How to Market Yourself Using LinkedIn

In 2017, I began to transition from Active Duty and I was on a job hunt. I decided to update my LinkedIn profile and send connection requests to recruiters, cybersecurity engineers, and senior managers from the companies that I was interested in working with. This helps provide insight to the company’s culture and the online activities of its members. I recommend including a personal message, below is an example:

?“Hi Bob,

I saw your profile and thought connecting would be valuable. A strong network can go a long way!

Thanks and I hope all is well,

Victor Nzeata

Soon after the connection request is accepted, send him or her thank you message. Here’s an example:

Hi Bob,

I just wanted to say thanks for connecting with me and I look forward to staying in touch.

Sincerely,

Victor

To showcase your authenticity prior to the job interview, embrace your true personality on your LinkedIn profile, posts, and articles. As you envision a long-term relationship with any company, embracing your uniqueness will make the journey more enjoyable.

As you’re building your network, continue to post valuable content. After a few weeks of building online rapport with your connections, apply for the job and reach out to your connections privately. Re-introduce yourself and share your interest with the position and the potential of working with him or her. Try to set up a voice meeting and send your resume ahead of time, along with an email expressing your gratitude.

Like your resume, your LinkedIn connections can view your education background and your work experience on your LinkedIn profile. Unlike a resume, your potential colleagues can view your posts and understand more about you, and the topics and causes you are passionate about. Even if you do not get the job, recruiters and key members from the organization will still be able to view your career growth, which can lead to future opportunities. Networking is a powerful tool, and LinkedIn makes it easier for transitioning service members to plan their post-military career and become gainfully employed.