Post-Military Applications
Military experience is a valuable thing, both to the individual serving and the country being served. The dedication that individuals give to their service cannot be measured. Time spent in this committed endeavor will surely bring to the individual a work ethic that is respected and desired by everyone. Eventually, however, the time of commitment ends and the individual is left facing a transition into the everyday, civilian world. With this comes the requirement of finding a new career.
This adjustment may seem challenging, but there are many things that someone with military experience can do. The obvious evolution may be into public safety, private security, retail loss prevention, or even federal law enforcement. These would all be viable and likely options. There are others however that may be less obvious, yet equally reasonable. A variety of industries desire people with experience that is, uniquely, gained from military service. It is not reasonable for many, who are technically only a high school graduate, to find work in positions otherwise reserved for seasoned workforce veterans. Here is where the experience gained as an electrician, plumber, mechanic, nurse, technician, or even engineer can further set a veteran apart.
Some industries specifically seek out those who have served for the knowledge and experience they bring. It doesn’t hurt that many bring established security clearance with them as well. These opportunities may be found in the Defense industry, Aerospace industry, and in a variety of government positions.
The greatest challenge may be not in the qualification, but in the presentation. A skill that is required by any job seeker is how to present themselves to a potential employer. This is most commonly done in the form of a resume. A resume captures the best snapshot of the applicant, and details their accomplishments in a way that entices the hiring manager to strongly consider them. If done properly, it will engage any reader and excite them about meeting this individual in person. There are countless online resources to teach someone the best ways to craft a resume. Most will likely serve the purpose, but no strategy is more valuable than an honest yet enlightening representation of the high caliber of the applicant and what they can do for the company. Structured properly and representing all that a true military professional offers, there is likely no realistic job that a veteran is not capable of acquiring.
After constructing a winning resume, you still need to know where to present it. There is a trick in finding the right opportunities. Employment websites are everywhere, but not all are created equally. Spending some time familiarizing yourself with the capabilities and breadth of employment site offerings will allow you to know where to focus your efforts and increase your chances of finding legitimate and promising options.
Do not limit yourself to these job boards alone. Seek out employers that interest you. Find industries that appreciate your kind of experience. Most importantly, talk to people. Networking will always be the best way to find the right job. Through networking, you are being presented information or opportunities by people that know you already, and know what you are capable of doing. They will deliver that belief to the decision maker or at the very least, point you in the right direction past the obstacles that others will have to face. This could be the key to finding that career that will keep you excited and make you happy for many more years.
To discover other popular job applications read here:
Help for Transitioning Veterans
How to Use Your Military Service Experience on Your Resume