1

Plan ahead and network

2

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.

3

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

4

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.

5

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.

6

Start networking and entertaining options early

7

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.

8

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.

9

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.

10

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!

11

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.

12

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.

13

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.

14

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

15

networking and patience

16

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.

17

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.

18

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.

19

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.

20

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.

21

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.

22

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.

23

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

24

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.

25

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.

26

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

27

Start networking for your new job early.

28

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.

29

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.

30

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.

31

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

32

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.

33

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

34

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!

35

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

36

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.

37

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

38

Start early!!!!

39

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

40

Attend a good TAPs program.

41

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.

42

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.

43

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

44

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.

45

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

46

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

47

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

48

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.

49

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.

50

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).

51

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.

52

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.

53

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

54

Translation of my military experience into civilian terminologies.

55

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.

56

Get all your schooling done and records up to date.

57

Be prepared for 'civilian' uncertainty.

58

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.

59

Build your network early

60

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

61

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.

62

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

63

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

64

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)

65

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.

66

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.

67

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.

68

Learn about the VA.

69

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...)

70

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.

71

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

72

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

73

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

74

Start planning 2-4 years ahead of time.

75

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

76

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.

77

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.

78

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

79

Figure out what you want to do before you separate.

80

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!

81

Ability to adapt military experience into civilian terminology.

82

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.

83

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.