Don't Be Cringy With Networking

Transitioning from military to civilian life can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. The job search process, from networking to interviewing, often feels foreign—especially for veterans used to structured environments. But what if you had a playbook filled with insider knowledge from someone who has spent 25 years hiring top talent?

That’s exactly what Joel Stern, a seasoned corporate recruiter, shares in his conversation with Scott Schimmel on the Vector Accelerator Podcast. Their discussion is packed with practical strategies for veterans who want to stand out in interviews, build strong networks, and land fulfilling careers.

Preparation: The Key to Interview Success

"You don't just show up at tip-off time and you're ready to go," says Stern. "You're there early, you're stretching, you're taking reps, you're practicing."

Just as an elite athlete spends countless hours honing their craft, job seekers must prepare extensively before an interview. Stern emphasizes that veterans should develop clear, concise narratives about their experiences. Understanding your story—where you've been, what you've learned, and the value you bring—can set you apart.

A crucial step? Practicing responses to common interview questions. "If you have practiced what you want to say, you can anticipate a lot of types of questions and be that much better and ready to go," Stern advises.

The Role of Notes in an Interview

Many job seekers worry about forgetting key points during an interview, especially under pressure. Schimmel acknowledges this fear: "When I'm in a stressful situation, there's a bit of a fight-or-flight thing that happens in my brain that turns off the thinking part."

Stern reassures veterans that using notes is perfectly acceptable—if done correctly. "An interview isn't a quiz," he says. "If you reference notes appropriately, it actually shows you've prepared and thought ahead."

However, he cautions against reading from a script. Instead, use bullet points as a memory aid while maintaining a natural flow of conversation.

The Power of Networking

One of Stern's strongest messages is the importance of networking in job searches. "By the time you apply for a job, networking should already be in motion," he explains. "The power of networking gives you much more benefit of the doubt."

Building professional relationships before you need them is key. "You can't build your network at the moment you think you need your network," Stern emphasizes. He encourages veterans to focus on adding value to others, rather than approaching networking as a transactional exercise.

Schimmel echoes this sentiment, sharing his personal approach: "I really do feel like a principle life belief that I hold very closely is I'm here to add value to others." This mindset transforms networking from an uncomfortable chore into a meaningful way to build long-term professional connections.

Post-Interview Strategy

Once the interview is over, your work isn’t done. Stern stresses the importance of timely follow-ups. "You want to be thankful, you want to come across as you appreciate people's time," he says. A good follow-up email can reinforce key points from the conversation, express continued interest, and keep your name top of mind.

But how often should you follow up? Stern warns against overdoing it: "You’ll know when you cross the line, and if you don’t, the recruiter will." If you haven’t heard back, a polite check-in after a reasonable period (typically a week or two) is appropriate.

Final Words of Encouragement

Above all, Stern reminds veterans that their worth isn’t defined by a job offer. "You are not defined by the decision that somebody else makes," he says. Rejection is part of the process, and the key is to keep learning and improving with each experience.

For those navigating their transition, Stern’s advice is clear: prepare thoroughly, network consistently, and approach interviews with confidence.

Want to take action? Start building your network today, refine your interview strategy, and check out the Vector Accelerator for more tools to guide your transition.