1

1. Lose the jargon; 2. Look at what the company needs and adjust your thinking - you probably don't have everything they want but you bring more than just the skills they are looking for; 3. Don't underestimate a good cover letter - this is a great way to cover what you have and how you can overcome any perceived shortcomings

2

Network! Hone your message, get a clear simple business card, and get out there every event you can find. Greated Philadelphia Veterans Network was a lifeline for me, and a source for info on all kinds of events in our area. I also learnsd a lot from people in my professional associations like AUSA.

3

Few in the civilian sector care about what you did in the military (with a handful of exceptions).

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

Find a knowledgeable transition team

6

1) Begin the process as early as possible -- it may take several months before being hired. 2) While some instructors are better than others, do not expect to get much out of SFL/TAP beyond some information. 3) Job hunting will likely be one of the hardest things you will do and the process is foreign to military personnel. You will be discouraged. You must maintain a positive attitude as you job hunt.

7

Complete formal education before separation or immediately following separation using GI Bill benefits.

8

Start your medical evaluations as soon as you find out you are retiring. If you are going back to the work force after retirement, build a resume that is civilian friendly, and reach out to all of your civilian friends for leads on job openings

9

Be prepared for a culture change. Corporate America is about the bottom line. Individuals are looking out for what is in their best individual interests and many time lack common goals. Rely on your past skills in the military, but realize they don't transfer into civilian vocabulary. You have to spell it out clearly at times so that potential employers can understand exactly what it is you are offering them.

10

Start attending ACAP sooner and be networking throughout your career with everyone you come in contact. Get on LinkedIn and Rally Point.

11

Start early, don't wait until you begin clearing to begin your job/education search, a year out is not too soon. Don't get frustrated, keep motivated.

12

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.

13

Choose several career options and prepare for them academically. Network the unseen and the unadvertised. Research your prospective employer well.

14

Network, Network, Network in the location you will be retiring. In this economy, have at least 2500 LinkedIn connections before retirement. Also, have sit-down coffee with all your 50 closest connections and work all the leads that they give you and keep them posted every month.

15

Start early to plan transition. I would recommend discussion with pervious members of the military that have transition recently (5 years or less). If there are service connected disabilities considerations seek assistance to file the paperwork. Do not be afraid to fire a Veteran Assistance Office if you do not feel that are acting in your best interest. There are many out there. Some are more competent than others. Be sure to check out State and local Veteran assistance offices not just the Federal offices. You are your best advocate, do not turn your case over to some veteran office and not continue to make inquiries and status of your case

16

Take advantage of the programs/classes/workshops/briefings offered by your respective Service Branch Transition Assistance Program (TAP). Pay attention and take copious notes. Don't just go through the motions and "check the box" just to say that you completed mandatory classes/briefings/workshops. When you sign up to take an optional workshop, do so because you really want to take advantage of what you can learn, not just to get out of doing work w/ your unit.

17

Create a resume that does not use military jargon, the best complement I got was from a retired Navy officer who read my resume and had to ask what branch of the army I was in because he could not be sure.

18

You are going to have to take a job that may seem to be lower level than expected

19

Reach out to groups that can help you make this change.

20

Establish realistic expectations. While citizens frequently say "thank you for your service," hiring managers and ATS programs struggle to screen service members through to an interview. TAP does a less than adequate job preparing service members with the necessary tools to effectively take ownership of there transition. Service members need to realize that transitioning is a long and, at times, frustrating process. It is important to keep an open mind to different possibilities and stay positive.

21

Get your foot in the door on a first job. Expect it will just be to start, and that you will start looking again in a few months.

22

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.

23

Don't assume your job search will be easy based solely on your service.

24

Start early and seek professional assistance in translating your military training and experience into measurable things that the civilian community will understand.

25

Learn to accept rejection. Many of the folks who interview you, may or may not view the military favorably. Learn to de-mil your vocabulary. Many who interview you have pre-conceived notions about veterans; you have to remake yourself, quit looking, speaking and acting like a veteran. Learn how to translate the skills you learned in the military into civilian terms. Instead of squad leader, you supervised____ of individuals.

26

1) Plan for and attend Veteran/Military-Specific Job Conerences; attend prepared to provide resumes, business cards and to interview on the spot. 2) Consider a Military Headhunter organization if you are considering a professional career after the military. 3) If you are separating or retiring from OCONUS, start your transition process (prep, resumes, field research) more than a year in advance. 4) If you are separating or retiring from OCONUS, conduct your job interviews, etc. immediately upon arrival in CONUS, then take your Leave after.

