You hear a lot about the importance of building a meaningful, intentional network of professional contacts as you transition from the military into your civilian career. But if you have a job lined up after you separate or retire, do you still need to network? One word: Yes.
A well-formed network will serve you in many ways. Of course, if you're looking for a new job, your network could offer insight into the company or industry, connections and introductions to hiring managers and stakeholders, review your resume and cover letter, and provide emotional support during the hiring process.
But even if you're not actively seeking a new job, your network can provide tremendous value to you professionally, including:
Acting as a sounding board as you grow your career. Over the course of your career, you will be challenged with obstacles, offered new opportunities and have to make tough choices. When your network knows you and understands what you can offer, they can provide you guidance and a listening ear as you navigate.
While your personal support system will also be helpful, having a network of professionals who have been in your position and worked through these choices will help you long term.
Providing input or feedback on your reputation and personal brand, on your communication style and skills, and how your experience in the military relates to what you are pursuing. How you see yourself can be different from how others perceive you.
Your network can offer a candid and insightful view into how you come across -- in person and online -- which can make or break your current career trajectory.
Offering introductions and referrals for new opportunities, information sources and other resources you'll need throughout your career. Just because you have a job doesn't mean you're safe. Things change, goals change and your network can keep introducing you to influencers and stakeholders who will enhance your current role and keep you informed about new opportunities.
By expanding your circle of influence, your network can connect you to business leaders, professionals and influencers in areas of business you might not have direct access today.
Endorsing you online for your skills, contribution and talents. More and more, professionals are viewing the "recommendations" on sites like LinkedIn. We want to see how other people see you, regard you and refer to you. Having public endorsements on online sites, as well as in-person testimonials to your work and contributions, help make sure you keep your current job, are positioned well for advancement and are validated if you change jobs.
Providing emotional support as you endure the highs and lows of the civilian career path. No one's career is without struggles from time to time. Your network will offer mentoring, guidance and a shoulder to lean on when times get challenging. While this might not feel natural to you, it is a huge component of a well-rounded network.
Consider networking part of your strategic career hygiene -- during a job search and not.
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