LinkedIn Veteran Opportunity Report

LinkedIn recently released their Veteran Opportunity Report, which highlights the current state of veteran employment and how challenging it is for veterans to find a career that properly utilizes all of the skills and talents that they received in the military. The report, pulled from LinkedIn data and additional insights, is helpful for both veterans and employers.

The purpose of the report is to help veteran job seekers gain a better understanding of how their skills, personal network, and employers’ understanding of a veterans’ military service impact the job search process.

The findings revealed that while veteran unemployment has decreased over the last decade, down to 3.2 percent last month (and lower than the non-veteran unemployment rate), veterans are more likely to be underemployed than their civilian counterparts. However, veterans remain with their initial companies longer and are promoted earlier than non-veterans. Veterans are also, on average, more likely to have a graduate degree or higher and have more work experience.

As a veteran job seeker, the knowledge gained from this report can help you understand how employers hire, what they are looking for, and how you can leverage the skills that you have gained in the military to find a rewarding career.

The first step is to become familiar with how your military training and knowledge can transfer into a civilian career. One of the greatest advantages that veterans have over their civilian counterparts are the intangible skills, or “soft skills,” that you learned while in the service. Identify those skills in your own experience, and consult our transition resources page, which offers a guide on how to effectively transfer your military skills.

Next, take advantage of your network. Resources like LinkedIn are extremely important in your job search. You can look for jobs, build your network, advertise your skills and achievements, and can let Recruiters know that you are looking for a career. LinkedIn even offers veterans a one-year free subscription to LinkedIn Premium. Listen to our podcast for more tips on how to leverage LinkedIn in your job search.

Lastly, bridge the gap between the employer and your military experience. The best way to do this is by tailoring your resume and utilizing the STAR format when interviewing.

You don’t have to navigate the job search alone! Orion Talent is here to help with resume building, interview preparation, and getting you in front of the companies that want to hire veterans and understand the advantages that you bring to the workplace. Register on our website and start discussing career opportunities with a Recruiter today!

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