27

For those in career fields requiring civilian credentialing/certifications, obtain the civilian documentation as early in your career as possible and maintain them along the way. This includes trades like mechanics, welders, electricians, etc. Find a mentor who can assist you in annually documenting your military career experiences in a civilian-esque way so that you have a viable/competitive resume upon transition. For officers, the documentation is not quite as straight forward. Leadership/managerial experience must be translated into "corporate" vernacular. Start working your network 6-12 months out and have savings in the bank to bridge. Also remain affiliated with the Select Reserve/Guard. TRICARE Reserve Select is great medical coverage until an employer plan is offered and the income offered by drills/short tours can be invaluable in the dynamic labor marked.

28

Don't expect to immediately equal your military pay and benefits. You will have to start on the bottom and work your way up; but with military self-discipline and high standards, you will find civilian work relatively easy to succeed at.

29

Attitude. The attitude and can do spirit of the retiring individual is refreshing to the civilian workforce. But it can also be a ball and chain because your civilian counter parts do not have the same can do attitude. Be understanding and respectful of your civilian counter parts. Some of them have never been what you have been through and never will. So your attitude which has been establish from 20 plus years of battle tested fortitude may be a little much for the your new co-workers so tone it down till they get to know you.

30

Start writing your resume, networking with everyone, and defining what a successful transition looks like to you - at least 18 months out.

31

It is not an easy task making thee transition. Two major areas you will have to deal with and conquer...effective communications skills and cultural fit. If you can get past those two aspects, you've got major problems and need to fix them ASAP.

32

Take the time to build and develop networks. Networking is essential!

33

Start early planning by civilianizing your resume and learning how to increase and leverage your network to include technology.

34

You must understand the principles of NETWORKING and that is how you will (percentage wise) get a job you are seeking.

35

Do not go into retirement without a sound after-retirement work plan---begin this plan one year before retirement.

36

Preparation is key and you need to plan the transition.

37

Start preparing early and establish contact with vets who have already made the transition, especially folks in your area of specialization.

38

Start early, 2 years out if possible (for the careerist or 6 months out for the one-termer)

39

You have to be your most influential advocate. While others have good intentions, they also have competing objectives.....as the soon-to-be transition complete person, you have to be firm and determined in the time it will take to accomplish that transition.

40

1. Network, network, network. 2. Learn how to network without being phony or desperate. Learn how to ask without asking. 3. Figure out your "transition equation" (company, industry, financial, education, etc?) 4. Figure out what you want to be when you grow up. 5. Narrow your search. 6. Take the resume advice the TAP programs and throw it out. Learn what a resume really needs to look like. 7. Manage your expectations; you probably won't get the money you want and the Private Sector/Civilian are completely ignorant of your skills or capability to the point of denigration.

41

Have at least 6months to a year of income reserved in a savings account to live off of.

42

1. Everything is an Interview. 2. Business Card, it is a must. 3. The Resume is very important, but it is not everything. 4. Polish your Interview skills. 5. Personal Brand, it is in everything you do, say, post on-line, and what you wear. 6. Volunteering is another way to show your skills. 7. Networking opportunities happens everyday. 8. Social Media is expected. LinkedIn. 9. Research, Research, Research. 10. How well do you know your own Finances, and those of the target company?

43

Start networking early. Work HRC to get stationed near where you you want to retire so you can engage your network while still on Active Duty.

44

Join LinkedIn and be strategic about the people you connect with.

45

Start early!!!!

46

1) Figure out what do your really want to do. 2) Learn how to network, network, network.

47

Know that it is a process that takes time and patience.

48

The most important thing in my opinion is an understanding of where you want to be, what is important to you and your family, in terms of salary, work location, work v family obligations.

49

Start the process at least 12-18 months prior to retirement or separation date.

50

Get as much education as possible; College, technical training, certifications, etc...

51

Know what you want and don't be afraid to take a break between military service and a civilian job.

52

Know what you bring to the "table" and have an initial list of target employers you would consider working for. Important to the target list of potential employers, is what is the culture of the organization.

53

The transition is a major one and is difficult to adjust to. Take full advantage of every transition training and programs that are offered. For a major lifestyle change such as retiring, you'll experience many emotions, but hang in there and take things one step at a time and day by day!

54

Assess your experience, depth, and knowledge objectively, and apply it to different fields

55

Figure out what you want to do in post-military life. Get others to help you do that. Be self-aware about your passions, your strengths, your values.

56

Make sure you have money in a saving account because you will need it to set up your new home.

57

Plan on 1-3 job changes following transition. What you think you want to do may change as you realize you are free to make your own vocational choices.

58

Focus on resumes when you are in ACAP, especially the Federal one. Do your VA Claim immediately after discharge. On your ETS Physical list EVERY ache and pain, both mental and physical.

