Veterans: take advantage of job search avenues employers utilize most

As we prepare to celebrate Veteran’s Day, our government and the Labor Department push to create jobs and employ our military men and women. This is one issue that even politicians can get behind, but the implementation of this task has been challenging as America still struggles in the aftermath of a recession (or are we still in one?).

Read about the top skills employers are looking for in their new hires and how you, as a transitioning vet, can demonstrate that you’ve got what it takes to succeed in corporate America.

The biggest challenge that returning veterans face is building a professional network. According to the Harvard Business Review, networking is a crucial strategy for developing relationships that can help you gain insight into an industry or a company. In fact, 65 to 85 percent of jobs are found through networking.

Regardless of the disadvantage veterans face by not having been involved in professional networking activities while serving their country, there are several proactive steps that can put them—or you civilians—in front of hiring employers. A survey by OI Partners-Innovative Career Consulting identified employment trends and the top six ways employers are hiring workers in 2011. Shawna Williams, managing partner in the Denver office of OI Partners, offers advice on how to take full advantage of them:

• Recruiting through LinkedIn (44%): Employers in the survey are using LinkedIn 44% more often than they did last year in their efforts to find qualified workers. Use this social media networking site to connect with companies, past colleagues, alumni, friends, and family. Join various LinkedIn groups to reconnect and build your local network search for posted job postings.

• Posting more jobs on their company websites (36%): Employers are opting to post open positions on their own websites more than on websites like Monster and CareerBuilder. Create a list of companies you want to target in your desired location and regularly check their websites for openings. If you are new to that city, use the local Business Journal to uncover lists of companies in the area.

• More frequently using employee referrals (32%): You can’t just sit back and hope that the resume you submitted through the company website made it into the hands of the hiring manager—or that it will get serious consideration even if it does make it to the right person. Once a position is posted on a website, apply online and then network, network, network. Meet or talk with people currently working at the company and ask them to make a referral for you.

• Using more contract and temporary-to-permanent workers (25%): Get in touch with your local recruiting and temporary workplace agencies. Be sure they have your name and contact information on file so when an opportunity comes up, they will think about you!

• Using local candidates more often (22%): It is beneficial if you reside in the state where you are seeking employment—it saves the hiring companies on relocation costs. Take the time to get a valid state driver’s license and local telephone number to accelerate your job search.

• Using Facebook more to recruit workers (19%): Your family and friends on Facebook are your biggest champions. Use this well-known social media networking tool to update your friends on your job search status and what employment options you are seeking. With that said, employers are also using Facebook to disqualify candidates. Be sensitive to what gets posted (e.g., no unsavory language or photos). Set your privacy to the highest level to ensure confidentially.

Not only returning veterans, but job seekers of any age or stage in their career, will find these tips helpful. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, though—use all the tools and strategies available to you to get yourself in front of hiring managers, then make the most of that exposure.