1

Plan ahead and network

2

Understand the full value of the benefits of a military career, and plan realistically for your budget on the civilian side. Estimate how much you'll make and try living for a few months on only that, putting anything else in savings. You'll get a sense of what quality of life you'll be able to afford, and at worst you'll have a war chest built up for your transition. The health insurance alone can make a huge difference in how much money you have to live on, so don't forget to take that out of your "allowance" if you try this.

3

It is stressful.

4

Have realistic expectations concerning pay and benefits. The job search process could take a while. Find productive activities to spend free time. Focus on the good in your life and avoid dwelling on the negative. Be grateful for those who provide you and your family support during the transition. Consider working part time jobs and use temp-to-hire agencies. Look for opportunities to volunteer. Pursue short-term certificates that would make you a stronger candidate for your desired career field. Accept assistance from others! There are many organizations and agencies that are poised to provide transition services.

5

Talk to those you know, who left the 1-2 years prior to your separation. The labor market is ever changing and using information, processes, or methodology that proved effective just a few years ago, may no longer work.

I was using a resume format that had previously worked well. But with the advent of the ATS I'm sure that most (if not all) of my submitted resumes never went past a computer-based screening, and no actual individual ever even seen those resumes.

Once I found out how the application process had changed, began tailoring my resume with that information, things started turning around.

6

Look for civilian certifications and affiliations that you might need after transition and pursue while still in the military. (ASQ, PMI, etc.)

7

Have an idea of what you want to do after you get out of the military. Attend the Transition programs early. Get those websites that help you identify what career areas you may succeed in.

8

Networking is the most valuable skill for the transition, yet is not emphasized during the transition.

9

1. The military spends years telling us how valuable our "leadership" is. When we try to sell that to an employer, they don't want leadership, they want profit and time sold. If you want to be hired as a leader based on your military experience, make sure you have a star or more on your shoulder. 2. If you are applying to a defense contractor position that is full as ex-military, don't bother "civilianizing" the terms on your resume, It just annoys me when I have to try to translate it back into military-speak so I can figure out what you really did.

10

Network, ask questions, and research private sector industries. This will determine possible locations for you if you're willing to move. Don't assume you only want to move into gov't work.

11

Don't jump right away at the first job offer's that come along. Esp. for retiree's who may not really need a job right away, take the time to decompress and relax a bit. Figure out where you want to live. Then really think about what you may wish to do in retirement. It may also be best to wait till your VA benefits are finalized, as they may change your plans, mine certainly did.

12

Start networking and entertaining options early

13

Your transition into the civilian workforce will take a lot more time than you probably think it will take. Start preparing YEARS in advance and then be patient and proactive about applying for jobs. Do NOT count on having job security or on having a institution (like your Service or career field manager) that will look out for your professional growth. Though you may have decades of military experience, within 2 - 3 years (when your military contacts become dated), expect to be back in the job search mode.

14

Losing your career doesn't remove your acquired knowledge, skills, abilities or education. Learn as much as possible, as quickly as possible and strengthen connections with "civilians" in all career fields. Take time out to attend whatever preparation courses are offered, such as the optional courses following the 5-day TAP program (Higher Education, Entrepreneurship, and Career Technical Training Track). The military will still be functioning after you leave. Take your knowledge, skills, etc. with you to enhance the "mission" outside the military to make the world a better place for all of us.

15

Do not expect a position to simply open up based on the fact that you are a veteran. Craft a resume unique to each position you are applying for and use the resume to illustrate how your skills were developed and used during your service. The resume should illustrate how these same skills and experience will provide value to the organization in this new role.

16

Be sure you're mentally ready to transition, and you've done the TAP programs. Have enough money to hold you for at least a year.

