Job fairs are wonderful places for #mpits or military professionals in transition to practice informational reconnaissance.

Keith Cassant, 𝙈𝘼𝙊𝙇, 𝙎𝙋𝙃𝙍, 𝘾𝙀𝙃, one of the Military Transition Roundtable facilitators and advisors, posted that he was traveling to El Paso for a job fair.

I reposted Keith’s post so that others could see this opportunity, but I also used this to share some key thoughts on what I would term as informational reconnaissance or “info recon.”

If you are someone in transition and attending a job fair, here are some basic steps to make a quality connection with someone like Keith.

First, look up Keith’s LinkedIn profile.(https://lnkd.in/gsrswUxa).

If you are going to attend this job fair, write a connection note with something like this:

“Keith, I’m a soldier who is retiring next year. I am working in information assurance and would like to meet you to discuss post-military opportunities”

Second, show a little patience.

It may take Keith a couple of days to respond to your connection. While I know my friend is usually responsive to LinkedIn messages, not everyone reads through their connection requests every day. If I wanted to truly connect with Keith, I might look at his corporate profile and send an email.

If there was more than 10 days before an event like this, I might even send him a short note.

Even better, if a friend knew Keith and had his phone number, I’d call Keith and mention that his friend suggested I call him.

Third, make sure to talk to Keith at the job fair and then follow up with a note.

May I suggest something like this: “Keith, thanks for taking the time to meet with me about the path I need to take to get the training I would need to qualify as a candidate.”

Fourth, suggest a follow-up meeting and bring something of value to the conversation.

Perhaps, it’s a referral to something Keith needs like the name of other candidates who may be available before your departure from military service.

Or, you heard that Keith had a son or daughter who wanted to go to your college. Maybe, you know a recent graduate that could assist Keith’s child make an informed choice about college or a major.

Now that Covid-19 is over, #mpits will see more chances to meet professionals like Keith in person. I have to admit that not every recruiter will respond like him, but my experience is that you’ll find some truly amazing resources during your transition.