1

Start looking for a job sooner rather than later. Get your Smart Transcripts and translate those skills into civilian workforce roles so you know what direction to look and how to respond when they ask what you can do and how it translates for their corporation.

2

Use the skills you learned in the military to make a better workplace, not to measure those around you in the workplace. Civilians don't do things the way fellow veterans would. That doesn't make it wrong or even more inefficient, it just makes it different. Apply your skills to learn the best way in your work and them build from there to make it better.

3

Before getting out of service make sure what you did in service is related to outside work

4

Know that you'll have to start from the bottom again and work your way up.

5

Be sure you have some type of employment prior to separation. Contact an area American Legion or VFW ASAP after separation and get involved without the drinking!

6

to get a copy of your service records and medical papers

7

Stay positive in your approach. Network to the best of your ability. And trust that your path will reveal itself. Find books that will help you in this endeavor

8

Have a college education and skills that translate to the civilian world.

9

Don't underestimate the repercussions of your service. Unless you were wounded or experienced combat situations, at first things might seem normal, but it doesn't take much to lose sight. Allowing people unqualified workers to push you around is common. Try not to be intimidated when it comes to workplace relationships. Saying, 'Yes Sir' is only a sign of weakness.

10

Learn the art of being a good networker, be someone great to network with, join Toastmasters, clubs, networking groups.

11

Take a few days to create a plan. Expect to run into roadblocks, have plan b, plan c thought out from the beginning.

12

Register at VA as soon as you get out.

13

Networking is the most important thing you can concentrate on. The bigger you network the more options and info you will have.

14

I struggle to find a "one size fits all" answer to this. What was a little relief for me was merely relaxing for a couple weeks after discharge. I still applied for jobs during that period but listening to soothing music, eating well & no real hard labor was somewhat of a relief. Eventually my local VA rep helped me get a job at a local factory and I was very grateful for that (even though I only stayed 9 months then took some college courses).

15

Take a vacation and see what is out there. Make sure your military career has a civilian counter part. If not take advantage of the GI Bill. Take full advantage of your Veteran benefits. They will help a lot. When I left, I was forced separated during the downsizing, I spent about a month with family researching what was out there. As an AO (Aviation Ordnanceman) there was next to nothing available. I ended up driving a commercial truck for 3 years. Now I am a Security Officer. It is extremely important to take advantage of you veterans benefits. When you go for a job interview, dress to impress and put on your most professional attitude. If apply for the state or federal government, you will have preference points that will help you to get employed. the interview with the state is usually with a panel of 3 to 5 people. they will ask you a specific series of questions that are uniform in nature for all applicants. Do not stop answering each question until you literally run out of things to say about it. and if after the interview they ask if you have anything to add. take full advantage of that. now is your time to play on their emotions and explain why they should hire you. The process is probably the same for federal civilian jobs. If you do not make it. do not give up. keep trying and go for any entry level job you can in any agency. once hired, you can lateral over to any agency or position as they become available.

16

Drop the stuff that only we would know. Use standard 12 hour time when talking to civilians, stop putting slashes through your zeroes, and most of all keep the jargon between us brothers and sisters, they wouldn't get it anyway.

17

Stay in the service or you will be sorry you didn`t.

18

Don't worry too much about the transition. You'll be much more prepared for life in the civilian workforce than you think. Employers like hiring ex-military because of their training and dedication. Just get ready to do your best; you'll do great!

19

No matter what career path you decide to go to, take advantage of your Post/911 GI Bill and go to college or go to school and learn a trade. The person with more education or credentials will get a job and hopefully later on promotions. Once you are in a managerial position, remember that the best managers are the ones who treat their people well and they rule democratically. The authoritative managers will eventually be exposed and they will be replaced.

20

Stay in.

21

No matter what your MOS is, think about what type of employment would you enjoy the most and seek that. Just because you enjoyed your job in the military doesn't mean you will like the civilian counterpart.

22

Don'the believe a thing they say.

23

Prepare for your re-entry back into the civilian sector and know that you are not the same person you were when you entered the military. Find a mentor, a local veterans service organization and surround yourself with other veterans when you can. Older vets that have been out a while have great advice and wisdom to share. Peer vets, who have recently separated will provide you with support as your transition begins. Research your veteran benefits (both Federally and within your State of residence) and learn when and how to engage them.

24

Understanding how to translate Military experience to Public sector, so that they don't sell themselves short. The first jab sets the tone and market proce for future endeavors.

25

Be humble and willing to learn new things. Our sacrifice is under appreciated by most civilians and it's something they won't understand.

26

Go to school and apply for all different kinds of jobs. You might find something you like but weren't expecting to find.

27

Do not waste your GI Bill. The idea of returning to school may be scary and daunting and you may not have any idea what you will major in or where you will end up after graduating, but I promise you will figure it out and you will completely surprise yourself with what a great student you are, especially after your military service. You will also surprise yourself with where you end up, all thanks to your military service and college degree. Don't waste it!

28

1. Relax. You don't have to be on point all the time everytime. Don't expect your coworkers to be either. 2. Failure is an option. No one's life is on the line. You don't have to be on time or else. Some failure is expected. We all go home at night regardless. 3. Take risks. Accept blame. Be humble.

29

If your dreams encompass being in uniform, do not ETS. If this is not possible, attempt to obtain a career conducive to teamwork, discipline, and honor such as first responder or law enforcement.

30

Despite the best efforts of the military, skills learned while serving often do not translate into skill sets civilian employers are looking for. Many employers promote their companies as being military friendly yet it is too often only for their entry level positions.

31

It helped me to not take anything for granted. Prepared me for the long hours I would be working, and was a stepping stone for the work in the lab I do today. Couldn't be more thankful for what the military did for my family and I

32

well hopefully your military job can be used out side the Military ,like i was and ADJ3 in the Navy convert to Aircraft mechanic with the airlines

33

Take the skills you learned and apply them to the problems you encounter. I grew up in the Military, I became a man and lost my Fears of failure, heights, Dog Bites and death. since I had lost my fear of Death, what was I to fear?

34

make sure that you get help translating your job skills into civilian language. Also make sure you understand your benefits when leaving

35

Have a game plan before you transition out and use all the resources made available for you through taps and sign up for Linked In from the get go.

36

Have a good church for spiritual support

37

Stay in! Wish i had retired! Thought i would have no problem getting a Job in the world that i was trained for, But employers needed that diploma! So i became a fricken roofer!

38

Network!

39

Spend time to remember your dreams and hopes before you went into the military and decide now how those have changed, and in returning to the civilian world, if you want to pursue those again.

40

Start getting an education or training to improve your career in the civilian workforce.

41

If you decide to join. Get a job that will train your mind. Anyone can carry a weapon. Get a job that the military will train your mind to do and translate to skills you can use as a civilian.

42

Ensure you have a plan on employment before you leave, have a job lined up already.

43

Become involved in an organization for veterans.

44

do your homework and net work dd-214 med rec dental records take them with you.

45

Don't use the plan you formulated while still in the service.

46

prepare in advance look for jobs before your separation date.

47

Get counseling, to get or provide a part time job