Veterans: Don’t Leave Money on the Table. Negotiate!

Ready to transition from military service to civilian employment? A staggering 44% of veterans leave their first post-military job within two years. This isn’t just about finding job opportunities; it’s about finding the right ones. Are you making mistakes that could derail your career before it even begins?

Data Point 1: 67% of Veterans Don’t Negotiate Their First Salary

A study by Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families IVMF found that 67% of veterans accept the first salary offered without attempting to negotiate. This is a massive missed opportunity. From my experience, veterans often underestimate the value of their skills and experience in the civilian sector. I’ve seen it time and again.

What does this mean? It means veterans are potentially leaving thousands of dollars on the table. Military training instills a sense of duty and a reluctance to “haggle,” but the civilian world operates differently. Employers often expect candidates to negotiate, and a failure to do so can be interpreted as a lack of confidence or understanding of one’s worth. I once advised a former Army Captain applying for a project management role at a construction firm near the intersection of Northside Drive and I-75 here in Atlanta. He was initially offered $85,000. We worked together to highlight his leadership experience, budget management skills, and ability to handle complex projects under pressure. He countered with $95,000 and ultimately secured a salary of $92,000. That’s an extra $7,000 per year simply by asking. For more on this, see our article about how vets can master their money after service.

Data Point 2: 55% of Veterans Struggle to Translate Military Skills

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service VETS, 55% of veterans report difficulty translating their military skills and experience into terms that civilian employers understand. This is a crucial area where veterans often fall short.

Why is this happening? Military jargon and acronyms are foreign to most civilian hiring managers. A resume filled with military-specific terms like “platoon leader,” “logistics coordinator,” or “tactical operations” doesn’t resonate unless those roles are clearly explained in terms of transferable skills. For example, “platoon leader” could be translated to “team leader responsible for the training, development, and performance of 30+ individuals.” It’s about demonstrating how your military experience directly aligns with the requirements of the job opportunities you’re pursuing. We had a client, a former Marine, who applied for a supply chain management position at a large retailer. His initial resume was full of military jargon. We helped him reframe his experience to emphasize his inventory management, logistics planning, and problem-solving skills. He landed an interview within two weeks. To ensure you land that interview, avoid these veteran job myths debunked.

Data Point 3: 30% of Veteran Hires Leave Within One Year Due to Culture Fit

A report by Hiring Our Heroes HOH indicated that 30% of veteran hires leave their first civilian job within the first year due to a poor culture fit. Here’s what nobody tells you: a paycheck is not enough.

This statistic underscores the importance of researching company culture before accepting a job offer. Veterans are accustomed to a structured, disciplined, and mission-oriented environment. Transitioning to a civilian workplace with a vastly different culture can be challenging. Before accepting a position, investigate the company’s values, employee reviews, and veteran support programs. Do they have a formal mentorship program? Do they actively recruit and support veterans? Reach out to current employees (especially veterans) on LinkedIn to get an inside perspective. A bad culture fit can lead to dissatisfaction, decreased productivity, and ultimately, a premature departure. I’ve seen veterans leave lucrative job opportunities simply because they felt isolated or unsupported in their new environment.

Data Point 4: Only 15% of Veterans Utilize Veteran-Specific Career Services

Despite the availability of numerous resources, only 15% of veterans actively utilize veteran-specific career services, according to data from the Georgia Department of Veterans Service GDVS. This is a surprisingly low number, considering the specialized support these services offer.

Why aren’t more veterans taking advantage of these resources? Perhaps there’s a lack of awareness, or maybe some veterans believe they don’t need the assistance. But veteran-specific career services understand the unique challenges veterans face during the transition process. They can provide resume review, interview coaching, networking opportunities, and access to job opportunities specifically targeted at veterans. Organizations like the American Legion, located near the Fulton County Courthouse, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) offer valuable career assistance programs. Ignoring these resources is like trying to navigate a complex maze without a map. If you’re a GA resident, be sure to unlock healthcare and tax benefits now.

Challenging the Conventional Wisdom: “Any Job is a Good Job”

There’s a prevailing notion that any job is a good job for transitioning veterans, especially in the initial months after leaving the military. I strongly disagree. While financial stability is undoubtedly important, taking the first available job without considering your long-term career goals, skills, and interests can be a detrimental mistake. Settling for a job that doesn’t align with your values or utilize your strengths can lead to dissatisfaction, burnout, and ultimately, a stalled career. It’s better to be strategic and patient, focusing on finding job opportunities that offer growth potential and a sense of purpose. Don’t be afraid to take a temporary job or contract role while you search for the right fit. A well-planned career trajectory is far more valuable than a quick paycheck.

Often veterans are encouraged to take the first available opportunity. I caution against this. I advise veterans to consider the long-term prospects of the job and whether it aligns with their career goals. It’s better to hold out for a job that is a good fit than to settle for something that will lead to dissatisfaction and burnout.

Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly increase your chances of finding a fulfilling and successful career after your military service. Remember to translate your skills, negotiate your salary, research company culture, and utilize available resources. You’ve served your country with honor; now, take control of your career.

Don’t underestimate the power of preparation. Before you even begin searching for job opportunities, invest time in self-assessment, skill development, and strategic networking. The more prepared you are, the greater your chances of landing a job that not only pays the bills but also provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment.