Leaving the military can be a daunting prospect. Returning to civilian life can take some getting used to, especially when it comes to finding employment. If you’re about to leave the service and are worried about finding a job afterwards, here are the top career tips for veterans.
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- Be prepared. Start thinking about your transition out of the military well before you actually leave. A job search can take a long time, but a plan can make things easier. Keep your civilian CV polished and up-to-date, and think about any education or qualifications you will need for your civilian career. Form a basic plan, and be prepared to re-strategise if needs be.
- Take advantage of any programs or workshops the military provides to help you transition into the civilian workshop. It can be tempting to ease the pressure off in your last few months in service but don’t waste the help or any of the opportunities offered. You should also take advantage of companies offering jobs designed for those leaving the military, such as Knight Trucking veteran jobs.
- Transfer your skills. You will have learned skills during your service that will translate into the civilian workforce and make you a competitive employee. The key is working out how to showcase those to a potential employer. Try to avoid military jargon in your CV and express your skills in terms that a civilian employer will understand. If you’re struggling to do this, try this military skills translator.
- Network. In the service, you’ll make connections and build a sense of camaraderie that is unheard of in the civilian world. When it comes to being time to transition out of the military, this is the perfect time to reach out to those connections for help. Many groups or organisations are out there who aim to help veterans find work, make connections and move easily into civilian life. You could also reach out to old service friends who are now in the outside world, and ask them for recommendations for jobs.
- Reach out to the experts. Use one of the may staffing agencies who handle veteran-specific jobs. They have all the knowledge and contacts that you will need to help you get into a good job that will suit your needs while understanding your background and the challenges you will be facing.
- Check your social media presence. An unprofessional presence on social media can be very offputting to a potential employer. Take the time to check your channels. Consider having a minimal profile or keep your profiles private. If you do have a public presence on social media, think about what you post. Never post anything that an employer might worry about; for example, be aware of what you post while drunk and don’t post controversial opinions. Employers will look at what you post.
Finding employment as a veteran can be a challenge as you work out what you want to do and how you can make your skills fit something new, but with the right approach, you can find a role that will satisfy you.
