For those in the military, the decision to leave the service and re-enter civilian life is one of the biggest they will make in their careers. It’s also one of the most difficult transitions they’ll face. Though 77 percent of veterans say they’re prepared for this major lifestyle change, it can still pose a number of challenges for those who are about to embark on this journey. From wooing job recruiters to determining a future career path, transitioning out of the military can be an extremely daunting task.
Only with the right know-how will you be able to eliminate much of the stress from this process and navigate the switch to civilian life more easily. Read on to explore a few of the biggest do’s and don’ts you should follow to make your military-to-civilian transition proceed as smoothly as possible:
DO connect with transition resources.
It’s mandatory for all personnel to attend transition classes before they leave the military. As such, you should begin the separation process by signing up for the resource known as the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). Every branch of the military has its own version, but each covers the fundamentals you’ll need to facilitate a successful transition to civilian life.
You should connect with TAP at least 90 days before your planned separation date. These transition assistance courses will teach you everything you need to know about obtaining medical and life insurance, accessing your VA benefits, relocating your family, and more. This results-driven program also focuses heavily on your individual career goals, helping you connect to the career opportunities and training you’ll need to achieve them.
DON’T try to wow potential employers with military jargon.
When preparing your resume, you need to include all of your previous experience, military roles, and certifications. However, most military language is difficult for civilians to understand. Acronyms you know by heart are often unknown outside the military, and few job recruiters are able to differentiate between Admirals, Corporals, and other military leadership roles. Instead of focusing on the title, you should compare a military rank or other role to a similar civilian job.
For example, if you spent most of your time in the service overseeing ammunition inventory, considering calling yourself an “Inventory Control Supervisor.” This will give you a better opportunity to explain what you did in this role and how this experience will help you in your civilian position.
You may also need to learn the jargon related to the industry you’d like to join. To this end, you can review advertisements for jobs in your desired field or reach out to a mentor who can help you learn key industry-related vocabulary.
DO credential your training.
Obtaining a civilian job may seem difficult if you don’t possess the certifications employers are seeking, but you can actually credential much of your experience from the military. There are some military certifications—usually related to technology-focused jobs—that directly translate to a civilian certification. If you already have credentials to verify your skills, you should include them in your resume when applying for civilian jobs.
However, you may need to credential your training and experience on your own. Each military branch features a program that can help you verify the skills you gained during your time in the service. These resources can also help you determine if you need any additional training to meet the requirements for civilian credentials.
DON’T shy away from networking.
Networking is a crucial part of the job search for anyone, whether you’re just embarking on your career or you’re transitioning out of the military. Chances are, you built a number of relationships during your service, and it’s important that you put them to good use. Start networking by connecting with other veterans like yourself and see if they can assist in your job search. Then branch out to others: friends, acquaintances, and associates. Each contact you have provides another opportunity for you to find not only job leads, but also additional connections and, potentially, career advice.
DON’T put off your transition.
Separating from the military may seem difficult, but you should tackle the challenges head-on instead of putting them off. Begin the transition process more than a year before you plan to leave the military. This will give you ample time to consider what path you would like to take with your civilian career. Take time to consider all your options, whether you want to continue working for the government or you’d like to become your own boss. If you wait too long to begin your transition, you run the risk of separating from military life with no plan and no direction.
DO assume control of your future.
In the military, your career path is clearly laid out before you, and advancement happens on a step-by-step basis. When you separate from military life, however, you’ll find that career development isn’t quite as straightforward. You’ll need to take control of your future by doing all you can to enhance your professional skills. This might include taking certification courses or pursuing a degree at a local community college or university. The harder you work to expand your skillsets, the more quickly and easily you will be able to develop your civilian career.