1

Find someone who can "translate" your military skills and accomplishments into words a potential employer will understand.

2

Vets STRUGGLE who are entitled feeling they are owed a job because of their veteran status. Vets who know there is great economic opportunity in America and go for it achieve GREAT SUCCESS. And the things that lead to success in the Military lead to success in a corporate job: 1. Come in early; 2. Leave late; 3. Take care of the people who work for you; 4. Do the right thing when nobody is looking; 5. Get after it

3

Find a knowledgeable transition team

4

Three things - 1) You need to understand how your military skills translate to the civilian world. So good intel on what companies are looking for in their candidates. Hint: Military folks have the leadership skills companies are dying for but the concern is will you fit into their culture or have the business sense. 2) You need to build a network of friends, family, acquaintances that can help you in your job search. 3) Know what you want to do when you grow up...at least for next few years. And realize you are not going to upper management right away.

5

Don't take a job simply on salary. Type of job, location, benefits, quality of life all should play a big part. Be especially careful not to move to a location you don't like just for a job with a high salary. Many do not have the same job 1 yr after leaving the military, you could be stuck some place you don't want to be.

6

It's not easy even you think you are very prepared. Although I was blessed to received several valuable certifications while serving 20 years in the Navy, I have yet to find a job.

7

What military personnel have been made to believe as important for career success in the military is not what is important to obtaining success in a civilian work environment: This includes culture, job skill translation, personality and the ability to work in a teaming environment. Its about your ability to help a company increase revenue, decrease costs, increase shareholder value. There are no budget nor storeroom gate keepers in industry like there are in the military. There are no "watchman" standing duty or keeping an eye on the place....its about production, manufacturing, repairs and ultimately selling off to obtain revenue into the company. There is no barking of orders in industry or the Government civilian world. There is no imagery (rank, insignia, warfare pins, ribbons, medals...etc), just the same clothing you wear.

8

Networking and figuring out what you want to do.

9

network, network, network.

10

Relationships and work processes in the civilian workforce are not as clearly defined as in the military. You need to get an understanding of how the civilian workforce interacts. As an example, while I was an LTJG on a helicopter carrier, specific actions were clearly delineated. You took orders, made decisions and issued orders which were carried out expeditiously. You expected specific outcomes from the orders you issued, and at times did spot inspections to insure these orders were executed. The work processes in the civilian workforce doesn't happen this way. Often there is no clearly defined rank structure. And, woe to you, if you actually issued an order. As a transitioning veteran, try to get some mentoring from other vets who've successfully made the transition on tips and techniques on how to deal with the civilian workforce.

11

Have a specific plan on what is going to happen. If you want to hand out resumes to companies, plan on where you are going, who you're talking to, what you are applying for, how you'll get there, etc. Don't just apply for a job here or there and expect to get hired right away.

12

Recognize that it is your work experience and knowledge that is important, not your rank.

13

SEEK A JOB THAT USES YOUR MILITARY EXPERIENCE, ONE THAT YOU LIKE, ONE THAT YOU ARE GOOD AT.

14

Set an objective based on skills and personal interests. In addition, have a dream job - what would you love to do ! What are the obstacles preventing that target and are they overcome able? On active duty ask civilians what they do and how they like it ! Begin early to broaden your horizon of experience! Be proactive- don't sit back and wait to be hit by a falling job!

15

The concept of "fit." When pursuing job opportunities, don't approach it from the standpoint that you need a paycheck. Think more along the lines of "...do I fit what the Company needs and does the Company fit what I am wanting to do?" Also, develop a vast network prior to departure from Active Duty and rely upon that network to assist you in the job search. Finally, research the Companies you're targeting and have a working knowledge of what they do before the interview. Sell your self by telling an interviewer how your skill sets will "increase their bottom line."

16

Start planning the transition at least 18 months out. Items to consider: VA paperwork, final medical procedures, resume development, network building, finances immediately post retirement(if no follow-on job secured)

17

Stop working on your resume and start networking.

18

Learn how to convert your resume to a civilian human resources format

19

Plan ahead (years)

20

Before negotiating your first salary, take into account all the things the military provided you for free or at a reduced cost that you will now have to pay full-price for: things like health insurance premiums, loss of commissary benefits, and loss of non-taxable allowances for housing and subsistence. In my first civilian job I made 20% more than I had on active duty, but my standard of living was noticeable lower!

21

To be able to convert your job responsibilities and experience from military terms to civilian language. Recognize you are moving from a world where you know a military language to a world where no one knows what language you are speaking. Obtain certifications that are known in the civilian world such as Professional Engineer, Project Management Professional etc.

22

The civilian world operates very differently from the military. Civilians use different jargon and systems for accountability, communications, and operations than what we were used to seeing in the military. There are also varying levels of commitment, dedication, and professionalism in the civilian workforce. The point is to be prepared for a less rigid working environment and atmosphere than what you were used to in the military.

23

If stating in DoD work, don't civilianize your resume and don't worry about 2 pages.

24

Network early. Earlier than you think necessary.

