So, how do you get started networking? 

• Setting up your LinkedIn account is an important step (PLUS Soldiers, veterans, military spouses, and caregivers are eligible for one year of LinkedIn Premium/LinkedIn Learning for free).
• Talk to your mentor. They are a great place to start because they are an integral part of your network.
• Reach out to your family, friends, and colleagues. You never know the connections you might make from the people who are closest to you OR who might be able to offer you the sagest advice.
• Networking with fellow soldiers and veterans helps you learn from others who have already been through the process or who are going through the same thing themselves.
• Conduct informational interviews. The people you talk to may not have jobs available in their organizations, but they may know somebody who does (AND it is great interview practice).
• Reach out to companies and organizations where you are interested in working AND people who work in the industries you are considering or at the companies you are interested in joining.
• Connect with (or join) your school alumni center, associations, or professional organizations in your area or interest.
• Be helpful to others and they will reciprocate.
• Make sure you follow up in order to build - and maintain - your new relationships.
• Many organizations offer events, webinars, and programs that can help you network.

And remember, at least half of all jobs are found through networking (some people say that number is as high as 85 percent), so even though networking may be painful for some, it is important AND worth it!

• Are you getting out of the military and putting together your civilian resume for the first time? You will get started on your resume during your Army TAP process. You can also use these tips from Military OneSource and Indeed.com to help move yourself along.
• Create master resumes (federal and private sector) and have your mentor and transition counselor review them. You can use these master resumes to help you draft targeted resumes.
• Many organizations and associations offer webinars and workshops to help you navigate the resume and interview process (we post about them weekly on our social media platforms).
• If you are interested in working for the federal government, USAJOBS can help you figure out how to create a federal resume.
• When you are ready, start conducting informational/practice interviews (American Job Centers can help).
• Start attending virtual or in-person career fairs to become familiar with the process.
• Begin planning and acquiring a professional wardrobe for interviewing, keeping in mind your planned type of employment. 

Service members, veterans, and military spouses can also get networking, resume, cover letter, interview, and hiring fair tips and help from the resources included here.

• American Corporate Partners - ACP helps transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses find their next careers through free one-on-one mentoring, networking, job postings, and online career advice.
• American Job Centers - There are nearly 2,400 American Job Centers throughout the United States that can help veterans and military families look for jobs, find training, and answer employment-related questions.
• CareerOneStop Resume Guide - CareerOneStop's Resume Guide provides tips and resources to help you create a resume that will stand out.
• Hire Heroes USA – Hire Heroes USA provides free carer coaching, resume writing help, mock interview practice, mentoring, and job assistance for military and veteran families.
• Hiring Our Heroes – Hiring Our Heroes provides free employment resources, professional development opportunities, hiring events, and fellowships for transitioning service members and military spouses.
• Military OneSource How to Write a Civilian Resume
• RecruitMilitary Employment Resource Center – RecruitMilitary offers no-cost career fairs, resume help, and job placement services for the military and veteran communities.
• The Commit Foundation - The Commit Foundation provides one-on-one transition assistance, mentor networks, workshops, and digital resources to help service members as they transition out of the military into civilian careers.