For many veterans, the first time they apply for a job is after they leave the military. If they had a job before, it may differ from the work they did previously and may relate to the career they desire after leaving the service. Service members enter the workforce in a unique way, with no resume or interview, and no salary negotiation. Instead, everything is set up through the recruiting process. This means veterans often do not have experience in building a resume, interviewing for jobs, and negotiating salaries. It can quickly feel overwhelming.
5 Mistakes to Avoid in Searching for a Job as a Veteran
It is important to ensure that you don’t overlook crucial details and have a realistic understanding of the job search process. Here are five mistakes you want to skip.
1. Expecting a job.
Sometimes service members expect that their military service will help them find a job. And while having a background in the military might be desirable for some companies. Other companies don’t understand the value military service members can bring and might even see it as a negative. Either way, finding a job will require effort. Sending out resumes, networking, and working to find that next job. It is part of the process and sometimes it is harder than you expect. And it can take more time than people realize. If you are considering leaving the military now is the time to start looking into what your next career will be. And be aware it will take hard work to find the right job.
2. Not taking advantage of veteran programs.
Many veterans don’t learn about programs that can help them before they leave the service, like Skillbridge. Or programs that help veterans once they have transitioned out of the military. There are great veteran service organizations that can help you find a career or build your business. And often they are free or with a reduced cost. Some of the best organizations that help veterans transition are Vets2Industry, Leadership Transition Insitute, and the USO Pathfinder Transition Program.
3. Not translating your skills.
It is important to be able to explain what you did in the military without using military terms that people who haven’t served in the military won’t understand. It isn’t easy to do this. Military jargon comes so naturally. But when working to prepare for an interview work to prepare stories from your experience in a new way to help your interviewer understand. Also, if something is classified and you can’t talk about it see if there is a way to describe what your role was. If you were a supervisor managing a team you can share about that aspect without having to talk about the project.
4. Not thinking outside the box.
Sometimes when service members leave the military they think about the job they were doing in the military and try to find an equivalent in the civilian sector. But the military gives its members more skills than the job required. As members move up in rank they are often given extra duties or even move up to manage team members. Make sure to highlight this in the job interview. And also, take the time to explore jobs that may use some of the soft skills that you learned even if the work doesn’t tie in directly to the work you did in the past.
5. Forgetting to use your network.
The military gives you a great network. Not only through the people that you have worked with throughout your military career. But there is also the advantage of being a veteran and being able to connect with other veterans. One of the ways to take advantage of networking is through free mentorship programs for veterans and military spouses.
The Transition Journey
Leaving the military is a big change. And while change is a part of military life, sometimes the unexpected challenges of going from service member to civilian can be difficult to plan for. That is why utilizing the resources that have been created by other veterans who have gone through the process is so important. You are not alone in your journey out of the military. Use these tools and know that it will require hard work and effort. But also remember the military gave you a strong foundation, and you have the tools for a successful career after military service.
