Maybe you’re closing the chapter on your military life and opening a new one, or you’re in the process of making long-term plans. This means transitioning from being a service member to a civilian employee in a company, nonprofit or maybe the government.
As a service member, you have many resources available to help you with this significant change. Here’s an overview of what you need to know as you seek employment.
There’s a difference between a job and a career. Both pay the bills, but a career is more likely to give you a sense of meaning and accomplishment.
Finding a career that matches your skills and interests is the key to job satisfaction. Invest some time in a little soul-searching before you begin your search to make sure you’re going down the right path.
Whether you plan to continue in your current field after leaving military service or you wish to pursue a new opportunity, you should ask yourself two questions:
To help you answer those questions, a self-assessment can help you set goals and plan your way forward. Here are a few options:
Your military experience has given you training that converts to skills in the civilian world. The Credentialing Opportunities On-Line program helps you translate your training into civilian credentials and speak better to what employers are looking for.
The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program provides active-duty Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard service members the opportunity to improve their job skills and to complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while they are serving.
DOD SkillBridge connects transitioning service members to career job training opportunities. Participate in training and development with industries and employers who are seeking the high-quality skills that you bring to the table.
The Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program provides transitioning service members with professional training and hands-on experience in the civilian workforce.
The goal of a resume is to effectively summarize and highlight your qualifications in a way that will make the employer want to reach out and schedule an interview with you. These tips will help you build a resume that will stand out.
Get a copy of your Verification of Military Experience and Training through the Defense Department. The VMET document helps you prepare resumes and job applications quickly when you separate from service.
Include contact information, job objective, summary of qualifications, employment history, education and training, and special skills.
Translate everything into civilian terms and include volunteer experience.
Get the name of the person in charge of hiring, keep it to one page and always follow up.
Your military experience is valuable to many employers, but it’s up to you to get out there and sell it. Start with these tips:
Get in touch with friends and fellow veterans. Organize your contacts and connections.
Get referrals for employment agencies and recruiters, job leads and career counseling.
Many organizations are committed to helping veterans find good jobs. Look for programs such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative. Check out organizations like Soldier for Life, Marine for Life, the Military Officers Association of America, Non-Commissioned Officers Association or Enlisted Association, and United Service Organizations. Also, see the HIRE Vets Medallion Award for a list of organizations committed to veteran hiring, retention and professional development.
Review some of the top services and programs offered by the military and the government, focused on jobs for veterans and helping you find your new career. Also, check out these employment benefits and assistance programs available before and after you leave the military:
Department of Labor Employment Fundamentals of Career Transition: This one-day workshop provides an introduction to the essential tools and resources needed to evaluate career options, gain information for civilian employment and understand the fundamentals of the employment process.
Department of Labor Employment Workshop: This two-day workshop covers emerging best practices in career employment, including in-depth training to learn interview skills, build effective resumes and use emerging technology to network and search for employment.
Vocational Training Track: Participants complete a career development assessment and are guided through a variety of career considerations, including labor market projections, education, apprenticeships, certifications and licensure requirements.
Soldier for Life engages and connects Army, government and nongovernmental organizations to support soldiers, veterans and families.
Marine for Life connects transitioning Marines and their family members to education resources, employment opportunities and other veterans services that aid in their career and life goals outside of military service.
American Corporate Partners: Free mentoring program connects Post-9/11 veterans with corporate professionals for customized mentorships.
Match your military skills to civilian jobs, find transition resources, and start your military-to-civilian job search with the resources and information provided above. Check out all the resources for employment on Military OneSource.
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