5 Veteran Job Search & Military Transition Tips

Jonathan Stroud
Aug 23, 2017 · 5 min read

Job search tips for veterans and transitioning military members!

Credit: Operation Connect

Going from military to civilian life can be a shell-shock experience if not navigated correctly.

After honorably serving four years in the Marine Corps (2007–2011), I became actively involved with veteran outreach while attaining my Journalism degree from San Diego State University.

Since graduation I have continued to volunteer my time to help veterans. I volunteer with organizations dedicated to supporting military members after their service, such as the veteran transition workshop Operation Connect.

It is important when leaving the military to know what your next step is going to be. It does not matter which branch of service you served in, these tips for job search and transitioning out of the military are applicable to you.

Please share these tips with a veteran or active duty member, you never know who you could help.

TIP #5 — Have a plan

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In the military it is taught very early on to have a detailed plan no matter what you’re doing. I will be the first to admit (in the Marines), at times during my enlistment I thought to myself all of the rules and protocols I was having to learn were a little bit too much. Although, the truth is the United States military is a dominant world power because of all the rules and regulations. The beautiful thing about the military is you know exactly when your job (contract) is finished. A military member who spend 20+ years does not escape eventually having to re-adapt and transition to a civilian lifestyle and job.

By taking the time to sit down and determine a plan, you are investing in a strategy for your own success. It doesn’t matter if you decide to use the GI Bill for school, or jump straight into the workforce, by picking your path ahead of time you won’t lose out on new opportunities. Be smart and 3 to 6 months before your end of service sit down and map out your post-military life.

TIP #4 — Network, Network, Network

Credit: newventurist.com

Veteran’s love helping each other and according to the Census Bureau there are 21.8 million veterans in the United States. You won’t find every military veteran bending over backwards to help you, but the majority of veterans I have reached out to are more than willing to give a few minutes of their time. Individuals who have served in the military are still under 20% of the 319.2 million Americans, according to the Census Bureau, which means being a veteran is still an exclusive club. People who have things in common typically get along easier, find a veteran who has transitioned today and reach out to them for advice.

Don’t be afraid to use the Internet to find professionals in a specific industry. Social media can be an impactful and powerful tool if used correctly. Instead of scrolling mindlessly through your Timelines, be proactive in researching industry thought leaders and others you can reach out to for advice.

Veterans get LinkedIN Premium free for a year and give you monthly “INMail credits.” These free LinkedIn email credits are a great way to reach out and connect with professionals.

If you networking worries you, as it did me at first, this “Dummies Guide to Networking” book might help you. The book teaches you effective ways to engage in the meaningful networking conversations, both for introverts and extroverts.

Tip#3 Find transition workshops

Credit: https://sdbusinesschamber.com/

Nowadays there are hundreds of organizations, both for profit and nonprofit, dedicated to helping veterans find jobs. Finding a transition workshop can give you the tools to successfully and seamlessly transition from military life.

If you are located near San Diego Country I highly recommend the Operation Connect workshop given by the North San Diego Business Chamber. The one-day workshop is free and the Chamber gives veterans a six-month membership and mentor to help with their journey. I support and volunteer with this workshop because of the value it continues to bring me and other veterans each month.

Programs such as Operation Connect can be a vital ingredient to landing the job you want after the military. BE CAREFUL, there are plenty of FREE programs offered around the United States, unless you have thoroughly done your research, I would steer away from programs asking you to pay for the information.

Tip#2 — Stay positive

Credit: pexels.com

This may seem a cliché and completely irrelevant, but a good attitude can go a long way. Don’t get discouraged when you don’t hear back from that job application you submitted or when someone declines your invitation for a networking coffee. Consistency is key, keep reaching out to people and keep a positive and optimistic outlook. Make sure to stay mindful of your thoughts when reacting to a rejection email or editing another draft of your resume. Stay positive, motivated and you can achieve anything!

Tip#1 — Treat the transition as your job

Credit: pexels.com

When you’re preparing to leave the military, you are still in the routine of going to work everyday. Don’t change the habit of being proactive and treat each day as if finding work is your full-time job. Imagine that salty First Sergeant standing over your shoulder as you research the benefits of using the GI Bill and weigh them against jumping straight into the workforce. Don’t get lazy, stay hungry and you will have a successful transition.

Share your best job search tips with me on social media! Tweet me, DM me on IG and Connect with me on LinkedIn!

“Communication — the human connection — is the key to personal and career success.” — Paul J. Meyer

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Jonathan Stroud

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Content creator, love to write, passionate about space.

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