LinkedIn Insights and AI Hacks for Your Military-to-Civilian Transition with 2024’s Top Recruiter, Cody Ledbetter
Wendi Wray
Military Transition & Career Coach for Women Veterans | Empowering Woman to Confidently Identify and Secure An Ideal Civilian Role | Army Woman Veteran | Podcast Host of Beyond The Military
Navigating a new job market, building an online presence, and finding the right opportunities can be overwhelming.
That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to Cody Ledbetter, a senior technical recruiter and 2024’s Recruiter of the Year!
As a 21-year military veteran and LinkedIn powerhouse, Cody is here to share insider knowledge on maximizing LinkedIn, networking effectively, and even using AI to give your career transition a major boost.
Whether you’re preparing to enter a new field, aiming to connect with hiring managers, or simply trying to amplify your LinkedIn presence, Cody’s tips will help you make a confident, informed move toward civilian career success.
From Military Police to 2024 Recruiter of the Year
After 21 years, Cody transitioned to civilian life and quickly established himself as a top recruiter. He’s not only the Recruiter of the Year for 2024 but also a dedicated advocate for veterans and women in technology. Cody’s journey is a powerful example of the career opportunities available with the right preparation and mindset—and LinkedIn has been a crucial tool in his journey.
Why LinkedIn Matters for Transitioning Veterans
Cody emphasizes that LinkedIn is more than just a job board; it’s a dynamic tool for building professional relationships, showcasing your experience, and positioning yourself as a strong candidate. Here’s how he used it to go from military officer to senior recruiter and how you can, too:
1. Start Early and Build Your Network
Cody began working on his LinkedIn profile and connections several years before his official retirement. “The earlier you start, the better,” he advises. Begin by reaching out to recruiters and industry professionals, especially those with a military background, as they’re often willing to provide advice and support.
2. Optimize Your Profile for Civilian Opportunities
According to Cody, veterans should replace military-specific language with terms that civilian employers will understand. Also, don’t overlook your LinkedIn photo—ditch the uniform for professional attire that reflects your civilian career goals. He suggests even using an AI-powered app like ArtFlow for quick, professional-looking headshots.
3. Transparency and Honesty: Key to Successful Networking
Cody recommends being upfront with recruiters and connections about your goals, salary expectations, and job preferences. For example, he encourages veterans to ask about salary ranges early on to avoid time-consuming mismatches.
Harnessing AI to Power Up Your LinkedIn Presence and Resume
One of the most exciting parts of Cody’s approach is his use of AI tools like ChatGPT for job search efficiency. Here are his top tips for integrating AI into your transition toolkit:
The Power of Consistent, Professional Networking
Cody’s approach to LinkedIn networking is all about building relationships over time. “The more you connect, the easier it becomes to find opportunities and get referrals,” he says. His network of over 30,000 connections is a testament to the impact of consistent networking. Cody advises veterans to treat LinkedIn connections as potential allies in their career journeys—reach out thoughtfully, engage with their posts, and nurture these relationships long-term.
Key Takeaways for Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Careers
Here are a few practical steps you can start implementing today:
I invite you to connect with Cody here >>> Cody Ledbetter
With Appreciation,
Wendi
Tune in to full episode and originally written here: https://wendiwray.com/243
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How should I approach salary discussions with recruiters?
Cody believes in being transparent about your salary expectations from the beginning. Many veterans hesitate to bring up salary until later in the process, but Cody recommends addressing it early to avoid potential mismatches. Tools like Salary.com and Glassdoor can help you research salary ranges for your target role, and understanding the expected range will make you more confident in salary discussions with recruiters.
2. How can I use AI tools like ChatGPT in my job search and career transition?
Cody uses AI daily to streamline his work and enhance his LinkedIn presence. For veterans, AI can help in several ways: it can optimize your resume by translating military language into civilian terms, generate professional content for LinkedIn, and even review your resume against job descriptions to ensure alignment. AI is a great tool to improve your job search process, making it easier and more efficient to tailor your materials for civilian roles.
3. What’s the number one LinkedIn tip for veterans looking to connect with recruiters?
Cody emphasizes the importance of proactive and professional networking. Start building your network early, ideally a year or two before your transition. Connect with recruiters in your target industry, as well as other veterans who have successfully transitioned. Remember to engage with people by commenting on their posts and sending thoughtful messages when reaching out. Building these relationships over time will make it easier to find opportunities and referrals when you’re ready to move into a civilian role.
Tune in to full episode and originally written here: https://wendiwray.com/241https://wendiwray.com/243