Military — Transitioning to Civilian Life

On this Memorial Day Holiday, we especially think about our military and the services they provide. Let us return the favor by letting them be aware that there is help out there.

Military veterans are a valuable resource, yet their unemployment numbers are the highest. As our military returns home, they are entering an economy that is down. They will need extra help as they transition into civilian life. The government spent a lot of money training our veterans –  We are losing money if we do not see that this experience and knowledge carries over into the private sector. 

Our veterans bring specialized training, structure, dependability, leadership, and many other valuable traits and experience. We cannot afford to lose this source of valuable human power.

In order to assist our military members, I have compiled a few sites for our veterans to visit to help them to make this move.

TAP and the MCCS Transition Office

This source offers a wide variety of workshops dealing with effective job search techniques. Assistance is provided on identifying areas of expertise and offer one-on-one assistance with employment-related needs, such as reviewing resumes and conducting mock interviews. Advice is helpful in transitioning from the military jargon to private industry language. Contact your nearest personnel center for this information.

Military Network
Great networking site on Linkedin.com, headed by Michael Perry USAF Ret.  This site addresses employment issues and other issues.  Recruiters, human resource personnel, and hiring managers post job openings and provide comments on how our military members can better compete in today’s job market.  Military members can post their availability for employment. See their humorous subgroup “G.I.Tales” for a smile.   On-line career fairs are posted on this site.

VetsMeetVets
A LinkedIn networking site, addresses US Military & Veteran Suicide, Substance Abuse & Despondency Prevention issues through a National Veteran’s Out-Reach & Coaching Program, an Organized Community Events Program and a Transitional Employment Training Program.

Military to Medicine

Healthcare is the fastest growing field right now and unfortunately there is a shortage of qualified workers.  Many of our military already have training and experience in this field.  This a great opportunity for them and their spouses to apply their expertise. 

In addition to patient-related services, training is also available for the following areas:

IT	Logistics
Finance	Customer Service
Accounting	Facilities

 

For more information check out the following website:

http://www.militarytomedicine.org

Translating your Military Résumé

Visit this site for modules that are extremely informative.  This information builds on what you have gained from other sites.  Offers tips on how to translate resumes and work with recruiters.  http://www.mymilitarytransition.com

Tips for our Veterans

Assess your skills.  Look at what you have done in detail and think about how you fit in the civilian marketplace.  Many of your skills are highly transferable.  It pains me when I look at so many transitioning veterans that are directed to short-change their skills.  Highlight your knowledge and expertise.  You worked hard to earn it.

Be sure you have a Profile of Qualifications that lists your expertise in civilian terms.  Review job descriptions in your area of expertise and use this jargon in place of the military jargon.  For example,  if you were in a leadership position, state how many people you directed –do not simply state “led a company of . . .”   If you improved functions, use words like “process improvements.” 

Do not forget your accomplishments.  Use figures; i.e., “Handled $5 million in inventory parts.”  “Directed operations over three continents.”

Be sure and include your military background.  Many employers want to hire veterans.

You have built a strong network of people you worked with.  Do not forget to use them as references.  This network can also provide you with job leads and tips.  This is your largest support system. 

Good luck to you in your job search.  We thank you all for a job well done and hope this information has been helpful to you.

The one area where I can give back is by reviewing your résumé for free.  Please send it to ceoresume@aol.com and I will get back to you with tips to assist you In your job search.

Celia Dorr

Ceoresume.com