17

1) Start networking as soon as you've made the decision to transition, if not before. It's not what you know, it's who you know. 2) Reduce as much debt as possible before you retire - it can take several months to even receive your final paycheck. I retired over 4 months ago and still have not been paid my final travel vouchers and just received my final paycheck a few weeks ago. 3) Get on LinkedIn ASAP! They offer free Premium subscription for 1 year for retiring/transitioning veterans. Develop your profile to the maximum extent possible - recruiters look at this! 4) Start early on your resume and get feedback from peers, recruiters and hiring managers. LOTS of conflicting information out there! Some want a 2-pager, some want a master resume. 5) Understand you will in a sense be starting over. Do not expect you will make nearly the same money or have a similar level of responsibility.

18

Start planning early, especially financially. Try to pay off all of your big bills, like car payments, student loans, credit cards. Save enough money to survive up to six months without a paycheck. Many jobs require prior training or licensing prior to work, as in wanting to be a real estate agent. Get all of the prerequisites done early. Listen to all of the pre-separation or pre-retirement briefings!

19

Start your transition as soon as possible. Reach out to civilians in the workforce that you are looking to enter prior to leaving. The best transitions also have the best networks.

20

Complete your VA disability paperwork EARLY!! This is particularly important as most vets also are moving following their separation. Many vets qualify for some level of disability, and even a rating of 10% will waive the financing fee for a VA home loan, saving thousands of dollars.

21

Get any and all certifications that will benefit your post military career. Request a copy of all medical records. Complete any educational degrees started.

22

Civilians do not have the same sense of purpose and commitment to your team that we have in the military. That is the hardest part to get used to . Giving 100% for your company or your coworkers is not always or often recognized or appreciated and you have to not be disappointed when your team does not live up to your expectations.

23

Don't think SO much about how to profit FROM your military experience...THINK about WHAT you want to do and do it! The Post-9-11 GI Bill should be better emphasized as an enabler to get where you are going and less emphasized about transferring to your kids...I'm going to law school using my GI Bill...I was a VERY successful loggie, but the GI Bill is fueling that career change...IT'S A HUGELY undersold program.

24

Have a goal specific to what you want to return to by looking at your past, what you enjoy, and what is needed for your family/self to live.

25

Line up a real job 1 year before retiring

26

Ask all kinds of questions,do your own research,& talk with others retirees.

27

Understand the realities of what the civilian work force is about; that business is in business to make money. You have skills from your military experience but you must be able to verbalized how they will work or benefit a civilian business. Plan many months to get the job you want. Save money prior to separation to last one year. Don't take the first offer. Learn how to interview. Know what you want.

28

You must be able to articulate your military skills in terms that a detached, unexposed, poorly educated recruiter or personnel specialist can understand. They are not aware of the military, they mostly don't care about the military, and they certainly would rather not have anything to do with you.

29

Terminology is different. Don't guess at how the experience you have is applicable to industry. Sit down with someone who is in industry today and ask them how veterans are used in their own business experience and customer context.

30

Be ready for a different culture outside the fence.

31

Be sure you have a hobby and /or a transition job after retirement or separation. Learn to speak "civilian".

32

Don't let them know you are prior military. Don't be so confident during a job interview.

33

Taking your military knowledge and experience and being able to translate them into a business lexicon

34

Most of what they teach in TAP classes is worthless. Government jobs are few and far between so go after private sector work and be willing to move to the locations with those jobs (bigger cities). Head hunters will have much better information than those teaching TAP.

35

START EARLY!

36

Utilize resources available to evaluate career goals and interest. Network, network, network!

37

networking and patience

38

You bring more to the table with your military skills than you probably realize, and definitely more than the vast majority of employers who are not veterans themselves realize.

39

Do not expect the same level of integrity you saw in the military. The civilian world is dog eat dog. The parties aren't as good either.

40

Learn the language. Go over your military career and the training you received, the skills you gained and translate them into words civilians will understand.

41

Civilian life is a different world from your military experience. Many will not be as organized or dedicated to mission - but those that are will be rising to the top ahead of the rest. Look for them, and partner with them.

42

Start at least 2 years out: understand the process of getting out; identify what you want to do when you get out; start building your professional network.

43

Take thekey words from the position description (found in the ad) for the job you want, and repeat them in your resume and LinkedIn profile. Key word matches are vital to getting interviews.

