Veterans have proven their commitment, discipline and resourcefulness in the military world, but transferring these skill sets to the civilian workforce can be difficult. Here are 11 ways veterans can best equip themselves when searching for a job:
Verify yourself
Your Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET) summarizes your skills, knowledge and experience, and also suggests equivalent civilian job titles. MilitaryOneSource reports that to obtain a copy of your VMET, visit the milConnect website.
Get a career assessment
You have considerable strengths and skills, but how can they be applied to a civilian job? A career assessment can help point the way. Contact your local transition assistance office and ask your counselor how you can be set up with a career assessment free of charge.
Translate your experience
Your military licenses or certifications might not be recognizable in the civilian world. Learn how to translate your training and experience into skills employers recognize with Credentialing Opportunities On-line (COOL). Visit the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service website to learn more and locate your service branch’s COOL website.
Assess, repeat
Narrow your search to a few career fields, check salary information and common skill requirements. The CareerOneStop website, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), offers free skills and interest assessments, career exploration tools and much more. They also have a section specifically for transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses. Decide on the type of job, pay range and location you’re willing to accept, but don’t pigeonhole yourself. If you’re not making headway, adjust your expectations or explore new options.
Tap your transition assistance office
Transition assistance offices have a wealth of services. Take an employment workshop. Get referrals for employment agencies and recruiters, job leads, career counseling and computer access for online job searches. You can also visit the DOL’s Transition Assistance Program website for more resources.
Get out there
Take advantage of every resource and opportunity: recruiters, military transition offices, veteran service organizations and online information. Utilize and grow your network. Contact your nearest employment office or private employment agency. Check internet job sites, such as LinkedIn, Indeed and Glassdoor, and get recommendations for trustworthy sites from your contacts. Beware of employment and job search scams. Scammers look like legitimate employers but they will ask for money or personal information. If something doesn’t seem right, research the company online for potential reports of scamming or consult your transition assistance office for help with verification.
Look good online
Employers check social media almost immediately when they’re thinking of hiring. If you have questionable material on your social media accounts, consider removing any content that could be misconstrued or portray you as an undesirable hire. Be sure to have a professional email address and headshot. Create or update your profile on LinkedIn and on other job site profiles so that you are ready when an opportunity arises.
Hit the job fairs
Whether in person or virtual, jobs fairs are a one-stop shop. Meet potential employers, share resumes and interview on the spot, all in one place. Look professional and practice your interview skills beforehand. Learn about upcoming job fairs and who will be there at your transition assistance office as well as online. Be sure to create or update copies of your resume to bring with you.
Go from military to federal opportunities
Find civilian jobs online with the federal government through the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. You can also create an account and build your resume at USAJOBS or brush up on federal hiring with Feds Hire Vets at opm.gov/fedshirevets.
Network, then network some more
Networking is one of the most effective of all job search tools. You’ve made a lot of great connections during your time in the service. Transition is the right time to start putting them to work. Get in touch with friends and fellow veterans. It’s just a good thing to re-establish friendships as you transition anyway. According to a 2016 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics and Yale University, 70% percent of jobs are found through networking. Put yourself on the radar to help land that interview.
Take advantage of your status
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
- Soldier for Life
- Marine for Life
- Military Officers Association of America
- Non-Commissioned Officers Association
- United Service Organizations
Your military experience is valuable to many employers. Not many people have your proven work ethic and dedication. Like everything, finding the right job is a matter of being prepared and doing the work. You’ve been in the military. You know how to make that happen. And there are people and resources out there to back you up.
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