25

Have a plan, maintain goals, develop a daily scheduled/routine and stick to it.

26

Networking

27

Don't make ANY permanent commitments to start with. If you move to a new area, rent. Be sure your family can adjust to having you around more often

28

Build a strong initial network of contacts (friends, former personnel you served with who have separated or retired) and grow your network through them. Do not wait until you are a few months from separating or retiring to build your network, rather start 1-2 years in advance.

29

Start the process with a focused Objective ! Target your activities and clearly communicate that Objective!

30

Speak civilian & forget about rank.

31

Have your finances in order allowing stress free decision making as to your futurr

32

Military life is a much more structured, familial and disciplined life. Taking off the uniform and changing it for civilian clothes only makes you a military person in civilian clothes without the support groups NOT a civilian. Real transition must start months before the final day and must involve thoroughly researching every aspect of the new, anticipated life style. It's not intuitive in many instances and is definitely not the same.

33

Start your VA claim paperwork immediately. Make multiple copies of all your records, and request copies of all electronic treatment records from all providers and locations. Save up your leave. Start asking for letters of recommendation for future job search. Start learning how to dress yourself in something other than a uniform. Commit to no PT breaks, you'll never start again. Seriously research where you want to be since the military is paying for that last move. Research TriCare now, it's a nightmare.

34

Don't expect your status, experience and knowledge gained in the military to translate to the the civilian workforce. The civilian workforce seems to view the military with curiosity at best, looking to merely get numbers of Veterans, but rarely provides transition training or counseling.

35

The civilian perception is probably not what you think especially from HR and recruiters. When I left the service I thought that companies would value my leadership experience and background working in fast-paced environments. I was wrong. I have since learned that many recruiters simply bypass prior military candidates and HR managers (at least in the industry that i am in - medical devices) have no conception of the training and experience that prior military job candidates bring to the table. Many hiring managers as well as peers view prior military members as potentially too rigid and too disciplined to fit in. As an example, a couple of weeks ago when i was interviewing candidates for a new position, my SVP boss told me he didn't want me to fill my team with a bunch of prior military guys. I pointed out to him that some of the most successful people in our company are prior military.

36

Spend the money for quality suit, tie, shirts and get rid of the PX/Exchange clothing and polyester ties. Keep the hair above the ears, but not high and tight.

37

Understand your VA benefits. Always apply for Disability even if you don't think you qualify. It's much harder later.

38

Start networking early

39

Be able to clearly articulate your skills as they translate to the civilian workforce world.

40

Forget how important you were in the military. Forget the perks you have/had. Forget the sea stories, no one is interested. You will be the new kid on the block until you prove your worth to the organization. Educate yourself in the skills your new outfit will be hiring you to exercise. Once you are hired, do not talk excessively about your military career, where you have been, what you have done, the qualifications you have achieved. They may have helped get you hired, but your contemporaries at work will only resent your bragging.

41

Patience

42

Give yourself time. The longer you were in the military, in my case, the longer I think it takes to transition back to civilian culture - especially if your are returning to work. The work force - front line staff, really doesn't care much about what you did or are capable of doing while you were in the military. They support us and say nice things, but you will have to reprove yourself. No one cares how many stripes you had on your sleeve. Take your time and learn how the work culture has changed while you have been gone.

43

Be as open as possible to new career opportunities other than those most obvious, such as going back to your old job but as a civilian contractor. When I transitioned my kids were just approaching high school age and I was very concerned about job stability, so I went the contractor route. After a year or so I knew this was a bad fit and I went into real estate and the reward was vastly greater than the risk. It turned out that the most useful skills I learned in the military weren't the technical ones but the organizational ones: time management, process management, active listening, problem solving, things like that.

44

Open the aperture, so to speak, as to what your military experience may qualify you to do. Think outside the box. For example, maybe you managed your work center budget or workload planning -- so you have project management experience. Get advice from non-military folks, or those who have already transitioned, as to how to represent your experiences better.

45

Records, records, records: pay, training, fitness reports, medical (including any dependents) must be thoroughly reviewed for completeness and accuracy.

46

Understand that being a civilian is much different than being in the Armed Forces. Don't expect to have one job your entire civilian career. You are likely to go through 2-4 jobs the first few years trying to figure out what works for you.

47

Life and attitudes outside the military are very different than those in the military.

48

Be realistic. You have tremendous skills and leadership experience but most corporations either don't understand or care about what you did in the military. Your former rank will mean nothing to the civilian world. Your work ethic, integrity, and adaptability will be foundational to your success. You will be successful, but it will look different.

49

Know that your skills are absolutely transferable! You just need to make sure to translate them into civilian-speak so hiring managers and HR folks will understand. The soft-skills that military veterans bring are huge, and are often even more important than the technical skills. Traits like these are highly valued in the workplace: exceptionally strong work ethic, honesty/trustworthiness, ability to handle very stressful situations (and remain calm). Also very important is to work with a military transition specialist. The TAP office is fantastic. I also worked with two firms that specialize in transitioning military officers (I was a Navy O-3 at the time), and their advice, feedback, and interview practice were priceless.