44

If you are retiring you will receive no or little unemployment benefits. File for unemployment anyway. I was told during TAP, "each state is different" and to "contact my state". This is not good enough. I obtained eligibility, but my retirement pay falls into the three year window in the state run program, so reduces my benefit to $0. Once three years from filing has passed, retirement pay no longer counts against you. The state must approve your federal unemployment benefits, so make sure you file to start your clock in case you should become unemployed later.

45

Many people think the jobs will just hop into their laps while transitioning. Finding a job requires a lot of preparation, planning, and perseverance that transitioning military displayed while serving. Continue to work hard and don't expect a job to magically appear.

46

Don't get discouraged, and don't expect it to be the same as the military. Many of your peers are in the work place to "get the most they can for the least they can do". It's not fun, but it's also something you can overcome with the right attitude.

47

Have a plan or intention for what you'll do when you leave. Don't be aimless.

48

Lingo - not all outside the military know the lingo - learn to speak English in the civilian world. Yet each industry has its own nomenclature -learn that lingo if you want to succeed. BIT keep connections to the military as you may need to translate someday.

49

It is extremely important to receive a complete and thorough physical. Ensure that all medical issues are documented. Engage with the VA immediately if a departure if not prior to the actual day. Investigate how your specialty will transfer to the private sector. Even do a few interviews and have an idea of what you want to do versus what you are qualified for.

50

Realize that civilian leaders are concerned that you will lead in the stereotypical military way, e.g. like Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men. You will need to work hard to show them that you can lead through influence, not power; that your experience has taught you that style and you regularly succeed by influencing your teams.

51

Be aware and prepared for the mental, physical, emotional and practical adjustment that are major factors in transitioning. Talk with others who have transitioned. Start seeking out resources outside of DoD. What does the VA offer? Really what is out here for me in the civilian community? Ask these questions prior to separating from active. Their is a grieving process many of us go through. I did and i hear it from my clients.

52

Start planning early. VA claim, network building, career decisions, and job search all demand more time than you think.

53

Persistence -- Don't give up just because you are not hired right away. Rejection is hard to take, especially by those who are were top performers in the military. Just understand that every job interview is an opportunity to excel and prepare for each one with a positive attitude. I know too many veterans who let rejection get the best of them and quit their job search before finding the right match. If you accept a job that you really didn't want, don't stop your job search efforts. Give your employer an honest day's work, but no job is permanent. Keep your options open for the job you really want.

54

Upon transition you lose your support network--the folks who understand what you did. Its never the same again.

55

Ensure you have a solid connection with all the people in your network. Review and ensure all your medical records are in order. Attend the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) five years before you decide to retire/separate from the military to posture you to be prepared. Then attend TAP before you leave.

56

Be sure to begin your online presence (LinkedIn) early. Fully populate your profile and definitely add a professional looking photo. It helps you revive and build relationships, which are critical to finding employment. Figure out what, if any certifications you may need and get started and certified before you transition.

57

How to go about the job search and interviewing skills. These aren't learned during military service.

58

1 Start early; 2 Take TAP twice if at all possible; 3 Get your health records in order and document EVERYTHING NOW; 4 Get your finances in order (start that early too, early as in right now!); 5 Ask for help early; 6 Ask your civilian friends to review your resume; best if they are in the same field you want to join; 7 Join some online communities focused on transitioning Vets

59

Start networking for your new job early.

60

The military doesn't speak the same language as civilians. You need to translate normal military terms, commander is vice-president or director. The civilians don't see the difference between serving the 10th Mountain Division in New York and the 2th ACR Germany. It's all the same to them so don't waste time trying to explain it on your resume.

61

Get certs or degrees in the job areas you are targeting completed prior to transitioning. Don't waste time on social media, esp LinkedIn. Word of mouth and the traditional career sites are what recruiters are using. Don't waste time applying to company websites, the ATS will kick back the application everytime.

