Cory Boatright

Main Topics Covered

1. Power of LinkedIn for Career Transition

• LinkedIn is used by 9 out of 10 employers during hiring.
  
• It is the most trusted professional social network, offering safe, professional engagement. 

2. LinkedIn Profile Optimization

• Your LinkedIn profile acts like a live, dynamic resume that works for you 24/7.
  
• Headline is critical: It’s the most heavily weighted part in recruiter searches.
  • Avoid terms like “transitioning veteran” and use your desired professional title. 
• About section: Use this to humanize your profile. Share your story, key achievements, and career goals.
  
• Experience section: Add detailed job descriptions and list relevant skills repeatedly.
  • Ensure correct logos (e.g., Air Force, Navy) appear. 
• Skills section: You can add up to 50. Use all 50 to boost search visibility. 

3. How Recruiters Use LinkedIn

• Recruiters filter candidates based on:
  • Location
    
  • Job title
    
  • Skills
    
  • Veteran status
    
  • Engagement (e.g., profile updates, activity) 
• The more relevant keywords (like “project management”) in your profile, the higher you appear in search results. 

4. LinkedIn Premium for Veterans

• Veterans and military spouses get 1 year free LinkedIn Premium through linkedin.com/military
  • Access to 20,000+ LinkedIn Learning courses
    
  • AI-driven profile building and job matching
    
  • See who viewed your profile
    
  • Interview prep tools with real-time AI feedback 

5. Job Search & Networking Tips

• Signal interest in specific companies; this dramatically increases visibility in recruiter searches.
  
• Use LinkedIn’s advanced search filters:
  • Combine current/past employers, military background, and job titles to find people to network with. 
• Networking strategy:
  • Connections lead to opportunity, but second-degree connections (friends of friends) often open doors.
    
  • Send brief, respectful notes when reaching out.
    
  • Ask for advice rather than jobs; it creates more positive responses. 

Key Takeaways

• Build your LinkedIn profile with intention: it should reflect who you are and what you’re aiming for.
  
• Use the platform actively: connect, post, comment, and engage.
  
• The LinkedIn algorithm favors relevance and repetition: don’t shy away from using job-related terms throughout.
  
• Premium tools are powerful: learning, visibility, and prep all in one place, free for the military community. 

Final Thoughts

This fireside chat emphasized that LinkedIn is a critical tool for transitioning service members, veterans, and spouses. It’s not just about having a profile—it’s about optimizing it to attract opportunity. With intentional use, networking, and the support of premium features, members of the military community can connect to meaningful, fulfilling careers.