50

Attend all transition classes offered. Attend all job fairs that you can. Get used to speaking with all different types of reps at the fairs. Glean as much application process/hiring info as possible--even for positions you may not be directly interested in. Then hone in on the type work and locations you want to work after separation. Make sure you have a good resume that is well up to date using appropriate "buzzwords" and avoid the overused and fluff terms that will just be ignored.

51

1) Before considering employment/educational next steps, spend time reflecting on your experience--what have learned about yourself? (skills I have developed and environments in which I excel) and what do I seek in this next phase of life? Consult with close friends/family, ask coworkers and previous supervisors... 2) Take advantage of the transition--take a break! 3) Looking for a job solely by responding to classifieds/postings is limiting and passive. Craft the job description of the opportunity you seek...then go find it or create it.

52

Use your educational benefits. Be selective to find a discipline that you will enjoy and one that will lead to a professionally rewarding career. It is good to examine the job market before deciding which degree (undergraduate or graduate) to pursue. Your military experience and leadership skills will work well in the civilian marketplace. Make sure your family is fully supportive of what you are seeking to do.

53

Rather than leave entirely, consider the reserves of whatever branch you are in. Also, the grass isn't always greener. It is very difficult to find a civilian company that provides the same sense of team as the military.

54

Learn new people skills - command & control works great in the military but most civilians will resent it and/or be intimidated by it, and they will view you as unapproachable, and they will not want to work with you.

55

1) Do your due diligence in research 2) Don't simply fill out applications; use LinkedIn and company veterans networks to find someone you can connect with and ask to be referred 3) Consider graduate school (e.g. MBA) as your transitional step... use that GI Bill. Do not underestimate the value of the two years graduate school and internships all you in calibrating to social norms 4) Practice, practice, practice! With your resume's, pitches, and interviews.

56

There are many opportunities for you, don't jump at the first thing that comes along. Ask yourself if it's something you would like to do?

57

Be prepared to start over at Entry Level positions and work hard to show that you are an asset to their company. Draw on your experience, but don't throw your experience in people's faces.

58

Make sure you are aware of all educational benefits available to you. Make sure you can effectively translate your military experience into comparable civilian/private industry terminology.

59

May not be related to entering the workforce, but most important - start the process to get your claim into the VA BEFORE your actual retirement/separation date. You can submit 180 days out, which means you should start the separation/retirement physical up to a year out. As far as entering the workforce, start looking at jobs/desciptions, and have your long an short resume's written about a year out, as well, if you want to start working immediately after retirements/separation.

60

Be prepared for huge change. The civilians work force and culture is a vast difference from the military. Also, it may take several jobs before you find the right job and/or the right company.

61

Take the time to before you leave the service to prepare for separation (e.g., medical/dental appts completed, records orders/copied, ensuring schools/training/certifications/awards properly documented, attending transition training, etc.).

62

Research what you want do, where you want to live and companies you apply for. Beware of big business if you dislike bureaucracy and stratification (like staff duty). Include your family.

63

You must plan for your retirement. Prior to retirement do the math in terms of your income. I could have stayed and served longer, working on getting promotion to a higher grade. I had two young children and when I did the math of what my pay would be if I worked to get promoted to the next grade, the pay raise was not substantial enough for me to kill myself to get there. I did this evaluation about at the 04 level. However, I did make myself as competitive as I could just in case life changed and I had to change that plan. I then moved around enough in the military with the long term goal at deciding what State I would want to live in as a civilian. I did my best to get assigned in places I think I wanted to retire in. Finally as most important attend the transition seminars offered and listen and execute all they tell you to do to prepare.

64

Start looking early.

65

Start planning/work on your transition early.

66

Every day in uniform is a gift and a privilege. Cherish the opportunity and be grateful, for it is available to relatively few. Never make your decision to transition about leaving the military, and only go if it is because you are headed towards a new, exciting and even more personally fulfilling opportunity.

67

Plan ahead financially. We bought an affordable house 3 years prior to retirement, paid off a car, and had college funds (in addition to transferring post 9-11 GI Bill). This has removed all stress of having to get a another full time job I wouldn't have been happy with.

68

Figure out what you want to do before you separate.

69

Avoid rushing back into the force work if you have the financial flexibility to do so. Use your terminal leave and the months following to discover what you are truly passionate about doing (beyond what you did in the military). Look for opportunity to experience all the things you wished you had the time to do while serving.

70

Make the decision on locating for quality of life, intentions to climb or simply finding satisfaction in employment.

71

Make time to take advantage of the transition training offered; in the navy for example it was called TAP. I saw so many senior people who wouldn't adjust their busy schedule and then they were retired and wishing they had made time to figure it all out.

72

Get involved in civilian sector activities, such as volunteering, while on active duty.

73

Carefully craft your resume in order to make it easy to understand your skills and experiences by someone who did not serve in the military. Also craft your resume specifically for each job to which you apply.