RELATIONSHIPS AND NETWORKING
With vets, it’s not about resumes, it’s about networking. It’s not about what you know, it’s not so much who you know, it’s who you get to know.
Focus on building relationships instead of just making connections.
Manage your expectations and don’t expect to immediately get something out of the relationship.
Keep in touch and check in with the people you already have relationships with; you never know when that relationship will present an opportunity.
Your network can never be too big.
Work with mentors in your particular field to figure out what success looks like, something that separated them.
It’s not what you think of your skill sets, experience, and responsibilities you had that are important. It’s what the hiring managers' perception of those are that is important. If they have done what you did, they understand. If not, they don’t make the connection to the job description. You have to win that battle.
Expect to not hear back from online applications or meaningful responses from LinkedIn, except from people you have gotten to know. Expect opportunities and meaningful contacts from people you get to know.
Everybody loves and respects veterans, but that doesn’t mean they are going to hire them. Networking and relationships. Like the Regiment, you have to earn people's respect.
Life moves just as fast, after transition, really faster, simply because that structure in the army is gone. That structure allowed us to be good/great time managers. There are many more unknowns and unpredictables after transition that eat at time. Most rangers are introverts; we don’t know how to start conversations. So that means preparation!!! That’s what made you successful at Regiment and what will make you successful in life.
The Ranger network is not just about jobs. Matter of fact, it’s not about jobs at all. It’s about connections. It’s about Rangers helping Rangers because we want to, not because you are asking for “help.” I’ve found it beneficial to bounce ideas off of guys or hear their paths. Those conversations provided a lot of perspective and calm to the transition. It is always good to catch up with Ranger buddies.
Relationships are more important than winning the argument, because people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.
RLTW!
mike