1

Start your transition early - 12 months out is not to early to work on a resume, to start exploring job opportunities or building a larger network.

Know what you want to do after the military - the world is your after you depart the service and there are a lot of opportunities; however, companies do not buy jacks-of-all-trades.

Find a mentor - The civilian world is completely different animal. A mentor, whether someone in the industry you want to work in or veteran who has successfully transitioned can lend a lot of experience.

Do not pay for professional [general/catch all] resume - This was a costly mistake I made and they do not work. Transitioning service members need to know and learn what companies are looking for.

Learn how to brand and market yourself - We are a product and service, we have to sell our product and services to companies. Without knowing how to do that companies won't buy it or even show interest in it.

Build your network - Networking is huge and this is how we find jobs in the "hidden job market". Remember if you have a way in to a job it is easier to than submitting your resume in the ATS black hole.

Don't be disappointed - Many companies love to claim to be a "veteran friendly employer"; however, they will expect you to have the same qualifications as any civilian. So if you apply to one of these veteran friendly and don't hear anything back don't be disappointed.

Veteran Friendly Employers - They like to tout it, but very few follow through with it.

Learn to speak civilian - Companies don't speak military, even if they are veteran friendly, if you want a shot at working with the company you need to speak their lingo. For veterans it is a one way street in the civilian workforce and that direction is not in our favor.

2

Step #1 to prepare is to conduct a full and in depth self assessment/analysis. If done honestly and correctly the process and results of a self assessment will ensure success during a transition and make writing a resume, interviewing, and networking much easier.

3

Start early

4

First be sure that you want to separate. Maintain as many connections as possible.

5

Use the skills you learned in the military to make a better workplace, not to measure those around you in the workplace. Civilians don't do things the way fellow veterans would. That doesn't make it wrong or even more inefficient, it just makes it different. Apply your skills to learn the best way in your work and them build from there to make it better.

6

Be prepared that if you are, attempting to work in a civilian organization that the people there very well may be intimidated by your experience level and leadership ability. People seem to quickly become fearful that we can our well try to take their position. When in truth, we often respect the managers and are simply anxious to learn what they know in order to improve ourselves. Creating friendly, respectful relationships often quells a lot of that stress.

7

Use all resources to write a resume that converts military experience into civilian business lingo. Practice interview strategies. Research the kind of "real jobs" you are interested in and take a course in that field.

8

prepare at least 12 months prior to retiring or getting out of the service

9

Patience. Loads of it. Depending on the job or career, the lack of discipline, organization and unwarranted whining requires it. Seldom is there proper management and follow up of nuisance in comparison to the military. Also, have a degree, certification for a trade or take government job assessments prior to transitioning.

10

Take advantage on getting educated,have to have some formal education to completed and assimilate in Corporate environment,after that while going to school plenty of first level jobs to get then hands on needed to be familiar,with basic systems knowledge,really I did not have the the support,our vets have now,but I have a lot of knowledge and assets love to share

11

Know what skills you have and how they fit into civilian life. Get back into school and build up on your skills.

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Understanding how your service experience translates into the civilian world. Additionally understand where you are going in the next 5-10 years. IF you are not focused employers will not understand how you can help them and you wont either.

13

No one cares that you're a veteran.They care about your skills and abilities. When you're building your brand/selling yourself to potential employers, focus on what you bring to the table, not on the fact that you're a veteran. Emphasize accomplishments, not duties/responsibilities.

14

Joining the military is easier than getting out, DoD and your branch has to take care of you. Aside from a TAPS class, I didn't receive much else as far as information, just the "good luck" speech. I believe I learned more from brothers in arms who transitioned before me and I picked their brains. Important topics: financial safety net (probably around $5k to be safe), if you're able separate near the beginning of a university/college semester and be enrolled before you separate! Have a plan and don't be enticed by camp couch.

15

Career fairs are a waste of time, better to apply online.

16

Go to college and get a degree that is worth something, not an English or sociology degree.

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1 Complete your VA claim prior to leaving the service; 2 Have a money set aside to get you through the first 4-6 months after your last paycheck from DOD; 3 Take advantage of the Post 9/11 GI bill; 4 Don't come out to the civilian sector thinking your are special because you served. Competition is for jobs out here is no joke; 4 Seek a veteran mentor who has completed his/her transition successfully.

18

Network your ass off in the field you enjoyed. Record contractor, government, part-time/full-time personnel contacts while you're active duty and stay in touch if appropriate for your end goal. Record the name/nomenclature of EVERY piece of equipment you ever operated/maintained; you'll need all that crap for a corporate/contract mandated "resume" if you go that route…once "out" that data is tough to retrieve.

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The most important I learned was to create a resume without the jargon. Translate your skills into a language that anyone could easily understand. Use resources like onetonline.org to help get a better understanding of the skills that you learned while in the military.

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Copy all service records, medical records, and remember the most important part, once you sign that DD 214. You have no more so-called friend’s in the military.

21

My advice to active duty servicepersons is to get to a TAP Class ASAP and more than once. Listen attentively and engage & participate in the opportunities. (As A TAP Intructor, I used to bring in local EDD Vet Staff to briefly speak about their services). Look into any mentoring or internship program and expand your network (such as Vet-Net). Veterans are very resourceful individuals with a can-do attitude and working with other Veterans, especially State of CA -EDD Veteran Representatives will shorten the unemployment time frame.

22

Get our there and Network. There is a lot of programs out there statewide to help you, plus give you free education/certificates to get you back to work for free without touching your military education benefits!

23

Decompress during your Terminal Leave and Permissive TAD. The hardest part in the transition is making the switch from the Military to Civilian.

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Put together records of all official schools and training received and assignments you've held and try to relate them to position you are seeking

25

Employers more than 20 years ago did not care if you were a vet. Most even looked down on those that served as being free loaders that tax payers took care of. I had many where I applied still talking about "baby killers" and the losers that were in the military. Many times after my E.A.S. I wished that I would have completed my 20 and retired. Retired military members were looked at differently. Transitioning out then was, "sign here and you're done."

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Never feel like you are owed something because you were in the service. That's the best advice in getting a job.

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Be open to moving to a different location than your HOR.

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Seek out other veterans when transitioning from military services to civilian life. In my experience other veterans experiences and help was most beneficial to me as they could better understand my situation.

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Be as prepared as possible for the transition.

30

Do not rely on having military service/veteran status to get you a job. You're skills don't correlate as much as you think they do. Start early...start networking, working on certifications, completing your degree, and your resume.

31

The transition of one's mindset from Military to Civilian is something that takes time in order for the mind to process reality. Mitigate as many stressors as possible prior to starting the transition. Patience will require a lot of practice. The transition will be life-long and must be accepted in order to function in society.

32

Focus on your education and your financial situation. Always keep a side job or several; never rely on only one source of income. The education will ensure sufficient verifiable knowledge, skills, and abilities to be employable. The income can sustain the job search. The family will do what they do regardless of your efforts, so get your-self squared away first. Job searching can be a full-time effort void of income until the goal is reached. Until then, remember the job search is a marathon not a sprint, so pace yourself and your resources. You are the detailer now; so, get your details in order from past volunteer experiences, old personnel evaluation descriptions, supervisor names, the address and phone numbers you will use to fill out job applications, and even the salary history broken down by promotion including starting and ending dates, starting and ending salary, and significant accomplishments during each period. You need many references, as many as five personal and five professional, so update your addresses, phone numbers, length of time acquainted, and emails for each of these contacts. Salary histories also need to be available in hourly, monthly, and annual to fit different application forms.

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Build a strong network of connections before you transition, and use them to help you gain employment when you get out.

34

That the mental part of the transition will be intense. Prepare to really discover who you are and expect that your plans may not always work out. Have a few back up plans, and make sure you find a mentor one that is a veteran and one that is not.

35

Start the transition planning at least 5 years out. Get yourself in financial shape to survive if you don't gain a new job. Begin to network early and often, gain the certifications and/or education needed before you leave the military.

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Use your veteran benefits - don't waste a moment.

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Network outside of the veteran space!

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Be prepared! There are many things that need to be address prior to leaving active service. If yo wait until you get out you are already behind the curve and your transition will be much harder. Also, have your medical records reviewed and put in your claim if appropriate prior to leaving active duty.

39

While in service, enlisted should take correspondence courses which translate to college credits, take online classes, and/or complete professional certifications- Six Sigma and PMP. While in garrison and on free-time perform freelance or entreprenuerial work for nonprofits or small businesses to enhance skills and gain experience. Don't be afraid to volunteer to gain those resume bullet points. Search on sites such as PPH.com and Upwork.com. Begin exploring civilian jargon and discovering how to best articulate MOS skills to Job skills, NOTE civilian job titles and descriptions don't align or are structured like the military.

40

Prior planning and understanding that there will be significant challenges. Establish a support system before you exit the military!

41

Connect with an outside organization to help with transition, TAPS is woefully out of touch with reality and what individuals will face on exit. Make sure to start VA claim early.

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Planning, I planned my exit 2 years before my EAS. I started researching my job market a year out and started submitting resumes 6 months out.

43

Use your GI Bill

44

Take advantage of tution assistance while still active. It will save you months on your GI Bill.

45

Advice. Go to college or trade school. It's a good way to transition. Be prepared to be disappointed in the way businesses are organized and run. You're employers will not be up to par with what you are used to. Professionalism is a few and far in between idea.

46

Networking, talking with your fellow peers, colleagues on what they are doing when they get out, talking to friends and family on what's available and other leaders in the community or successful business owners and how they got started what they are doing. Get connected and stay connected with as many good people and resources as possible.

47

Make sure you have made the proper preparations on securing work before you get out.

48

When employers say they want either a college degree or military service, it's a lie. They could care less about your military service

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Prepare early

50

Your work itself my not provide sufficient meaning. I was on two consecutive deployments where it felt like I was doing something important. I EASed almost as soon as my unit got back to the States. My work certainly didn't feel as important as it had, but getting involved with volunteering helped. Veteran's non-profit groups are a great place to start because of the shared culture, but there are lots of other awesome opportunities out there.

51

Don't expect it to be the same. Civilians are selfish and it's all about making themself look good not getting the job done. Don't expect your service to get you ahead, most employers think of us as broken instead of as an asset. Don't be too arrogant, apply for lower level jobs because you essentially are 4 years behind the other applicants and your service doesn't show any experience.

52

Don't let your military service be the only thing that defines you. Let it be a part of what does. It isn't the only thing you will ever accomplish, or the greatest thing. Also, go to a good not-for-profit school.

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1) The transition will take time, every transition, mental, physical and career, is different. 2) Be patient and be confident and assured you have something unique to offer.

54

Learn to interact with those around you whether it be students or other adults. Don't treat them like young privates, but realize the potential to be a mentor to some of the younger civilians.

55

Make sure yoi hsve all your medicsl records up to date and atleast 3 complete copies. Make appointments with the VA prior to EAS.

56

Be patient. Becoming a member of the armed forces took months of training, transitioning to civilian life can take years because there is no standard operating procedures. Everyone will have a different perspective on what you should do. Be patient and think every decision through thoroughly.

57

Don't completely let go of who you were as a civilian before you joined. Making an effort to normalize a bit while you're still in will help ease the transition if you're already halfway to thinking and acting like a civilian again.

58

Start looking as soon as you get out but still take a large break so your transition will be smooth and more relaxed

59

Find a veteran service organization that appeals to you. Joining a new team of service oriented veterans helps fill the gaps between civilian and military life.

60

No one owes you a job. Figure out how to frame your skills and talents in a way that shows your value to employers.

61

Think about what it is exactly that you want to do when you are a civilian. If you decide to go to school, think about what you are interested in, but also what you will be able to get a job doing. And college may not be the right choice, there are a lot more vocational possibilities now than there were previously.

62

Start your job search at least 6 months out from separation. Try to have a job by EAS.

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1) Find a mentor 2) Take advantage of Post 9/11 GI Bill (degree or certifications) 3) Be humble 4) network 5) show appreciation

64

Get transferable skills, certifications and education.

65

Do your homework, study the career you want early, identify the criteria and meet or exceed them before EAS. Write your resume to tell employer and not to yourself.

66

Save a little from each paycheck so you have something for first months rent, or other expenses. Make a plan at least a year before your EAS.

67

Ask all questions needed prior to and have good contact info regarding benefits, etc.

68

Get your college degree before retirement, learn how to network, and expect to start below what your skill,knowledge, military education and experience demonstrates what your really worth. I have found that even other Veterans who could help you get a foot in the door do not go out of thier way to do so or they are cut off by the HR personnel before they can get to hiring managers. It's harder to land a decent position that pays well than transition workshops and vet assistant organization make it out to be.

69

Do not give up...when I was ready to join the civilian sector I looked for jobs that fit my skills and criteria exactly. As soon as my unemployment benefits expired I had a job within a couple of days. I started looking for jobs 2 months prior and filled out at least 15-20 applications online daily. I had several interviews and felt confident but some offers were to low and some I just did not get. Until i was finally hired, it was a good start as far as transition was concerned and assisted me in getting a better paying job within 2 years.

70

Disregard the "professionals" opinions on resume's -- make your resume' as detailed as possible in civilian terms (project management, administrative/clerical work, team player, etc). Do not get the mindset that anyone owes you anything (I see to many veterans that get out thinking that way, and it only hinders them). Use your GI Bill -- though, I'd recommend using it at a technical institute/school, as that's more hands on approach and real world training versus any college. However, if you attend a college/university, make sure you get a p/t job of some sort in your field of study. This helps with transition, and hands on approach. Prior to attending any school -- research the top 25 jobs and go to school for those positions (i.e., engineering, medical, etc). Do not go to school thinking that any degree will help you -- that is not true today!!! Network early -- while your school especially -- with people who are in your field of study so that you have your network built up when you graduate -- it's not what you know, but who!!! Remember, it's not what you did in the past that defines you -- rather, what you're doing and want to do...Most importantly, surround yourself with positive people and positive influences.

71

Assume you will NOT get promoted or approved for reenlistment. Research what YOUR benefits will be upon separation or retirement well before you take off the uniform for the last time! Even if you're not sure what you're going to do focus on on where you might like to do it. You need to know what's available and where to find it either at your home of record or future location.

72

Make sure you network with people outside of the service and start your transition at least 2 years before retirement.

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TAP, Networking & SMEAC

74

Jobs are not abundant no matter how many years you served or how qualified you are.

75

Find experts in the community you are going to and lean on them. Gather with Veterans to gain an understanding of the transition and listen to everyone. Ask for critiques of your approach and change based on inputs.

76

Probably to plan early. What I mean by that is start looking into more detail the type of job you are looking into for when you retire. I was in aviation and probably one of the hardest careers to transition into. The military does not make it easy for an individual to transition into say being a mechanic or even a pilot. With so many certifications FAA or even icao is laying out to do those jobs your military career doing the exact same job does not qualify you to do the same position in the civilian market.

77

Unless you are going to work for an employer who has personally served, you will find their perceptions of you are biased through media and social exposure. Keep communication open with them and try to gain an understanding of their perceptions and biases to improve the odds of a successful employment relationship.

78

Keep an open mind when looking at positions and don't sell yourself short.

79

Start as early as possible before seperating. Keep in contact with those you know that separated before you and ask them to share what they see in realtime.

80

Ensure that you have your benefits correct prior to separation, work with local veterans on your transition, ASK FOR HELP. Do not be afraid to ask someone for guidance, you just spent the last 4+ years taking orders and beign told what to do, when to do it and how to do it. You are on your own now, but there are fellow veterans here to help, please ask for our help

81

Be aware that civilian life is not as black-and-white as military life. And that hard work outside the military DOES NOT guarantee you success or promotion.

82

Have a plan and then have several backup plans for your "set" job you have when you get out.

83

You can only be successful when you get out if, you have a goal and are motivated to accomplish it.

84

Learn how to effectively translate (onto a resume) ALL you have done and earned in your particular military career, into words that a civilian employer understand and can comprehend.

85

Don't wait until the last minute to start looking for jobs make sure you have one lined up prior to EASing

86

Get all certifications for your job prior to separation.

87

Begin Networking as soon as you know you are leaving the service, minimum the final year before. Have your Resume completed and if able, have it professionally reviewed. Ensure you are accurately translating your skills from military to civilian. It can make all the difference in getting the job or not. Practice Skype interviews and prepare accordingly. I was hired by the first company I submitted my resume to and was hired in my opinion quickly, however I did not start until a month after the interview process began. So, plan and prepare for setbacks in your timeline and have multiple options in finding a new job if you can't plan to be unemployed that long. You can expect and anticipate being warmly welcomed by an employer. Companies love the leadership that is instilled within us during our Military Careers.