62

Job availability. Companies advertise for firm, immediate vacancies, or contingent vacancies. They do not project long-term, firm vacancies because they do not routinely move everyone around like the military does. If they have a firm vacancy (i.e., a real job with salary and benefits), it is because they just lost an employee and are losing the opportunity to make money until it is filled. Contingent vacancies are just a means to bid your resume on potential future work, which they may, or may not, win. And, of course, a contingent offer is not a job and does not come with any salary and benefits.

63

You are entirely in charge of your own destiny. The military is far more likely to "hold your hand" through an issue. Issues I found myself lacking in knowledge: 1) Healthcare / Dental / Vision insurance; 2) Retirement planning 3) 401K's

64

My case may be atypical, but I initially 'retired into my current job', that is, I took a DoD civilian position in the organization in which I was serving. In retrospect, the best advice I could give to a prospective retiree is 'use your next job to build lifetime financial stability' (take full advantage of your next job's 401(k), etc.

65

Get your military records evaluated for civilian workforce equivalency. Most military members don't realize how well their military experience and skills translate. Without an evaluation, the member is handicapping themselves. There should be transition assistance programs (TAP) available to retiring/separating members.

66

Figure out what you want and don't want to do

67

Having a personal network and knowing how to engage it

68

Transition is a full time job requiring intentional focus, a strong network of supporters and advisors, and it will have challenges.

69

Be patient and find productive ways to spend your days. It may take a year or longer to land a good job. Avoid unrealistic job or salary expectations. You may need to accept a lower paying job and use your work ethic, skills and abilities to earn a greater salary and move yourself to the position you desire. Be prepared to pay more for health care. Purchase a home that you can afford and still have money left over to enjoy life. Make sure your resume makes sense to a civilian. Remove military jargon and information that is not relevant to the job you are seeking. Allow others to help you - don't go it alone!

70

1 Understand your specific skill sets; 2 Have a transition plan and work through it; 3 Network wherever you are but don't be pushy; 4 Keep an open mind; 5 Do something you enjoy or have a passion for; 6 Although money is important ... It's not all about the money

71

When retiring from the military, be prepared to have the Service, your work mates, and your specialty function turn their back on you after you declare your retirement. You are no longer provide a benefit to any of them for their career aspirations. This was quite a shock after hearing that you are always part of the service you served for so many years.

72

Be prepared for little to no feedback from positions you applied to.

73

People don't understand what you do in the military. Military people develop broad skill sets, while civilians' careers tend to be narrow and deep.

74

Start early!!!!

75

Take the time to work on a transition plan while still on active duty. The transition will be no better than the plan put in place. Check all of the boxes when you start your retirement or discharge process. Get copies of all your records especially your medical and dental records. Ensure any health issues are well documented as this is not always the case. Remember, the transition is not as easy as one would think. Understand the complete details of nay position you might be offered to entice you to depart the military!! Plan-Plan-Plan

76

ask for help, don't rely on TAP and your own abilities.

77

Preparing for interviews by translating military service to equivalent civilian focus. In my hiring this continues to be a challenge for military veterans seeking roles in the civilian job market.

78

Start early and gather information from various assignments, duties, responsibilities, accomplishments, etc. They get fuzzy quickly, but, while often taken for granted, are easily captured at the time.

79

Attend a good TAPs program.

80

1) Start earlier than preparing for a PCS...like 18-24 in advance. 2) Have a plan: daily schedule, weekly schedule and monthly schedule. 3) Have a plan A and plan B...what happens when you don't land a job within 2 weeks, a month, 4 months? What resources, especially finances, can be expended and for how long? 4) The military does a great job "training" you for work; they do a horrible job of "certifying" you for the same thing; consider early on to get certified in your specialty/specialties.

81

Find a job career that you both like and are good at. Don't settle for the first offer or job that you get. If you do, it won't last and you won't be happy.

82

1) If you're transitioning to a different field, know how to articulate the skills the military gave you to succeed in the job vs. the experience. 2) Be realistic about the salary you'll make.

83

Leadership experience is a universal strength

84

Network before you separate if at all possible.

85

Other than anecdotal stories, most employers do not care about your military experience, unless it applies directly to the job at hand.

