If you’re leaving the military soon, or have already been discharged, you’ve probably heard that the job market is tight. Your duties in the military may not translate well to civilian business in the eyes of a hiring manager.
The fact is that job searches are tough on most people, and as a veteran you’ve been off the market for a while. Here are some ways to increase your chances of being hired and make the transition back to civilian life easier.
1. Think Transferable Skills
Write out a list of military training, education, and experiences you’ve had that may translate well into business. If you’ve gained proficiency with computers, managing inventory, training others, or performing maintenance, you should emphasize these talents if they relate to the job you’re applying for.
Some things, like people skills, problem solving, and leadership experience are important in any line of work. Try to come up with examples where you excelled at something or made a vital contribution.
2. Determine Career Goals
If you’ve been in the military for a number of years, you may find that the specific skills related to jobs you once had are no longer relevant. Either the tools and technologies changed, or you have simply been away too long to be considered a prime candidate.
Never let an employer feel that you have no career plans at all. It can make you seem poorly motivated. Spend a little time reviewing job postings online until you get an idea of a career plan that you can live with. Focus on one that suits your skills, experiences, and personal interests.
3. Build Marketable Skills
If you find that certain qualifications or skills are needed to increases your value as an employee, try to get them as time and finances allow. You can even spend some time on a seasonal position or an internship, so long as it relates to your chosen field.
Watch instructional videos or webinars, or find in-depth courses. For instance, if you’re interested in web applications and have some knowledge of JavaScript, you may want to immerse yourself in an online course in Angular JS that will guide you from basic to expert skills. Even if you are left wondering, “What is Angular JS”, as long as you have dedication and an interest in programming, you can build the skills you need to succeed.
4. Write a Great Résumé
Your résumé is the first and most important thing that potential employers will see. Learn how to write a good one. Search for some examples online from applicants with similar interests and military backgrounds.
Find concise ways to articulate the skills and experiences you have, but don’t limit yourself to listing out facts, names, and dates. List your accomplishments. Without exaggerating or selling yourself too hard, mention your duties, awards, and accomplishments, especially in ways that translate to expectations of the employer. Be prepared to customize your résumé to each position.
5. Network for Job Openings
Connecting with others can turn up just as many job openings as the job sites and job boards. Talk to family, friends, and associates to let them know you’re available, what kind of work you want, and ask if they have any leads.
You could also use social media to reach a wider audience. At the least, put your professional profile on LinkedIn. The site recently announced that it had reached a membership of 500 million people. Most employers are relying on search tools to find talent, not paper résumés.
Get yours online. Set up your own profile and be proud of your service. Some employers will actually be quite willing to show veterans a hiring preference.
While you’re networking for opportunities, keep building your skillset. It’s always a bonus to be able to tell interviewers you’re willing and able to make a difference from day one.
