Take it from me and just about any other military retiree that transitioning from a military to a civilian career can be a significant life change, but with proper preparation and strategy, it can also be a smooth transition.
SFL-TAP
If you have retired in the last several years, the Soldier For Life – Transition Assistance Program course, up to a year before and during your out-processing, has been mandatory for you. SFL-TAP has been a program in an ever-evolving state, just like every other good idea that the military has implemented. Is it a good process? Maybe. Can it get better? Always.
Much like any other course that you are given in the military, you generally get out of it what you put into it. Pay attention, take notes, and ask questions, and you will probably have more success than the service member in the back sleeping, texting, or crushing some candy. But it doesn’t all fall onto the service members’ shoulders. Hopefully, you the instructor up front who has been doing this same presentation, are a hopeful, caring, and not burnt-out individual who cares to make your transition better than their own.
9 Job Search Tips for Retiring Military Personnel
Over the past seven months, I have been transitioning from active duty to a civilian mindset, and I want to share some of what I have learned so far. Here are nine job search tips tailored specifically for retiring military personnel:
1. Start Early.
Begin planning your transition well in advance of your retirement date. This allows you to explore different career options, update your resume, and acquire any necessary civilian certifications or qualifications.
2. Translate Your Skills.
Military jargon and terminology may not always translate well to civilian employers. Take the time to translate your military experience and skills into civilian terms that potential employers will understand. Highlight your leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability skills.
3. Network.
Leverage your military network as well as civilian connections to explore job opportunities. Attend job fairs, and networking events, and reach out to contacts in industries you’re interested in. Networking can often open doors to opportunities that may not be advertised publicly.
4. Utilize Resources.
Take advantage of resources available to transitioning military personnel, such as the Transition Assistance Program, which offers workshops, counseling, and resources to help with the transition process. Additionally, organizations like ClearanceJobs.Com, Hire Heroes USA and American Corporate Partners provide mentorship and support to veterans seeking civilian careers.
5. Customize Your Resume.
Tailor your resume to each job application by highlighting relevant skills and experiences. Focus on accomplishments and quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your value to potential employers.
6. Consider Further Education or Training.
Depending on your desired career path, you may need to acquire additional education or certifications. Use your military education benefits, such as the GI Bill, to pursue higher education or vocational training that aligns with your career goals.
7. Be Flexible and Open-Minded.
Transitioning to civilian life may require flexibility and openness to new opportunities. Be willing to consider different industries, job roles, and locations that may align with your skills and interests.
8. Prepare for Interviews.
Practice interviewing and be ready to discuss how your military experience relates to the job you’re applying for. Highlight specific examples of leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and other relevant skills.
9. Seek Support.
Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be challenging emotionally and mentally. Don’t hesitate to seek support from fellow veterans, support groups, or mental health professionals if needed.
Keep your head in the game
It will be stressful, and it will feel like what you learned was pointless, but trust the process. Sitting down and giving up is only going to hold you back from maximizing your potential when you have no choices left. Use the time you have left while you transition to earn a paycheck, save some money, build up your network, translate your skills, and you will be ahead of the game. You just gotta get on that field and start playing.