86

Be humble. What you accomplished in the military is most likely of greater impact and a larger job than any that your prospective employer (hiring authority) has ever done. While you want to tell him/her about your accomplishments and how many people you led, they will often hear it as only bragging.

87

Learn a civilian skill before you depart or plan to spend your first year acquiring a credential that translates to civilian employment.

88

Start your job search as early as possible. The civilian workforce does not necessarily equate military experience to the civil sector. Most places are looking for experience in a particular field in the civil sector before hiring.

89

Network, connect with others, meet everyone possible....ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS be favorable.

90

Build and exercise your professional network early - well before you intend to separate.

91

Learn to translate your military experience into marketable civilian skills.

92

Unless you are blind sided by transitioning (due to force shaping) plan at least 2 yrs out. less than 7 months is not enough time especially if you are deployed when told or at a remote CONUS base with no support.

93

Get help writing your resume so your military experience translates to civilian.

94

Take advantage of transition programs offered by your service or volunteer organizations. Learn how to define your military experience in terms of transferable skills relevant to the civilian economy.

95

talk to as many people as possible before you decide and after you decide to get out -- learn and apply from others

96

If you are retiring from the service your pension gives you the ability to really find and enjoy your dream second career. For most retirees you are over the age of 40 ... some of us were in our 50s when we took off the uniform. If being a GS civilian or defense contractor is what you love to do ... go for it. But if you are doing it for the $$ don't. Your 2nd career should be something that makes you love what you do. Raising money for a non-profit, being a STEM career coach at a University, working in an Engineering and Computing college, becoming a professional Boy Scout or Girl Scout leader, running your own ice cream stand ... they are all careers and if they put a smile on your face every day ... your pension pays the bills.

97

If you plan to change industry or leverage skills not abuntantly prevalent in your current military career, spend a lot of time doing informational interviews. I'm a weather guy by industry, and did not want to do this any longer. I wanted a leadership position either in business development or program delivery, didn't care what industry. This made it extremely difficult and I did not spend as much time as I should have investigating the challenges I'd encounter. It has worked out, but took some challenging jobs before getting there.

98

Take time to sort yourself out. There is a strong pull to action. Get moving towards an objective. Too often, for too many that near term objective is a detour and a deterrent. Breath.

99

Learn how to speak "civilian." Be able to express what you have done and what you have to offer in the kinds of words a hiring manager can understand. Also, be realistic. You wouldn't hire a Senior Regional Manager for a major retail organization to lead a combat brigade. Vice versa, don't expect that leading a combat brigade makes you a great fit for a Senior Regional Manager at a major retail organization.

100

Having a plan and building a strong professional network before venturing out into the civilian world, also learning beyond what they taught you in the transition class, which was little or no help at all.

101

They won't always appreciate your 'can do' or 'make it happen' attitude.

102

Networking

103

Civilian work force is difficult to get into. Pay is lower. Getting a job takes a lot longer than you think it will. Don't get out until you have a position lined up.

104

Get your education/Training converted or evaluated for credit at a civilian university and included on your resume. Get a recognizable and useful current degree.

105

While everyone (including the TAP) folks say to start looking for a 2nd post - military career (which almost all will choose to do), early on beginning at least 12+ months prior to retirement, I would disagree with that. My recent post-military job hunt experience was that potential recruiter's/employers, and even governmental agencies didn't even want to know my name, if they could not immediately get me, and they were only interested in candidates who were able to take jobs in the here and now. No one who was speaking to me wanted to wait even a short 3 - 4 short months till I could come on-board. I would strongly say, if you have the financial resources to do it, first get fully done with active duty-since as that is still your #1 commitment that you are being paid for. Then next, get your VA paperwork and any disability applications done with. And then take some time off for yourself to unwind, relax, get to know your family again. The job's will always be there (at least in most areas of the country).

106

It is important to begin planning at least 6 months out if you are able. Resume writing and making many contacts are key to landing that first position after the military.

107

Despite your level of preparation, the bottom line is that your qualifications, experience and current status, fit the needs of the prospective employer. The most qualified candidate does not always get the job, but the "best fit" does.

