Remote But Relevant: How to Stay Connected Virtually

With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic nearly five years in the rearview mirror, many of us have adapted to a virtual or hybrid working environment. For all the plusses (No commute! Flexible schedule! Comfortable shorts!), it still can be difficult to build and maintain relationships with your co-workers when you’re not seeing them in person Monday through Friday.

That goes double for your boss, whose time may be more precious and whose attention may be more critical to your success in your position … or in landing your next one. Not to worry: MOAA expert Erin Cardinal has some tips to keep in mind :

• Know What’s Expected. How does your boss prefer to communicate? Would a daily morning video call help set the day’s work in motion, or would it be an intrusion? Will chats go unanswered while emails get immediate responses? Don’t be afraid to ask, and be sure to convey your own preferences.
• Don’t Be Shy. Your under-the-radar assistance on any number of projects has a much better chance to remain under the radar in a virtual environment. When possible, be out front – volunteer for new projects, provide regular updates, and be sure to update your boss (and everyone else) when you’ve accomplished your goal.
• Find Feedback. Even if it’s not always positive, your supervisor needs to know that you’re open to comments and criticism. As Erin puts it:

“Asking for feedback on a regular basis is critical to your success at work – even more so when remote, when there’s no opportunity for happenstance conversations and rapport-building. Casual comments in the hallway – ‘Really liked your input in this morning’s meeting,’ or ‘Great insight on the way ahead’ – simply don’t exist.”

Learn more from Erin here . And speaking of a virtual opportunity …

Event Spotlight: MOAA’s Virtual Career Fair and Hiring Event

What: The free Aug. 21 event is:

• A great way to find military-friendly, veteran-ready employers.
• A chance to meet 1-on-1 with hiring managers and ready-to-hire companies.
• An opportunity to flex your networking muscles (head here for some tips from MOAA).

Who: The entire uniformed services community (all ranks, all branches): Currently serving members, those who’ve recently left service, veterans seeking a fresh start or new opportunity, spouses pursuing a portable career or looking to re-enter the workforce, and survivors seeking professional support.

Why: Don’t get lost in the crowd of online applications or cattle-call job fairs open to anyone with a suit and a resume. MOAA can help you make meaningful connections, showcase your skills, and ultimately land the perfect position.

Where Do I Sign Up?: Right Here (Special thanks to Delta Dental for their support of The MOAA Foundation, which makes this event and similar outreach efforts possible.)

Get More From MOAA!

Thank you for checking out this week’s issue of Your Next Step: MOAA’s Military Transition Report . If you’re one of our MORE THAN 8,000 SUBSCRIBERS, we appreciate it. If not, subscribe today, and don't forget to share these tips and others from MOAA with your network.

While you're at it:

• Join MOAA's Career and Networking Group on LinkedIn
• Connect with a MOAA virtual chapter .
• Bookmark MOAA.org/Careers and stay up to date on all the latest MOAA news, events, webinars, and so much more!

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