It’s that time of year again. Time to tell everyone ‘Happy New Year’, forget to write the correct year on anything and everything, and also ask and tell what your ‘resolutions’ are. If you are a veteran, soon-to-be veteran, or just someone who is looking for that next job, here are some tips to kick off the new year right with those pesky resolutions.
Resolve yourself to success
Transitioning from military service to a civilian career can be both exciting and challenging. For veterans, leveraging the skills and discipline gained during service is crucial in standing out in a competitive job market, or even amongst your peers. As we enter a new year, it’s the perfect time to set clear and actionable goals that will not only enhance your professional prospects but also ensure a smooth transition into civilian employment.
10 Goals for Veterans to Jumpstart Their Civilian Careers
Here are ten essential goals every veteran job seeker should aim for to make the most of the opportunities ahead.
1. Define Career Goals
- Identify industries or roles that align with personal interests, skills, and values.
- Determine whether to pursue a civilian role similar to their military position or transition to a completely new field.
2. Enhance Your Resume
- Translate military skills into civilian language to make them easily understood by recruiters.
- Highlight leadership, problem-solving, and team-building experience gained during military service.
3. Expand Your Network
- Connect with professionals in industries of interest on LinkedIn and through networking events.
- Reach out to veteran-focused organizations and alumni groups for guidance and opportunities.
4. Utilize Veteran Resources
- Leverage programs like the GI Bill, VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E), and veteran-friendly job boards.
- Explore workshops and seminars offered by organizations that specialize in veteran transitions.
5. Develop Soft Skills
- Improve communication, emotional intelligence, and adaptability to complement technical skills.
- Practice interviewing to confidently convey your value to potential employers.
6. Earn Certifications
- Research and pursue certifications that are in high demand within your chosen field, such as PMP, CompTIA, or Six Sigma.
- Use available education benefits to offset costs.
7. Leverage LinkedIn
- Optimize your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo, headline, and summary emphasizing your unique experience.
- Actively engage by sharing posts, commenting, and joining groups related to your target industry.
8. Target Veteran-Friendly Employers
- Identify companies known for supporting veteran hiring and inclusion.
- Look for mentorship opportunities within these organizations to ease the transition.
9. Stay Physically and Mentally Healthy
- Prioritize physical fitness and mental well-being to maintain readiness and resilience.
- Seek support if facing challenges like PTSD or adapting to civilian life.
10. Set Milestones
- Break your job search into smaller, manageable steps, such as applying to a specific number of jobs weekly or attending monthly networking events.
- Celebrate achievements to maintain motivation and momentum.
Whether you are hoping this new year leads to a new career, a promotion, or the starting of something completely different, the time is now to set clear goals and make a plan. Embarking on a new career journey as a veteran can feel overwhelming, but by setting these focused goals, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in the civilian job market.