108

Be proactive and start things early. I was told in February that I was passed over for promotion and will retire by EOM Jul. I immediately signed up for the first TAPS class available, during that time I worked with a Dept of Labor rep who worked on my resume for me. Once he finished it up I already had accounts created in numerous job sites (Monster, Ladders, Clearance Jobs) and uploaded it. By Jun I had a company aggressively seeking me to join their team. EOM of Jun I was employed and they gave me the time to out-process and retire without any questions. Smooth transition from the uniform to the suit with no break in income or the stress of trying to find employment.

109

Have a job lined up before you get out. Have at least 6 months of your monthly expenditures saved up.

110

Start networking early and engage continuously...at least 4-5 years out. Join goal relevant professional associations and pursue related certifications.

111

Start preparing for your exit a year in advance. TAP teaches good concepts but much of the time it's "too little too late". Civilian job hunting requires a different mindset and you may need help translating your military experience into corporate lingo. Start building your linkedin network immediately, then figure out what you would like to do (take personality tests, check out careers on http://www.bls.gov/ooh/). Once you know your field of interest, start looking at [literally] hundreds of indeed.com job listings. This will do two things: help you understand the new language of your desired field, and identify gaps in your skills. This is why you need to start this process so early. If you have a couple of skill gaps, you can hopefully fill them before you get out of the military. Once you're ready to get out then you'll start leveraging your network you've built up since the beginning. That high school friend you forgot about? He's now your best friend because he works at a company you want to work. Call/Email him and explain your situation, ask how he likes working for company X and ask if he'll connect you with other's within the company. If this doesn't work, use your network and find recruiters. Connect with them and find the jobs you want. Blindly applying to position after position will not get your resume filtered to the top. Creating relationships will.

112

The civilian work force is generally not the "team" you are leaving. There is not the same sense of purpose, mission and camaraderie. This is probably the hardest thing to get past, in my opinion.

113

Know how your skills translate to the civilian world and know how to define them for the non-military interview.

114

Be in the right mental state of mind for transition. Never look back and second guess your decision to retire or separate.

115

Know about the VA and ensure you have a full physical and best knowledge foundation possible about what retirement from the military really entails.

116

Civilian reality is MUCH different then our careers/profession in the military

117

Start networking and keeping track of potential hiring managers 1-2 years before leaving the military. Need to know someone in a company to get a job.

118

I spent far too little time preparing, especially with respect to what I wanted to do when I retired. I took a high-paying, high-pressure job in a location I hated -- and quickly burned out. Found balance on the second try, but still adjusting to the transition. It's going to take awhile.

119

Prepare early. Plan your future and be flexible.

120

When writing your resume, do not use military jargon and never use acronyms. Never assume the reader understands which skills you may transition from your military experience - spell them out.

121

Translation of my military experience into civilian terminologies.

122

First, be patient. Second, seek help. As a retiring senior officer who desires to continue in executive management and leadership positions, I should have hired an executive recruiter. There's too much to do and I had too little knowledge to do it all myself. And, many C level jobs are not posted on typical careers websites, etc.

123

Find all the people you know and tell them you are leaving and need a job.

124

Regardless of your experience and level of responsibility you had when you left the military, you will still need to prove your worth to any organization you are hired into, and typically before you are provided an opportunity to garner a level of responsibility equal to that you had while in the military.

125

Get all your schooling done and records up to date.

126

Be prepared for 'civilian' uncertainty.

127

Even if you do the transition assistance program, seek out your state labor agency and see if they have Veteran Councilors. I found a councilor just recently and she has been teaching me things never brought up in TAP. I've struggled for almost 7 years in the civilian hiring process, but am not getting traction. It's never too late, just wish the TAP program was more up to date on it's information.

128

Build your network early

129

Look at it as an opportunity -- to have more time with your family, to pursue your education, or to get your dream job.

130

I think ill' say just keep your head up you are loved.

131

Build your network.

132

Attend TAP well in advance to planned retirement. Make sure your Medical records are current and available, get them transferred to a CD as soon as practical. Build a resume that translates your military service to the civilian world. Start developing a network for future employment opportunities.