59

Be prepared for the huge volume of information form the transition processing center. We do a very poor job of teaching troops what to expect during the process. The process is frustrating and not a good note to leave the service on. Finding a job on the outside is not as easy as one would expect. Employers are not interested in our service experience. They are interested in civilian education which many of us passed on to further our Military education.

60

Pray you have a supportive chain of command that affords you adequate time (12-15 months) to "prepare" and doesn't pull childish tricks like lose your retirement paperwork for almost 4 months, just so they can hurry up and rush you out!

61

The best advice would be: have a career goal, work towards your education goals. Don't get caught in the on and off orders. Now that you are civilian, focus on the civilian life. Find a mentor who can help you navigate this new arena.

62

Prepare BEFORE separation.

63

Understand that transition is much more complicated and nuanced than you think it might be.

64

Figure out what will instill the same passion in you that you felt while wearing the uniform once you take it off. If you don't, you're are bound to be unhappy and dissatisfied.

65

Think long term.

66

Culture Shock going from We to Me, Inc.

67

Transitioning is a job!

68

Research the transition process and establish early your personal processes/systems to accomplish all the key and essential tasks.

69

Make sure you understand your military benefits; file service connected disability claims while you are still on active duty; have at least a 6 month emergency savings account; take advantage of all the TAPS services available.

70

Start planning early. Decide on job or geography. Begin networking based on that decision. Understand you are not alone.

71

Be aware that most businesses have no idea about anything military related. Just because you may be of a certain rank, don't expect to receive anything. Have as much of a financial cushion as possible. Expect to hear no, a lot.

72

Be persistent, and aim for any job that you have experience in. Dont give up.

73

Play to your strengths and leverage your skills. Also, network outside your own group to expand your influence and reach.

74

Determine where you want to live first and the job prospects. Then you must have a known reference in that business.

75

Learn how to tailor a resume to the job. Shot gunning the same resume to EVERY potential employer does not work.

76

Know what you want to do and start networking and preparing well in advance to make a smooth transition.

77

Show up on time. be where you need to be when you need to be there

78

Have a plan

79

1) Be Bold - go in if you can and ask to speak to HR or the hiring authority and drop off your resume. Don't just send it in and hope for a call. 2) Be Brave - low risk = low reward. Higher risk = higher reward. I know you are used to a steady paycheck. But commission work isn't all bad if you work at it. 3) Be Patient - Don't be afraid to accept an entry level position and then prove yourself. Your military skills will show through and propel you upwards. Besides - remember - It's a lot easier to find a job, if you have a job.

80

Find help getting into the VA system - it's so difficult. Line up a job before leaving the service, if possible.

81

1) Prepare early and have a plan. Don't wait until the last minute like so many do when transitioning. Try to leave on your own terms so as to ensure your planning is successful. 2) Network outside the military as often as possible and learn the civilian lexicon, drop the military lexicon. 3) Embrace the new chapter, but retain the qualities that made you a great leader in the military!

82

Start early

83

Begin the transition process as early as possible. Seek out and consult advice from those who have transitioned and as well as those who are also transitioning with you. Though no two transition experiences are the same, however there are many similarities in the process. Commit to learning those lessons first and then build upon those experiences to benefit your transition process.

84

Start earlier than you think necessary.

85

Take advantage of the benefits the VA snd Army offers as you're leaving... Don't ignore them.

86

Refine your value proposition to your future employer. Clearly define what you bring and how it will benefit their business immediately. Also, do as many informational interviews as you possibly can. Transitions are hard - especially if you want something other than an entry level position.

87

While many Military Occupational Specialties do *not* transition *quickly* into civilian occupations, nearly *all* soldiers, sailors, airmen, and others have gained a great *deal* of leadership and management skills, even those who have only experienced them from the lower ranks of the military. Employ what has been learned and progress from the beginning steps within civilian life rather than expecting to start where your non-military peers have progressed to during your military years.

88

There's no one really in charge in the civilian world; in other words, the structure in some businesses & companies is so loose that it is annoying to military personnel used to structure. Advice is to seek a company that has a strong sense of organization, if that is appealing to you. Working as a civilian for a military-base organization or contractor is the most comfortable work for retired military in my opinion.

89

Go to your end of service awards ceremony- I was bitter at the time of mine and didn't go, so I did not get a retirement award. Though it would not have helped with the bitterness, at they would have made sure I got my award.

90

When you pick your retirement home make sure there are jobs in the area.

91

Prepare as early as possible. If you can, have someone in the area of the country you intend to move to advise you on getting settled (jobs, schools etc.). Be patient, you will be competing with the civilian work force in your relocation area. Everyone is not military friendly.

