{"id":18735,"date":"2022-03-02T07:19:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-02T12:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/?p=18735"},"modified":"2022-03-02T07:19:00","modified_gmt":"2022-03-02T12:19:00","slug":"networking-in-a-virtual-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/networking-in-a-virtual-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Networking in a Virtual World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Networking in a Virtual World<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cI don\u2019t know how to network.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

As a career coach, I hear that at least twice per week. If this is a phrase you\u2019ve said or thought before, you\u2019re not alone. Many service members and veterans struggle with the networking aspect of the job search. As the Program Manager for Hire Heroes USA\u2019s Junior Enlisted Program, our team works with thousands of E1 to E4 service members and veterans annually who are still learning the<\/span> power of networking.<\/span><\/p>\n

At Hire Heroes USA, our mission is to empower our clients with the tools they need to have a successful job search, and with that, here are some tips to help you find success in the world of virtual networking!<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Understand What Networking is<\/b><\/p>\n

Consider this definition from <\/span>Hire Heroes USA\u2019s Networking Success Guide.<\/span><\/a> \u201cNetworking is the exchange of ideas and information among individuals, groups or organizations for the purpose of building a productive and \"\"mutually beneficial relationship. Simply put, networking is a conversation in which you develop an understanding of each other\u2019s needs and how you can support each other.\u201d <\/span>
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<\/span>Networking can involve many actions from reaching out to someone on LinkedIn to learn about their company to engaging with someone in a virtual chatroom. Take the opportunity to ask questions and learn from whoever you\u2019re speaking with – people love to talk about themselves, so let them!<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Join a LinkedIn Networking Group<\/b><\/p>\n

LinkedIn.com is an essential networking platform, but it\u2019s not like Facebook or Instagram. According to a recent Forbes <\/span>article<\/span><\/a>, 95% of recruiters and hiring managers utilize this platform to find qualified applicants and vet those they bring in for interviews.<\/span>
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<\/span>You can join groups to engage in conversation with others who are interested in similar career paths. According to LinkedIn,<\/span> \u201cLinkedIn Groups provide a place for professionals in the same industry or with similar interests to share their insights and experiences, ask for \"\"guidance, and build valuable connections.\u201d Hire Heroes USA clients have access to videos such as <\/span>this one<\/span><\/a> to help build out and improve your profile. <\/span>Once you\u2019ve set up a stellar LinkedIn profile, start joining relevant LinkedIn groups.<\/span><\/p>\n

For Junior Enlisted service members, a good starting place is our <\/span>Hire Heroes USA Junior Enlisted LinkedIn Group<\/span><\/a>. This group is a networking and professional development forum for all transitioning service members and veterans between the ranks of E1 and E4 in addition to hiring managers, recruiters and other advocates of the military community. <\/span><\/p>\n

3. Utilize LinkedIn Premium<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/b>LinkedIn offers veterans and military spouses a <\/span>free one year subscription to LinkedIn Premium<\/span>.<\/span><\/a> By registering, veterans and military spouses can unlock several features, including the use of the InMail function to reach out to hiring managers which can improve your chances of getting in touch with someone at your companies of interest. Premium users also have access to over 15,000 expert-led <\/span>LinkedIn Learning courses<\/span><\/a> to sharpen your skills and competitive edge as a job seeker.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/b>4. Attend AND Maximize Virtual Events<\/b><\/p>\n

In the pre-pandemic days, you would prepare for a career fair by dressing in your best business clothes and heading to an event venue to shake hands with future employers. In 2022, that might seem more uncommon. You are likely preparing by getting your laptop set up and double checking your internet connection. With the rise in virtual events, you must switch up your approach to networking. Instead of bringing your business card, you should be sharing your LinkedIn profile. Here are a few tips to help guide your next virtual event or meeting:<\/span><\/p>\n