133

Take advantage of all the training available to you while on AD, and fully participate in all transition-related briefings. Also, take advantage of the medical appointments for any disabilty conditions you may have due to your service.

134

Think positive; learn and be prepared to share your skills; and seek advice

135

In my experience most employers are looking to replace the person just gave two weeks notice, most are not looking several months out to hire and less there's some big expansion plan underway. And less you just want to get your resume into a pool and maybe get some initial feedback most employers want someone who is available now, not several months in the future

136

Do your homework ahead of time. Have a plan for what you want to do and do the research on companies and growth areas. Write your resume actively and in English (not MilSpeak)

137

When interviewing, be confident in your abilities. Remember however, that the skills you developed while in the military may have been referred to in different terms than those used in the civil world. Knowing the difference and knowing how to describe your skills in civil terms is key to your being able to convince the interviewer that you are what they need in an employee.

138

Make sure EVERYTHING that's wrong with you is in your medical records!!!

139

Start preparing for separation early. Know that there will be serious adjustments to fit into the "new" civilian environment. In todays world, very few civilians really understand or have any knowledge of what the military is really all about. You have to adjust; they don't.

140

Do some research into identifying the type of civilian employment that best fits your military experience. Get someone who is employed in civilian industry to help you turn your military resume into a civilian resume. Emphasize your management skills - very few civilians see any benefit is hiring ex-military for their job knowledge, unless you are seeking employment with a defense contractor. If a security clearance is needed in the job you are seeking, be sure to emphasize that you have one. Well before you separate from service start developing contacts within the industries that you want to work in (you have to do more than just send out resumes). Seek out friends who have left the service before you and ask their advise.

141

Spend some down time listing what is important to you in a second career and what you enjoy doing. Then look for someone to pay you to do what you enjoy. Try to avoid what is convenient or easy by simply repeating or continuing your military career if that is not what excites you about a second career. The most important skill set we learn and live in the military is our core values, teamwork and determination to succeed at the mission. That applies to all workplaces and careers. These are the skills industry wants most. So take your time and research your next chapter.

142

Networking with everyone you know

143

NETWORK! Network with people you know who have gone ahead of you. Get their help with your resume and their help/advice to get in the door where you want to be interviewed. The civilian workplace is all about networking. "Going in cold" is a low probability approach. When seeking an interview, especially if they don't know you, frame it as informational research -- this can enable a more relaxed atmosphere yet at the same time put your talents in front of them. Finally, remember you are never "off stage" in the company of a prospective employer or someone you seek a recommendation from. This is especially important at the bar.

144

Learn about the VA.

145

Start planning early, typically 18+ months or more; be realistic about your needs & desires in terms of work and compensation; document everything and relax, trsntions are very stressful alone, not to mention, moving, starting a new job or any other added life stressor (like selling/buying a home, etc...)

146

Figure out where you want live and target employers in that area. Unless you don't really care where you live.

147

Mindset..."You were once a civilian, you are going back to being what you once were before the service. You need to reorient yourself to civilian life prior to transitioning, e.g. think and act like a civilian.

148

Get all the certifications BEFORE you retire. PMP, Agile, SCRUM, Six Sigma, etc...

149

Use your network of contacts to hear about and seek out positions.

150

Start preparations for separation/retirement one year prior. Although civilians appreciate your service, it doesn't gain you much in civilian or corporate world. You will be the "new guy" in any job, at any level you get. Years of accomplishments and high level performance will not jump you to the head of the line. Be prepared to start at a responsibility level below your highest level in the military. Also, don't expect to get the same level of personal fulfillment from corporate world. It really is about the money.

