It’s easy to get overwhelmed when looking for a job. The immense number of opportunities can be overwhelming, especially if you’re used to life in the military. Coming from the military leaves you with a lot of transferable skills, but it may be difficult to market yourself as the best fit candidate. This blog will highlight 7 tips to help in your job search. It’s not about just getting a job it’s about finding your next CAREER!!!

Step 1: Reflect on your plan

Take some time to reflect and figure out what it is you want out of life. Think about where you want to be in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years. Don’t think short term think long term. What will your goals be? Where do you see yourself? Be specific and knowledgeable in your job search for better results. You can become more successful by being prepared and informed.

Step 2: Curate a resume

When crafting a resume, look over and review the job description itself. Are there any specific qualities in candidates they desire? How can you write your resume in a way to make your experience and skills applicable to what they want? While it’s important to write a resume that’s personalized to the job you’re applying for, do not lie or embellish your traits. The best thing you can do is provide examples of scenarios where you acted on the same principles found in their description. It’s also crucial to spell out all military acronyms and jargons so that your resume is well understood. Use civilian titles instead of rate and rank for example use Manager instead of Petty Officer First Class, use Director instead of Commander.

Step 3: Market Yourself well

Your resume is the one place where you can boast about your experience and qualities. The ability to clearly explain how you can be an asset in the workplace is key to making the best impression for future employers. Be confident and speak about yourself in a way that makes you stand out. Explain your skills and experiences and why they are great assets to the company. It's important to be able to not just be a great candidate on paper but a good one in person as well.

Step 4: Network

Networking is the key to bypassing the abyss of resumes that every company receives. It’s more than just leaving a business card and hoping they remember you, but rather making sure you have a relationship with them. The only way to truly elevate yourself and your skills to companies is by networking everywhere, keeping the name, phone number, and email of every individual you meet, as you never know where that person may will end up and assist in your life.

Step 5: Practice Interviewing

Since your last interview, it’s likely you’ll have difficulty recalling how to act in a business setting so as to impress the hiring manager. There are several ways to practice interviewing, but here’s a unique approach. Work with a couple of veterans you may know and practice interviewing each other. While doing so, remember that the interview isn’t just about the company interviewing you: you’re also interviewing them. Additionally, while the company isn’t going anywhere, you as the candidate can. Don’t limit your job opportunities to a single company; keep your options open by interviewing with multiple companies until you find one you not only like but can really grow with!

Tip 6: Follow-up

When you leave an interview, send your interviewers a thank-you letter or an email. This is the time to make yourself stand out from other candidates. First, address the interviewer by name, and then mention that you really enjoyed speaking with them and that you’re excited about potentially joining their company. Don’t forget to thank them for taking the time to meet with you and ask when they anticipate making their final decision on who will be hired.

Tip 7: Mentors

Mentors are often essential to a successful transition from military life to career life. Mentors provide you with an insight into what it takes to successfully navigate through your transition into the civilian world. Find someone who knows what they’re talking about, who has gone through a successful transition and is willing to share their knowledge and experience with you. They may also have connections that they’re willing to share with you. They will also open your eyes to careers you didn’t think about!

Transitioning from the military to civilian life is not always an easy process. Many veterans find themselves struggling in the civilian world, looking for a sense of belonging and purpose. To give yourself an advantage, research organizations that cater to helping veterans find fulfilling careers in different fields. You don't have to do it alone and there are many communities (within schools, churches and even Facebook groups) that can help with things such as writing resumes, mock interviews and even providing mentors who can assist you on your journey into the working world.

By Matt May

7 Steps to transition from Military to Civilian Jobs