Vets: Translate Military Skills to Land Civilian Jobs

Transitioning back to civilian life can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding fulfilling and well-paying job opportunities. The skills and experience gained during military service are incredibly valuable, but translating them into civilian terms and navigating the job market requires a strategic approach. Are you ready to unlock the potential of your military experience and land the job you deserve?

1. Translating Military Skills into Civilian Careers

One of the biggest hurdles for veterans is effectively communicating the value of their military experience to civilian employers. Many veterans underestimate the skills they’ve acquired, or struggle to articulate them in a way that resonates with hiring managers. Fortunately, there are tools and strategies to bridge this gap.

Start by using the MyNextMove for Vets tool, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor. This resource allows you to enter your military occupation code (MOC) or keywords related to your duties, and it will generate a list of civilian occupations that align with your skillset. For example, if you were a logistics officer, the tool might suggest careers in supply chain management, operations analysis, or project management. The tool also provides information about the required education, training, and salary expectations for each occupation.

Pro Tip: Don’t limit yourself to the first few suggestions. Explore the full range of options and consider careers you may not have previously thought about. The tool can help you identify transferable skills you didn’t realize you possessed.

2. Crafting a Veteran-Specific Resume

Your resume is your first impression, so it needs to be compelling and tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. A generic resume won’t cut it. Here’s how to create a resume that showcases your strengths as a veteran:

1. Use Civilian Terminology: Avoid military jargon and acronyms that civilian employers may not understand. Instead of saying “Managed a platoon of 30 soldiers,” try “Supervised and mentored a team of 30 individuals, ensuring successful completion of all assigned tasks.”
2. Highlight Quantifiable Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments with numbers and metrics. For example, “Improved supply chain efficiency by 15%, resulting in a cost savings of $50,000 annually.”
3. Focus on Transferable Skills: Emphasize skills that are relevant to the target job, such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. Provide specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills in your military experience.
4. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job you apply for, highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific requirements of the position.

I once worked with a former Army mechanic who struggled to articulate his skills on his resume. He simply listed his duties as “Maintained and repaired vehicles.” We worked together to reframe his experience, highlighting his diagnostic skills, his ability to work under pressure, and his commitment to safety. The revised resume included phrases like “Troubleshooted and repaired complex mechanical systems with a 98% success rate” and “Implemented preventative maintenance procedures that reduced equipment downtime by 20%.” He landed an interview within a week.

Common Mistake: Failing to proofread your resume carefully. Typos and grammatical errors can make you look unprofessional and careless. Ask a friend or family member to review your resume before you submit it.

3. Networking: Connecting with the Right People

Networking is crucial for any job seeker, but it’s especially important for veterans who are transitioning to civilian careers. Building connections with people who understand your background and can provide guidance and support can significantly increase your chances of success.

One way to network is by attending veteran-specific job fairs. These events are specifically designed to connect veterans with employers who are actively seeking to hire them. The Georgia Department of Veterans Service hosts several such job fairs throughout the year in locations like Atlanta and Augusta. Check their website for upcoming events.

1. Attend Veteran-Specific Job Fairs: These events are specifically designed to connect veterans with employers who are actively seeking to hire them. The Georgia Department of Veterans Service hosts several such job fairs throughout the year in locations like Atlanta and Augusta. Check their website for upcoming events.
2. Join Veteran Resource Groups: Many companies have internal veteran resource groups that provide support and networking opportunities for veteran employees. These groups can be a great way to connect with other veterans in your field and learn about job openings.
3. Use LinkedIn Strategically: LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking. Join veteran-related groups, connect with recruiters who specialize in veteran hiring, and reach out to veterans who work in your target industry. Personalize your connection requests and explain why you’re interested in connecting.

A RAND Corporation study found that veterans who actively network are more likely to find employment and earn higher salaries. Don’t underestimate the power of building relationships.

4. Leveraging Veteran-Specific Resources

Numerous organizations and programs are dedicated to helping veterans find employment. Take advantage of these resources to gain a competitive edge in the job market.

1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers a range of employment assistance programs, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job placement services. Visit the VA’s website or contact your local VA office to learn more.
2. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS): VETS provides job training and placement services to veterans through a network of state workforce agencies.
3. The American Legion: The American Legion offers career resources and job placement assistance to veterans and their families. They also host job fairs and networking events.
4. Hire Heroes USA: Hire Heroes USA provides free career coaching, resume assistance, and job placement services to transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are people who want to see you succeed. Reach out to these organizations and take advantage of the resources they offer.

5. Understanding Your Legal Rights

As a veteran, you have certain legal rights that protect you from discrimination in the workplace. It’s important to be aware of these rights so you can advocate for yourself if necessary.

1. Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): USERRA protects the employment rights of veterans and service members who are called to active duty. It requires employers to reemploy veterans who return from military service with the same seniority, status, and pay they would have had if they had not been absent for military service.
2. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, including veterans with service-connected disabilities. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
3. Veteran Preference: Many federal and state government agencies offer veteran preference in hiring. This means that veterans may be given preferential treatment over other qualified candidates. In Georgia, O.C.G.A. Section 43-1-27 provides for certain licensing privileges for veterans.

Here’s what nobody tells you: knowing your rights is only half the battle. You also need to be prepared to assert them, and sometimes that means consulting with an attorney. I had a client last year who was denied a promotion because his employer claimed he lacked the necessary experience. However, my client had gained extensive leadership experience during his military service. We filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), arguing that the employer had discriminated against him based on his veteran status. The case was settled out of court, and my client received the promotion he deserved.

Common Mistake: Assuming that all employers understand and respect veteran’s rights. Unfortunately, discrimination still exists. Be prepared to document any instances of discrimination and seek legal counsel if necessary.

Securing meaningful job opportunities as a veteran requires a proactive and strategic approach. By translating your military skills, crafting a compelling resume, networking effectively, leveraging veteran-specific resources, and understanding your legal rights, you can increase your chances of landing the job you deserve. Don’t be afraid to put in the work, and remember that your military experience is a valuable asset.

Many veterans find that bridging the civilian skills gap is key to success.

If you are trying to unlock your dream job, start now!

Your military service has equipped you with invaluable skills and experiences. Now it’s time to translate those assets into a civilian career. Start with the MyNextMove for Vets tool and identify three potential career paths aligned with your background. Then, craft a targeted resume and start networking. Your next chapter awaits.