Navigating Job Search Transitions from Military to Civilian Life
Thank you for your service, Matt. I appreciate your question about the job search process after leaving the military. Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate this transition effectively.
Focus on Transferable Skills
When crafting your resume, emphasize transferable skills. The typical reader of your resume is likely a civilian, so you'll need to bridge the gap between military and civilian roles. Acronyms and military-specific phrases can be confusing to non-military personnel, so translate these appropriately. For example, translating your leadership experience in the military as leadership experience in any corporate environment can be beneficial.
Research Military Hiring Programs
The 'Joining Forces' initiative, although no longer receiving government funding, has consistently provided military hiring programs. Research these programs by searching for 'Joining Forces' through Google. The initiative involves 50 companies committed to hiring a specific number of military veterans. Many companies still have robust processes in place for hiring veterans, and you can find detailed information on their career sites.
Utilize LinkedIn for Networking
LinkedIn is an excellent resource for connecting with other veterans who have successfully made the transition. Reach out to them in the field you're interested in pursuing. As long as you're not asking for favors, you'll likely receive good advice. Some may even be willing to have a phone call which can provide invaluable insights and guidance.
Personal Experience: Analog Devices
My first civilian job after the military was with... you guessed it, the army! I was approached by a reserve unit after being discharged. The full-time personnel specialist at the unit had been terminated, and they needed someone with my experience. I was a Combat Engineer, and my years of service had equipped me with skills that were transferable to a technical role. This led me to have a job from Monday to Friday, plus one weekend a month, with the same military entity I had just left.
Upon my return home from Korea in February 1970, I took a proactive approach to my job search. I checked the want ads on Wednesday and called to apply. The following day, I was interviewed by an engineer and offered a technician position at Analog Devices the next Monday. At that time, this arrangement was quite common, especially in the tech industry.
Transitioning from a military to a civilian job market can be challenging, but with the right approach and resources, you can make a successful shift. Leveraging transferable skills, researching military hiring programs, and networking through LinkedIn can significantly aid in your journey to civilian employment.