88

Develop a sense of self and build positive relationships.

89

Interviewing skills, and being able to compare your experiences to what the employer is looking for.

90

1) Take the advice and have a solid plan for getting out, stick to it. 2) A good job goes a long way. 3) Dont be discouraged by leadership that doesn't understand your mentality, most of us have a very different train of thought

91

Prepare, prepare. It depends on your MOS. if you were /are a grunt then you don't have much to work with except that you are loyal, dependable and a steady worker. So basically it starts with the MOS you choose in the beginning. Now a problem you might run into is that employers may fear you have PTSD and there will be issues later, missing work from DR. appts, mood swings. So showing that you didn't serve in combat can eleve some concerns but only tell them if you need to. If you do have PTSD then first take the time to heal before taking on a full time job, maybe start slow and work your way up.

92

Set goals and prepare for those goals 4 years prior to separation. 4 years gives you time to save money, complete your education, schooling or certification and your resume' will show 4 years knowledge and experience of your field.

93

Network with other veterans who have transitioned into the workforce. Speak to your career centers on base to invite this population into your workshops to give first hand accounts on what to expect and how to prepare.

94

Start researching a career path early and see how your military skills translate to the civilian world.

95

Military service is not preparatory in nature. Skill conversions are difficult and training opportunities are nearly nonexistent.

96

1) If separating, make the determination early as to whether you want to re-enlist or get out; so you can formulate your career path. 2) Network, network, network. 3) If retiring, determine what you want to do and get the resume out there.

97

To use your leadership skills and MOS to your advantage. Seek employment that can best use your skill sets. Display a command presence, squared away appearence and highly motivated toward meeting and exceeding goals and objectives.

98

Start applying for jobs about six months out, even if you think you have a friend that will hook you up. It takes time for the whole process from applying to interview and if lucky to hiring. If you are going to college start applying early also and if you are not going to college in your home of record be aware of the cost difference between resident and non resident fees. If you are retiring from the military after 15 -20 years, be prepared for a culture shock, you might think you are ready but you are not.

99

Have a support system, get a dog. Despite having a clear plan after being honorably discharged, at times I felt lost, alone, and frustrated. Having an animal being loyal and dependent on me gave me the sense of stability that I had a hard time letting go when leaving the service.

100

A top secret clearance and a wealth of knowledge, training, and real-world experience (to put it frankly) do not mean shxx. The biggest setback I faced as an enlisted member leaving active duty was a college degree. Without that credential, if you want to do something aside from contracting or taking orders (figuratively and literally), saying you are limited in options would be an understatement. Go to college! And do it BEFORE you get out, even if that means doing 8 years.

101

Start looking for work right now. Start networking with people on the industries that you are interested in right now

102

Spend as much time as you can preparing your finances and researching career opportunities post military career.

103

Put your past life (Marine Corps) completely behind and embrace the new life in front of you.

104

Complete school (at least a Bachelors) and all the certificarions you can get in your current military job field and don't make an big finiancial obligations.

105

Prepare to feel like your tribe has moved on without you. And get started finding a new one.
Embrace your new identity as a civilian, and thrive in life. Prepare to put your military career in the past and start making a new life for yourself and your family.

106

Talk to as many actual veterans from various backgrounds as possible and LISTEN to their diverse stories of struggles and successes. Don't assume the negatives they experienced won't happen to you because of your rank, education, support structure, etc.

107

Don't become lazy because people are not pushing you anymore. Get out, go to college, get a part time job, and enjoy your new time as a civilian.

108

Get your education.

109

Many civilians are either ignorant, afraid, or both of military service. If you happen to notice that that is the culture where you work don't try to change yourself for their sake, start looking for a new job.

110

businesses that will hire upon transition. I have been retired since May of 2016 on terminal leave but officially retired July 2017, I have been applying everywhere within law enforcement for various job opportunities and cant get hired either know my civilian background is in law enforcement, it is very depressing to say the least and feel worthless at times because of all the constant rejection. This is no way to treat service members. I have applied for entry level jobs within ballistic forensics (Part time), Police officer, telecommunications dispatch, meter readers.....nobody within law enforcement will touch me. I was discharged with an honorable discharge but now it might as well have been a bad conduct discharge, its very disheartening I was forced to leave the military in which I loved so much only to face this type of BS.