LinkedIn Cheat Sheet for Beginners
LinkedIn Cheat Sheet for Beginners (Veterans & Transitioning Service Members)
Quick answer: LinkedIn is one of the fastest ways to build your professional identity, expand your network, and get found by recruiters. This cheat sheet shows veterans how to set up a clean, keyword-ready profile and engage consistently for better results.
Transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to building your online presence. Whether you’re new to LinkedIn or just need a refresh, use the steps below to stand out and attract the right opportunities.
LinkedIn Profile Photo
Your photo is your first impression. Dress like you’re headed to an interview, use natural lighting, and smile. Need help? Portraits for Patriots offers free professional headshots for service members and veterans.
LinkedIn Banner Photo
Your banner should represent your goals, not just your past. Choose an image that reflects your professional direction such as industry, location, or a short, motivating phrase. Tip: Design one quickly in Canva or search for “LinkedIn banner” examples for inspiration.
LinkedIn Headline
Think of your headline as your personal tagline. Lead with who you are and where you’re going. Use keywords employers actually search.
Example:
“Operations Leader | Transitioning Veteran | Skilled in Project Management and Logistics”
This tells recruiters what you bring to the table and what you’re targeting.
LinkedIn “About” Section
Tell your story. Explain your background, strengths, and how your military experience translates into civilian success. Keep it conversational and impact-focused. Try to avoid jargon.
Example:
“After serving 10 years in the U.S. Army, I’m pursuing a career in operations management. I’m passionate about building efficient systems, leading teams, and finding solutions under pressure.”
LinkedIn Activity
LinkedIn rewards consistency. Don’t just create a profile—engage! Comment, share, and react to posts to increase your visibility. Every interaction grows your network.
LinkedIn “Experience” Section
Translate your military experience into civilian terms. Use action verbs and measurable results.
Instead of saying:
“Led platoon operations.”
Try:
“Managed a 40-member team, coordinated daily logistics, and improved operational efficiency by 25%.”
Add media like photos, presentations, or links to demonstrate your impact.
LinkedIn “Education” Section
Include degrees, training, and certifications. If your GPA is 3.0 or higher, list it because recruiters appreciate clear achievement.
LinkedIn “Licenses & Certifications”
Showcase credentials that boost credibility (PMP, Lean Six Sigma, CompTIA, etc.). Certifications help bridge military expertise to industry standards.
LinkedIn “Skills”
List all relevant skills and reorder the most important to appear first. Recruiters search by skills so don’t leave this blank!
Include both technical skills (project management, logistics, cybersecurity) and soft skills (leadership, adaptability, communication).
Recommendations
Ask former leaders or teammates to endorse your work. Offering recommendations to others often encourages them to reciprocate, which is adding social proof and trust to your profile.
Final Tip
Success on LinkedIn comes from showing up—consistently engaging, connecting, and learning. Think of your profile as a digital handshake to the professional world.
Bring It All Together
Building a strong profile is one part of your job search strategy. Once your LinkedIn reflects who you are and where you’re going, make sure your resume does too.
for expert guidance, templates, and veteran-focused tips. From translating your MOS to showcasing leadership, RecruitMilitary helps you bridge the gap between military and civilian success.
Pairing a strong resume with a polished LinkedIn profile gives you a professional edge. Employers are actively seeking veteran talent. Make it easy for them to find you, understand your strengths, and see why you’re the right fit.
Explore RecruitMilitary tools and events to keep your job search moving forward.