Vets: Land a Civilian Job You’ll Love

Transitioning to civilian life after military service can feel like navigating a completely different world. Understanding the resources available and learning from those who have successfully made the leap is essential. This guide offers a step-by-step approach to that transition, and profiles of veterans succeeding in civilian life. We’ll also feature stories about veteran-owned businesses, veterans. Ready to chart your course for success post-service?

1. Assess Your Skills and Interests

Before jumping into any job search, take a moment to honestly evaluate your skills, interests, and values. What did you enjoy most (and least) about your time in the military? What skills did you develop that could translate to civilian careers? This isn’t just about what you can do, but what you want to do.

Think beyond your military occupational specialty (MOS). Consider soft skills like leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. These are highly valued by employers in all sectors.

Pro Tip: Use a skills assessment tool like the O*NET Interest Profiler to identify potential career paths that align with your interests. It’s free and provides a detailed report of your interests and related occupations.

2. Translate Military Experience into Civilian Terms

This is where many veterans struggle. Military jargon can be confusing to civilian employers. It’s crucial to translate your experience into language they understand. Think about the specific tasks you performed, the tools you used, and the results you achieved. Frame everything in terms of accomplishments and quantifiable metrics whenever possible.

For example, instead of saying “Managed a team of soldiers,” try “Led a team of 15 personnel, responsible for maintaining equipment readiness, resulting in a 98% operational efficiency rating.” See the difference? One is vague, the other is specific and impactful.

Common Mistake: Simply listing your military rank and MOS without providing context or quantifiable results. This tells employers nothing about your actual skills and accomplishments.

3. Build a Civilian-Friendly Resume

Your resume is your first impression. It needs to be clear, concise, and tailored to the specific jobs you’re applying for. Here’s how to build a resume that gets noticed:

1. Use a chronological or combination resume format. Chronological resumes list your work experience in reverse chronological order, while combination resumes highlight both your skills and experience.
2. Start with a strong summary statement. This is a brief overview of your skills and experience, highlighting what makes you a good fit for the job.
3. Focus on accomplishments, not just duties. Use action verbs to describe your achievements and quantify your results whenever possible.
4. Keep it concise. Aim for one page if you have less than 10 years of experience, and two pages if you have more.
5. Proofread carefully. Errors in your resume can be a major turn-off to employers.

I had a client last year, a former Army Sergeant, who was struggling to get interviews. After revamping his resume to focus on his leadership experience and quantifiable achievements (like “reduced equipment downtime by 15% through proactive maintenance”), he started landing interviews within weeks. The key? Translating his military experience into terms civilian employers understood.

4. Network, Network, Network

Networking is crucial for any job seeker, but it’s especially important for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Connecting with other veterans and industry professionals can open doors to opportunities you might not otherwise find. Here’s how to build your network:

• Attend veteran-focused career fairs and networking events. Organizations like RecruitMilitary and DAV (Disabled American Veterans) host events across the country.
• Join veteran-specific online communities and social media groups. These groups can provide valuable support, advice, and job leads.
• Reach out to veterans in your field of interest. Ask for informational interviews to learn about their career paths and get advice on how to break into the industry.
• Leverage your existing network. Let your friends, family, and former colleagues know you’re looking for a job and ask for their help.

Don’t underestimate the power of a personal connection. A Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) can also provide valuable networking opportunities and resources.

5. Take Advantage of Veteran-Specific Resources

Numerous organizations and programs are dedicated to helping veterans succeed in civilian life. Take advantage of these resources to get the support and guidance you need.

• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers a wide range of services, including career counseling, education benefits, and healthcare.
• The Transition Assistance Program (TAP): TAP provides pre-separation counseling and training to help service members prepare for civilian life.
• The Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA offers specialized programs for veteran entrepreneurs, including loan guarantees and entrepreneurial training. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, veteran-owned businesses contribute significantly to the economy, and the SBA aims to support their growth.
• Non-profit organizations: Many non-profit organizations, such as the Wounded Warrior Project and Hire Heroes USA, provide career counseling, job placement assistance, and other support services to veterans.

Here’s what nobody tells you: navigating the VA system can be challenging. Be prepared to be patient and persistent. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advocate for yourself. For further insight, check out how to cut through the red tape and get the support you need.

6. Consider Entrepreneurship

For some veterans, starting their own business is the ideal way to leverage their skills and experience. Military training instills discipline, leadership, and problem-solving abilities – all essential qualities for successful entrepreneurs. If you’re considering entrepreneurship, here are some steps to take:

• Develop a business plan. This is a roadmap for your business, outlining your goals, strategies, and financial projections.
• Secure funding. Explore funding options such as SBA loans, grants, and venture capital.
• Get mentorship and support. Connect with other veteran entrepreneurs and mentors who can provide guidance and advice.

We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm. A veteran client wanted to start a landscaping business. He had the skills and experience, but he lacked the funding and a solid business plan. We helped him develop a detailed business plan and secure a $50,000 SBA loan, which allowed him to purchase equipment and hire his first employees.

7. Ace the Interview

You’ve landed an interview – congratulations! Now it’s time to prepare and impress the hiring manager. Here are some tips for acing the interview:

• Research the company. Understand their mission, values, and culture.
• Prepare answers to common interview questions. Practice answering questions about your skills, experience, and career goals.
• Highlight your transferable skills. Emphasize how your military experience has prepared you for the job.
• Ask thoughtful questions. This shows your interest in the company and the position.
• Follow up after the interview. Send a thank-you note to the hiring manager, reiterating your interest in the job.

Pro Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer behavioral interview questions. This will help you provide specific and compelling examples of your skills and experience. Many veterans find that respect in the workplace starts with understanding their potential.

Profiles of Veterans Succeeding in Civilian Life

Case Study 1: Sarah, the Software Engineer

Sarah served as a communications specialist in the Air Force for six years. After her service, she leveraged her technical skills and passion for coding to pursue a career in software engineering. She enrolled in a coding bootcamp, focusing on Java and Python, and actively networked with tech professionals. Within six months of completing the bootcamp, Sarah landed a job as a junior software engineer at a tech startup in Atlanta. Her ability to quickly learn new technologies and her strong problem-solving skills, honed during her time in the military, proved invaluable in her new role.

Case Study 2: Michael, the Entrepreneur

Michael, a former Marine, always dreamed of owning his own business. After serving two tours in Iraq, he decided to turn his passion for woodworking into a full-time career. He started a small woodworking business, crafting custom furniture and home décor items. Michael utilized his leadership skills and attention to detail to build a successful business, earning over $150,000 in revenue in his second year. He also actively supports other veteran entrepreneurs by mentoring them and sharing his experiences.

Case Study 3: David, the Project Manager

David, a former Army officer, transitioned to a career in project management after leaving the military. He leveraged his leadership skills and experience managing complex projects to secure a role as a project manager at a construction company in Savannah. David excelled in his role, successfully managing multiple projects on time and within budget. His ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders and his strong organizational skills were key to his success. For more on this, read about how military skills fuel success in civilian careers.

The transition to civilian life is a journey, not a destination. There will be challenges along the way, but with the right resources, support, and mindset, you can achieve your goals. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and remember that your military experience has prepared you for success. If you need more inspiration, read about vets flourishing after service.

Your military service has equipped you with invaluable skills and experiences. Now, take the initiative to translate those assets into a fulfilling civilian career or entrepreneurial venture. Start today by updating your resume with quantifiable achievements and reaching out to one veteran in your desired field for an informational interview. What are you waiting for?