The way we search for jobs today is ever evolving. On the other hand, is it?
Veterans Preference in hiring began decades ago because Veterans were at a disadvantage in their local communities when returning from service. Many jobs were obtained through networking, referrals and word of mouth. With a Veteran being out of the loop for so long, they were at a disadvantage in job search. Veterans Preference was formed to fill a void in networking for Veterans that was lost due to long periods away from one’s community during service to his or her country.
President Roosevelt wrote, “I believe that the Federal Government, functioning in its capacity as an employer, should take the lead in assuring those who are in the armed forces that when they return special consideration will be given to them in their efforts to obtain employment. It is absolutely impossible to take millions of our young men out of their normal pursuits for the purpose of fighting to preserve the Nation, and then expect them to resume their normal activities without having any special consideration shown them.”
Today almost 40% of jobs are still filled through referrals, and networking. That is the purpose of Professional Career Networking sites such as LinkedIn. Through them, everyone is able to network locally or Nationlly from any location. Veterans have a unique opportunity to network with fellow Veterans today and this is but one way to build your network for today and the future.
I have posted a few helpful URL’s that will get you started, while I am no expert on LinkedIn, others do have a few pointers on how to best use this tool in job searches.
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