Employment

It’s time to find a new job or maybe explore a different career. Whether you are in the National Guard or reserves and looking for a change or transitioning out of the military to seek employment in a corporation, nonprofit organization or the government, Military OneSource can help. You’ll find information on credentialing your military experience and building your resume, networking, identifying federal employment benefits and more.

The Department of Defense wants you to have a successful transition to meaningful work. The DOD Transition Assistance Program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip service members with the tools and resources to succeed in their civilian lives. It includes:

• Individualized initial counseling during which your service member will complete a self-assessment and begin developing a transition plan.
• Pre-separation counseling to learn about benefits, entitlements and resources.
• A series of briefings focusing on managing the transition, translating military skills to the civilian world, financial planning, benefits and services from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and finding a career.
• Instruction on finding employment, vocational training, higher education or entrepreneurship.

Service members must complete TAP no later than a year before leaving the military. Retiring service members should begin the process at least two years before retirement.

Your military experience has given you training that converts to skills in the civilian world. The Credentialing Opportunities Online, or COOL, program helps you translate your training into civilian credentials and speak better to what employers are looking for. Every service branch offers its own program. Use your branch’s program to:

• Get information on credentials related to your service specialty.
• Identify gaps in your training and credential requirements.
• Find resources to help you close the gap between training and credentials.

Sometimes there are costs involved if you need extra training or have to take an exam. Many credentials and licenses have fees involved, but there are resources available to help cover some of the costs, such as the GI Bill.® Check your service branch’s program for costs and to learn about available resources.

• Army
• Marines
• Navy
• Air Force

Visit the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service website to learn more and locate your service branch’s COOL website.

Not sure what career path to take? Get guidance from these websites.

• Your Career Path: Finding the Right Job
• CareerOneStop
• Career Path Decide

Prepare for a career with an apprenticeship, training or internship.

Use the Resume Engine to build a resume that reflects your skills and knowledge.

Many organizations are committed to helping veterans find a good job. Look for programs such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative and explore organizations like the Military Officers Association of America and Non-Commissioned Officers Association or Enlisted Association.

Many organizations are committed to helping veterans find a good job. Look for groups with programs for service members such as:

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative
• Soldier for Life
• Marine for Life
• Military Officers Association of America
• Non Commissioned Officers Association
• United Service Organizations

There are also several resources and benefits available to assist veterans in the workforce. The VA Career Center provides information and resources to connect veterans with programs to help build and manage their careers. Veteran Readiness and Employment is available to service members with a service-connected disability — to get help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development and skills coaching.

Job fairs are an opportunity to network and may be a required step in the employment process. Prepare for a job fair like you would for an interview: Research recruiters before you arrive, create a list of questions and topics to discuss, and be sure to follow up with any connections you make.

Use these job-search tools to find and apply for available positions.

• Veterans’ Employment and Training Service Find a Job
• VA Careers
• FedsHireVets
• USAJOBS

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act provides that an employer must give you time off to perform military service and reemploy you following the service with status, seniority and rate of pay as though you never left.