92

TRICARE! Then get a job with benefits, or just dump your family. Your spouse is a good source of medical benefits, providing their employer has such. A coworker of mine also joined a reserve component drilling unit. After 10 years, one now has TWO retirements. No one really cares about what your rank was. You are now just a BAP, in a different environment. Allow your supervisor and coworkers to "discover" your talents you developed in the military. Notice the "old timers" and solicit their "stories". There is a wealth of knowledge there.

93

Dedicate time, hopefully with your command's approval, towards the transition. Be open and methodical in the process when deciding upon a new career, pursuing education, or opening your own business.

94

Be ready to answer the question, "What do you want to do?"

95

1. Begin building a network of people you know and can assist you in looking for opportunities like you would an intelligence network. The nodes are just as important and linkages to potential jobs is what you are hoping for. 2. The civilian world cares about your service like they care about the weather...you were lulled into a false sense of expectations believing people "cared" they don't, get over it. Two mantras I use, " If you can't find a door to enter, breach a hole in the wall and walk through." Second, if you can't find a way, make one! I'm giving entrepreneurship a go because opportunities are few and people too scared of our background to work with us. 3. You are not your rank or position you were, let it go be willing to start over and be humble. Be the private you wish you had!

96

Use all available assets to obtain civilian credentials BEFORE separation. Many (most?) civilians have no direct experience with uniformed service and seem to gloss over the skills we bring to the table. A professional credential such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or PHR (Professional in Human Resources), or a commercial drivers license provides a quantifiable third-party endorsement of your skills.

97

Start looking as soon as you make the decision to leave the military. Look at the job market and access your skill set to see what you can bring to a potential employer. There are organizations that are looking for vets and can assist you - if they are decent - They probably will be free because the employer will pay them a finder's fee. If you need to take a class to prepare for a job you want - now is the time.

98

1) Be prepared for drastic change in work ethics, 2) Prepare financially.

99

1. It is not as easy as it seems. 2. There are not employers fighting over veteran hires, unless you have an in-demand technical skill.

100

1. Have a plan and start early. It took me 10 months to secure the position I wanted. 2. Understand that you're starting over again at the bottom, maybe a little above the bottom, but definitely not a lateral move. Most in the corporate world won't view your previous leadership experience as applicable in the civilian world. You'll have to get in the door and prove yourself.

101

Figure out what you want to do before you separate.

102

Start planning early. The earlier the better. You have to have an exit strategy that can be implemented quickly. That exit strategy needs to include a 3-, 6-, and 9-month transition plan as well as a 1- and 2-year transition plan, that way you cover the possibilities of involuntary separation, and retirement or career completion (whatever that is for you).

103

Jobs come from personal connections.

104

You need to own the process. Attend the mandatory transition classes. Use the tools provided to help you identify what you need/want to do post-military service and develop a robust action plan. Be open to discuss all opportunities. Seek mentors who have already made the transition.

105

Start early, have a plan - with multiple options and courses of action. Do not "pigeon hole" yourself into one category. I think many veterans, including myself, have difficulty in describing what they bring to the table in linkedIn profiles, resumes and interviews. I think companies want "doers" and that is what most veterans can do well. We have to learn to sell ourselves better.

106

Don't be ashamed to subordinate yourself to take a lower position job. You have acquired the skill set to work your way up the ladder to a successful 2nd career.

107

Use all available resources to identify the civilian job that you are moving to and take advantage of the training offered by the military.

108

The *extreme* level of psychological and many daily hours of stress that many military jobs entail will be tremendously helpful in preparing the former soldier, sailor, airman(woman), or marine to compete *successfully* in the vast majority of the civilian workforce. The often *suppressed* thought processes while in uniform can then be employed to *excel* in *your* chosen civilian field of opportunity.

109

Resume writing and job application process.

110

Take the time to prepare for separation . The military gives you the time but it is you that needs to aggressively prepare yourself

111

Civilian compensation does not include allowances for housing and food. Use your base pay as the baseline. Expect and plan for lower is transitioning around winter holidays. Expect less help from recruiters if transitioning from overseas.

112

All Veterans have valuable skills and incredible discipline. The problem is that many civilian employers don't know how to translate it to the civilian jobs. Every veteran must be prepared to describe succinctly how their own personal military experience and skills position them as an IDEAL candidate for the civilian job they want regardless of whether it is truck driver or CEO.

113

Be persistent and be prepared to hear no a lot. Know that civilian corporations may talk about hiring Veterans. But if you don't meet their qualifications, you won't receive the job offer.

114

Find a mentor and network, network, network!!