As a military service leaver transitioning to civilian life, networking is not just a valuable skill—it's a crucial lifeline to your new career. Trust us.
While the military emphasises teamwork and unit cohesion, the civvie job market requires a more individualised approach to career advancement. It’s not like the simple hierarchy of the military.
Here’s the proof:
80% of professionals consider networking important to career success. (Apollo Technical)
70% of jobs are not advertised publicly - they're filled through networking (Novoresume)
85% of jobs are filled through networking (Tech Jury)
As well as job-search, networking is a valuable way to grow your knowledge base, as chatting with people who have more or different experiences is a great way to learn. So if you’re at the very start of your transition, you can use networking to get a handle on what you want to do next.
But it can be hard to know where to start if you've not yet done it. Here are some tips to help you get cracking with it, along with supporting data.
Start Small: Leverage Your Military Network
Begin by reaching out to fellow veterans who have already made the transition to civilian life. They can provide invaluable insights and may even introduce you to civilian contacts.
- Connect with your unit's alumni network and speak to peers who have already left.
- Join veteran-focused groups on LinkedIn, and communities like Redeployable.
- Reach out to veteran service organisations, and attend events for service leavers.
Remember, 84% of people use LinkedIn to strengthen their professional network (Tech Report), and 35% of professionals say casual conversations on LinkedIn have led to new opportunities (Apollo Technical). For service leavers, these platforms can be a bridge between the military and civilian worlds.
You could also look out for online communities or start to look for smaller networking events. Redeployable is perfect for this, as we provide a space for veterans to go specifically to meet and idea-share
The more people you chat to, the wider your network will become, and people will introduce you to others. Remember, only 48% of professionals consistently stay in touch with their network (Apollo Technical), so make an effort to stand out by maintaining regular contact.
Be Prepared: Translate Your Military Experience
Before you spark up a conversation or go to a networking event, think about what it is you'd like to learn from someone. What questions do you have about the role, the industry, or the culture? Plus, give your military experience some thought, specifically about how to simplify it into civilian terms, and how your experiences might relate to the role of the person you’re talking to. This preparation is crucial because many people won’t understand the value of your military background.
While online networking has its benefits (92% say it saves time, 88% say it saves money), don't underestimate the power of face-to-face interactions, as 95% of professionals believe face-to-face meetings are essential for long-term business relationships (Apollo Technical).
Be Genuine: Share Your Unique Perspective
People will know if you're being fake or using them as a means to an end, so make sure you're being yourself. As a service leaver, you bring a unique set of experiences and skills to the table. Don't be afraid to share your background, but focus on how your military experience can add value in a civilian context.
Take time getting to know people and asking questions you genuinely want to know the answer to, rather than what you think you should be asking. Build relationships, don't just sell yourself.
Give Back and Follow Up
The military instils a strong sense of camaraderie and support. We find that the military community on Civvie Street stands out for how much effort everyone puts into helping each other. You’ll soon find out.
You can:
- Offer to help others in your network, just as you would support your unit
- Follow up after meetings or events with a thank-you note, mentioning specific points from your conversation
- Stay in touch regularly, offering updates on your transition and any insights you've gained
Remember, 61% believe regular online interaction with their network can lead to job opportunities (Apollo Technical). For service leavers, consistent follow-up can help civilian contacts better understand and appreciate your military background over time.
To conclude
The skills that made you successful in the military—discipline, dedication, and adaptability—will serve you well in building your civilian network.
The facts are there: Networking is non-negotiable, and for service leavers, it's an essential part of your transition strategy. By consistently applying these strategies and making networking a priority, you'll be well on your way to a successful civilian career.
Your military service has equipped you with unique skills and experiences. Now, it's time to leverage those assets in the civilian world. Be confident; you've got this. 👊
Keep an eye out for our events, too. And get on Redeployable to connect and chat with prospective employers.
