How to Network to Get a Defense Job

If the mystic and intrigue surrounding a career in the defense industry appeals to you, there are ways to network to break into this elite field. Knowing where and how to network can make or break you. Follow these tips to properly network and land the defense job of your dreams.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Join the National Defense Industrial Association, or NDIA. They offer networking events, resources, exhibits and courses that offer many networking opportunities. Because it's an all-volunteer organization, there are many ways you can get involved by volunteering your time through a local chapter for continuous network at a local level and learn about defense job openings.

2. Check out the career fair calendar posted on the Defense Talent Network and attend events. This website offers excellent opportunities to network through career fair events such as the "TechExpo Top Secret Job Fair" and specific defense-oriented courses like "Course Covert Internet Communications."

3. Log on to the Defense Jobs Blog website for many opportunities to network online and post your resume to network and find a job. Many clearance and non-clearance defense jobs are posted in both the government and private sectors.

4. Learn the lingo to network effectively. Defense employers have a working language all their own with manuals full of acronyms and terms. Check out the Department of Defense (DOD) website for the latest in specs and defense standardization programs and the online library which contains defense-specific information and the "DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms."

5. Subscribe to the online Defense Daily Network to stay on top of current events in the defense industry, submit your resume and find resources to do some homework before you network for a job. Peruse the "Weapons Spotlight" for current news and check out the "Events This Week" to find current networking opportunities.

6. Clean up before you network at any defense job fairs. Many defense recruiters and employees are ex-military and expect nothing but the finest spit-and-polish during meet and great sessions. Dress in a conservative suit, shine your shoes and have an updated copy of your resume with you at all times when you network. Be sure your objective clearly states that you're looking for a job in the defense industry within your chosen field.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to employ "Sir" and "Ma'am" when you network within the defense industry, especially if someone is an officer and wearing a uniform at a job fair.
• Military experience is helpful in networking and getting a job within the defense industry, but not necessary.
• Be certain you're eligible for some level of security clearance when you network for defense jobs. Check out the clearance FAQ link at the Defense Talent Network website.

Resources

• Join the National Defense Industrial Association
• Find defense job career fairs.
• Log on to the Defense Jobs Blog.
• Check out the DOD Defense Standardization Program.

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