Using online tools to build a stronger network Published Oct. 29, 2015 By Alexandra Kocik Northwest Guardian JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- More than 60 people, a mix of former and uniform-clad service members, packed into the auditorium at Hawk Education Center on Joint Base Lewis-McChord Oct. 15 during their lunch time to learn more about optimizing their online profiles. Operation GoodJobs, the military-oriented job program through Goodwill Industries, hosted a workshop on JBLM to help navigate the online job search. A panel of four experts from both private and public sectors led the event. Kim Myers from WorkSource, Solomon Gilbert from the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, Miles Schramm from CM Wireless and Andy Wells from WorkForce shared their own experience and answered questions. Each panelist gave an example of bad social media examples, ranging from photos of scandalous outfits from musicals to party posts gone wild. Each panelist said cleaning up Facebook profiles and ensuring anything unprofessional is hidden from search results is important. However, LinkedIn, the social site devoted to highlighting work experience, came out as the best place to network. Facebook isn't as necessary for those looking for work as this site. "I always Google potential employees, and if their Facebook pops up, I'll click on it and see what they are showing to the world," Schramm said. "But, if they just have a LinkedIn, I will go to that to see what they are highlighting in their work experience." For the LinkedIn profile itself, it's important to fill out the entire page. Gilbert said a complete LinkedIn profile will not have any gaps in experience and have a nice photo. "I'm talking about a friendly, smiling photo, not the ones in your military file," he said. "If you were not working because you were training, put that. Fill out any of those gaps so they know you were doing something." Simply making a LinkedIn profile and filling it in is only the first step. Myers highlighted several of the different activities available to users of the site. "Join groups and participate in those discussions, really use those to network," she said. "Use the post feature to show you are keeping up with industry trends in what you are looking for a job. Show that you are passionate about the field you are looking for." There are numerous veteran groups on LinkedIn as well as those devoted to particular industries, such as engineering or communications. Gilbert said that adding connections is also important. LinkedIn allows users to "add" connections like Facebook users do with friends. Once a person is added to a network, the user can see who else they are connected to, especially by jobs. Christina Lipin, Goodwill veteran services manager, said the most important takeaway, besides learning how to use those tools, is to find resources for assistance. "Everyone who is looking for work, especially our veterans and service members, need to know they are not alone," she said. "Check out information on Operation GoodJobs, Camo 2 Commerce is here and many others in the area. Know that we are here to help." After the panel session, attendees were welcome to also meet with professional wardrobe consultants from the Men's Warehouse and the Dress Barn. One-on-one appointments and coupons were available for those looking for additional guidance. For more information about Operation GoodJobs, visit goodwillwa.org. Those looking for networking opportunities can join a lunch session set for Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Lake Conference Center. Sign up for this upcoming event at eventbrite.com.