Veterans: Land the Civilian Job You Deserve

Finding meaningful job opportunities for veterans can be a challenge, but understanding the current market and knowing where to look is half the battle. Many resources and programs are specifically designed to assist veterans in transitioning to civilian careers. Are you ready to unlock the strategies that will help you secure the job you deserve?

1. Assess Your Skills and Interests

Before even looking at job boards, take stock. What skills did you hone during your service? Don’t just think about your military occupational specialty (MOS). Consider leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. These are all highly valued by civilian employers. I’ve seen veterans underestimate the value of their soft skills time and time again.

Pro Tip: Use a skills assessment tool like the MyNextMove for Veterans to identify potential career paths based on your military experience. It’s a free resource offered by the U.S. Department of Labor.

2. Translate Military Experience into Civilian Terms

This is where many veterans stumble. Civilian employers often don’t understand military jargon or how your experience translates to their needs. Rewrite your resume and cover letter using language that resonates with them. Instead of saying you “supervised a squad,” you might say you “managed a team of 10 individuals, responsible for training, performance evaluation, and conflict resolution.” See the difference?

Common Mistake: Simply copying and pasting your military job description onto your resume. Tailor it to each specific job you apply for.

3. Leverage Veteran-Specific Job Boards

Several job boards cater specifically to veterans. These platforms understand the value of military experience and often have partnerships with companies actively seeking veteran talent. Some popular options include:

• Veteran Job Board
• RecruitMilitary
• USAJOBS (for federal government positions)

Pro Tip: Set up job alerts on these platforms so you’re notified of new opportunities as soon as they become available.

4. Network with Veteran Organizations

Networking is crucial. Connect with other veterans through organizations like the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). These organizations often host career fairs, workshops, and networking events where you can meet potential employers and learn about unadvertised job openings. We had a client last year who landed a fantastic project management role simply by striking up a conversation at a local VFW meeting. Don’t underestimate the power of a face-to-face connection.

5. Utilize Government Resources and Programs

The U.S. Department of Labor’s VETS program offers a range of resources and training programs to help veterans find employment. This includes:

• Transition Assistance Program (TAP): Provides pre-separation counseling, job search assistance, and career skills workshops.
• Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS): Offers individualized career counseling, job placement assistance, and training opportunities.

Additionally, explore programs like the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program if you have a service-connected disability. VR&E can provide funding for education, training, and other support services to help you achieve your career goals.

6. Consider Entrepreneurship

For some veterans, starting their own business may be the best path to long-term career satisfaction. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers several programs specifically designed to support veteran entrepreneurs, including:

• Boots to Business: An entrepreneurial training program for transitioning service members, veterans, and their spouses.
• SBA Veteran Pledge Initiative: Connects veteran-owned small businesses with resources and opportunities.

Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone, but it offers a level of autonomy and control that can be particularly appealing to veterans accustomed to leadership roles. Here’s what nobody tells you: be prepared to work harder and longer than you ever did in the military (at least in the beginning).

7. Target Veteran-Friendly Companies

Some companies actively prioritize hiring veterans. Look for companies that have received recognition for their veteran hiring practices, such as those listed on Military Friendly. These companies often have specific programs and initiatives in place to support veteran employees. For example, Delta Airlines has a strong track record of hiring veterans and providing them with opportunities for advancement. They understand the value that military experience brings to their organization.

8. Ace the Interview

Once you land an interview, preparation is key. Practice answering common interview questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to highlight your accomplishments and demonstrate your skills. Be prepared to discuss how your military experience has prepared you for the role and how you can contribute to the company’s success. I always advise veterans to research the company thoroughly and prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. It shows that you’re genuinely interested and engaged. What’s more impressive than a candidate who is truly interested?

Common Mistake: Failing to adequately research the company and prepare for the interview. Treat it like a mission: gather intelligence, develop a plan, and execute with precision.

9. Address Potential Concerns

Some employers may have concerns about hiring veterans, such as potential issues with PTSD or readjustment to civilian life. Be prepared to address these concerns head-on and reassure the employer that you are capable of performing the job effectively. Emphasize your resilience, adaptability, and commitment to success. Transparency and open communication are essential.

10. Case Study: From Infantry to IT

Let’s look at a concrete example. Sergeant Miller, a former infantryman with eight years of service, wanted to transition into an IT career after leaving the Army. He had no formal IT experience but possessed strong leadership skills and a knack for problem-solving. He enrolled in a free coding bootcamp offered through a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and a local community college. Over six months, he learned the basics of Python, HTML, and CSS. He then leveraged his military experience to secure an internship with a veteran-owned IT consulting firm. After completing the internship, he was offered a full-time position as a junior developer, earning $65,000 per year. Within two years, he was promoted to a senior developer role with a salary of $95,000. Sergeant Miller’s success story demonstrates that with the right resources and determination, veterans can successfully transition into high-demand civilian careers.

Successfully navigating the job opportunities available to veterans requires a proactive approach, strategic networking, and a willingness to adapt. By leveraging the resources and programs available and translating your military experience into civilian terms, you can increase your chances of finding a fulfilling and rewarding career. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and tap into the veteran community for support. Your service has equipped you with valuable skills and experiences that are highly sought after by employers. If you are looking for additional resources, take a look at how to ace your job search.

Remember that veteran job myths can hold you back, so be sure to challenge your assumptions and those of potential employers. Many veterans find success by understanding that skills translate, GA jobs await.

Also, don’t forget to consider opportunities in growing fields; healthcare and tech are often excellent choices for veterans.

The most critical step you can take right now is to update your resume, focusing on translating your military skills into civilian terms. Then, start networking with other veterans in your desired field. Those two actions alone will significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job.