: Reach out to potential employers in your desired industries. Before reaching out, consider what you hope to gain from these connections – whether it’s job opportunities, industry insights, or mentorship.
- Join veteran communities: LinkedIn hosts various groups and communities specifically for veterans. Being a part of these can help you connect with others who truly understand where you’re coming from and can offer you guidance and unwavering support.
- Seek out mentors: Utilise LinkedIn to seek out potential mentors who can offer you invaluable career advice and support throughout your transition to civilian life.
Jenna puts a strong emphasis on the fact that networking on LinkedIn isn’t just about growing your contact list; it’s about establishing genuine and meaningful relationships. “In today’s job market, networking is essential,” she says. “LinkedIn is the absolute best place to do it because everyone you might need to connect with is right there.”
Join our next ‘LinkedIn Essentials’ online course
Register today to join Executive Career Coach, Lincoln Coutts. He will guide you through LinkedIn’s essential tips and tricks on 14 November (online) from 1100 – 1600 hrs.
Embrace your local community
Peter Thompson, a Veterans Support Consultant at Forces Employment Charity, champions the immense benefits of local community networking. He encourages veterans to tap into the power of their local communities to establish invaluable connections and support networks. Here’s how you can leverage your local community for networking:
- Explore local groups and events: Many communities have Facebook groups or other local networks tailored for veterans, providing a space for mutual support and resource sharing. Active participation in these groups can lead to priceless connections with other veterans and potential employers.
- Attend community events: Local events are fantastic opportunities to connect with people who truly understand the unique challenges veterans face. Whether it’s a job fair, a community service event, or a veterans’ gathering — these events offer you the chance to build connections with individuals who might provide career guidance or job leads.
- Cultivate mutual connections: Peter emphasises the value of genuine, mutually beneficial connections. He shares that veterans often find that people are more than willing to lend a helping hand when approached, particularly those with shared military backgrounds or experiences.
Peter shared an inspiring story of a veteran who, after relocating and facing homelessness, found vital community support through organisations like Healthy Heroes. “He had moved from one area of the country to another and was living in his car with no food. The local council wouldn’t help him because he hadn’t been in the area long enough,” Peter said. “I used all my contacts at Healthy Heroes, and they helped him get food, a place to cook, and arranged accommodation for him.”
This story highlights how collaboration and community support can make a real difference in the lives of veterans in need.
Leverage yearly networking events
Attending yearly networking events such as veteran job fairs, industry conferences, and military-focused workshops can be game-changers. Especially when looking to connect with employers and organisations keen on hiring veterans. These events are designed to facilitate direct contact between veterans and potential employers. They are ideal events for those who value face-to-face interactions.
Before attending, it’s crucial to study the companies or organisations that will be present and understand what they are looking for and how your skills align with their needs. Additionally, after making initial contacts at these events, be sure to follow up with a personalised message or LinkedIn request to keep the conversation alive.
Why networking matters
Networking isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about forging a formidable support network. Jenna and Peter highlight: a strong network offers more than just career opportunities. It provides mentorship, camaraderie, and empathy from those who have walked a similar path. For veterans, combining digital networking with community engagement can open doors to new opportunities and unwavering support in their career transitions.
The Forces Employment Charity and TechVets offer an array of resources and programmes to help veterans build these connections. By merging digital networking with community engagement, veterans can establish a well-rounded approach to expanding their professional networks. Often propelling careers to new heights.
Read about the Forces Employment Charity’s recent Pathways into Tech event. Grab the top takeaways in this must-read article.
Did you miss London’s event? Living in Wales, or the south west?
We are holding a regional employer marketplace and networking evening from 1800-2000 hrs on 28 November 2024 in Newport, Wales where we are working in partnership with Vantage Data Centers who will be hosting the event.
Register to join in person! Explore roles available with up to 12 different employers from the tech sector. All of which have a presence in Wales or South West England.
Register with us
Register online to be connected to an Employment Advisor in the first instance or sign up to receive our free newsletter by email, keeping you up to date on Forces Employment Charity news and other employment-related events.