151

Network ahead of time, it's the best way to get a job (as opposed to actually applying for jobs)

152

Realize that civilians/business talk about supporting Veterans, but they're not ready to hire you. You go to the end of the line and work your way up, again. Make sure you have a financial nest egg for 6-12 months after you leave so you can pay your bills and look for a job, if you don't have one lined up. Expect to move on after 3-4 years of being there, either by your own choosing or because the employer makes you leave. Military drama is not the same as civilian drama; there's no personnel handbook that acts like UCMJ, LOR's or First Sgts. It's a dog eat dog world and you're wearing a fresh pair of Milk-Bone grunts. Job fairs are a waste of time - it's ghosting; they'll take your resume and never call you back. Employ your tenacity and resiliency; use your organization skills to create a follow-up tasker and make employers respond to you, even if it's in the negative. No reply is not a negative reply.

153

Transition planning and preparation are critical. During the last year on active duty, these need to take precedence over any other activities.

154

Start planning 2-4 years ahead of time.

155

Networking with other professionals in the profession you want to join after leaving the service.

156

I left the military at the end of my commitment for a job at a medical school and was unpleasantly surprised by how "hands off" my orientation to the school was compared to typical "in processing" that is provided to the military when coming to a new base. That was my first indication of how different life out of the military was going to be, but there were many other changes and differences that surprised me. I also found it interesting how much I missed many aspects of my military life and experience in those initial years.

157

Start early. Apply for jobs, build your resume, and interview if possible years before you separate. I almost separated 5 years before I retired and that prep was invaluable in my eventual transition.

158

Be open to different options--not just the mirror image match to your military career field / training / experience. The transition opens new possibilities and "change theory" suggests that when changing one thing, it is easier to change several at once rather than individually over time. If you are going back to school, do NOT limit yourself only to schools who are lauded as being good for Vets based on their participation in the VA programs / GI Bill programs. Some schools are very pro-military and offer accepted Vets full academic scholarships (like Hillsdale College) but won't be listed on "Best Schools" lists because they do not participate in VA programs. I received a fully-funded MA (my second) without using any VA benefits. Also, consider taking a short "sabbatical" break if you can budget for it...especially if you had a long career or lots of deployments/family separations. Don't work. Do something that is good for your soul or your psyche. Read. Travel. Write. Sleep In. Live on the beach. Spend time with family. Get reacquainted with your spouse or children. Binge watch some shows you missed. Work through some Great Courses at your leisure. Get fit. Learn a language. Explore your faith. etc. The opportunity to do that will not come easily or soon once you start back to work after leaving active duty.

159

Learning how to translate military skills and knowledge to civilian terminology. Completely demilitarize your resume! I have found and perceive that employers are resistant or intimidated by military and veteran experience. Additionally, civilian world is not the same as the military in that there is not the group or organizational commitment to "the mission". It is very much individualistic and a "Game of Thrones" situation with people putting the annual performance bonus ahead of everything else.

160

Networking. Even before social media, networking helped a great deal.

161

Figure out what you want to do before you separate.

162

Get recognized civilian certifications PRIOR to leaving the military. Military experience doesn't count with employers, certifications do.

163

Complete your resume as a civilian; take a workshop or ask for help with this because it is so important to accurately describe your skills in a civilian format, so civilians understand it. Also, network like crazy! Go to all networking events to meet people - don't know where to go, ask the local Chamber of Commerce, local vet organizations and business groups - get out!

164

The civilian world is ready and willing to help you transition, you just have to make your intentions known.

165

Ability to adapt military experience into civilian terminology.

166

Don't limit yourself to what you did or were qualified to do in the military. There are many opportunities and all operations large and small are looking for leaders.

167

Most people have little to no understanding of the military. Be careful not to intimidate them or come off too strong. Get involved in your new organization and look for ways to provide value.

168

Start early, take the TAP class even if you are just concidering leaving...it gives you more options.

169

Expect lackluster, slow, or no responses for requests for information, informational interviews or even direct phone calls or emails to employers. Even submitting resumes and cover letters online will likely not get the veteran the swift response they have become accustomed to on active duty. This additional time needed for/in transition means you need to seriously reduce your monthly expenditures and structure your life as much as possible to give yourself 4-6 months of living expenses....the necessary networking also takes time and money, so that also takes planning.

170

It seems like finding a job as a veteran is easy. if you find it difficult to get the job you want find a veteran employment specialist.