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

It is imperative to start shaping your transition early, at least 12 months out. Network, Network, Network!

4

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

5

Start VA Disability packet ASAP. Take advantage of all classes teaching resume writing and job interviewing. Be open to where the jobs are located; there are plenty of jobs for veterans, but not necessarily where one wants to ideally go.

6

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.

7

Attend TAP 18 months out-and again 6-12 months out from out date

8

Must figure out WHAT you want to do and be able to explain what you want to do and why you are best suited for that type job so you can share with your network

9

Many employers consider you for the reasons you are probably getting out of the military. They like your willingness to relocate for a job, work long hours, and be willing to travel away from home.

10

Find a knowledgeable transition team

11

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.

12

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

13

Transitioning from your military life to a civilian life is a challenge and it is difficult to plan for. When you think about it everything changes when you depart from the military. Understand that you will not walk into an organization and be given the same amount of responsibility that you may have been use to. Also plan to met supervisors who have had little to no leadership training.

14

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

15

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.

16

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

17

Find a job before you leave the military

18

Start looking at what you would like to do, jobs you think you can do, and try to fit your skills to the position early, months in advance, especially if you were in a leadership position in the military and you are trying to get into a civilian leadership position.
Be prepared to get a lot of rejection notices, which is why it is best to start while you are still in, preferably at least 90 days before you are out.
Be up front with the recruiters you are working with and share your timeline with them so they can begin working with you and can manage the expectations of you and their company.

19

take advantage of your assets-mulititask, unflappable; use your drive to learn what you don't know; ask solid questions; prep yourself

20

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.

21

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.

22

Understand that you are entering a new world and things work differently. Most civilian employers will find your military experience valuable but it is unlikely that they will understand it. Do not act arrogant about your military service, this will turn your civilian counterparts off to you completely; be humble. Rely on those senior civilians at your new work place they same way you would have relied on senior NCO's when showing up to a new unit. If you can find one, get a civilian mentor with prior military experience to give you advice on your transition and how to treat the very new types of situations you will face. Do not be afraid to apply lessons learned in the military to your new civilian job, government work generally gets a bad wrap for being inefficient but you would be amazed at the impact you can have in the work place by showing people a new way to do something that is "the way we used to do it in the military".

23

"Never turn down a job until offered"

24

Make sure you have a plan and backup options WELL BEFORE (1-1.5 years) before you actually retire

25

Any job is possible, regardless of your previous MOS. As long as you were a good leader in the Service, you can go far in the civilian sector.

26

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

27

My advice would be to save all of your NCOER's or OER's--they will pay dividends in helping you write your resume. I'd advise anyone to hook up with one of the military headhunters to get coaching into narrating the transition.

28

Remember that you are the oddball - you need to learn how to blend into the industrial and managerial marketplace.

29

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.

30

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

31

Understand that, as in any career change, you may need to take a step or two "back." That doesn't mean employers don't value your experience, but you don't know their industry, (usually), and you have to learn it before expecting to be in higher level positions. Using your military experience, values and work ethic, however, you are in a prime position to move up the ladder much more quickly than other newcomers.

32

Be mindful of how you are perceived. For better or worse, your future employers have pronounced stereotypes about your behavior and abilities. This bias could cause you to be placed into a bad cultural fit for your next job.

33

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.

34

Get connected to the civilian world ASAP via your military connections .LinkedIn is a good starting point but face-to-face is more effective.

35

Share the values and characteristics earned and learned in the service in a way a recruiter or HR person might better understand. Focus on decision making, self-starter, disciplined, team focused, etc. not what you did on a day to day basis.

36

Take time to find out what you want to do so you can tell others. Many want to help but I found the hardest thing to do was to determine what was out there (besides the job descriptions) and where I would enjoy the people and job. After 35 years of service and retiring as a COL, I didn't know what I wanted to do and the networking was more difficult than I expected. Also what you are willing to do as far as commute and travel. But you have to get out and figure it out so you can explain a major career shift. Most civilians don't understand how your experience can apply to a civilian business.

37

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.

38

your last oer does not matter. It's all about the people you meet and the real world experience you can bring to the table. Internships are key

39

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

40

Do not judge your coworkers on their lack of service or lack of understanding of war and world events.

41

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

42

Networking, develop civilian networks as soon as possible. Continue to reach out to former military in your area.

43

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.

44

Start with your passions, not just with a salary or your core skill set.

45

Start your transition at the two-year mark. Be disciplined and honest with yourself. Unless you are getting a Gov't job, you will have to prove your worth to a civilian employer.

46

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.

47

First, ensure that you utilize the services provided by the military in terms of mental health and physical health. This is especially true if you are planning on transitioning a short time after your deployment. Your transition may be an exciting time, it may be against your wishes, but it's turbulent either way and ensuring that you have documented everything and have a plan is vital. Second, "do what you love" is a tough thing to find when what you love is serving. As an infantryman, or any other service-specific MOS, this can be especially difficult to figure out for yourself. My advice? Try something completely new and be prepared if it's not for you. I think that small companies are best for the transition because, in my experience, they have less bureaucracy involved. This allows you to get your hands in some of the operations, planning, etc that you will not be able to do at a (company name removed) or any other mega-company. Third, you're life up until this point has revolved around service. The civilian world, as a general rule, does not revolve around work. Sometimes I would come home bored, or be bored at work, and the best advice I got from a coworker was that now was the time to develop hobbies for myself. Work should be a place you enjoy, but the rest of your time should absolutely be something you enjoy. Take advantage of the change of pace. The civilian work force is fundamentally different than the Service. This will take some getting used to. You great part? You can retain the parts of you that were developed in the military and get rid of the parts you don't like. This will take 6 months at least. Finally, if you can find an employer who is a veteran you will have an easier time translating your experience to that employer. I work as a corporate recruiter and often come across resumes which I can interpret quite easily but which I know would be completely foreign to a civilian employer. This is not only the use of acronyms but the implied responsibilities of being a team leader, or a section leader, or a 1SG. Sometimes it takes getting in the door and in front of the interviewer to articulate your experiences- and for that you should be prepared to speak upon what makes you a great employee.

48

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

49

Start Early. Have a solid plan on what you want to do and start moving forward at least a year in advance.

50

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

51

The importance of networking and the need to reinvent yourself.

52

You military experience is only worth what your potential employer decides it's worth - you HAVE to sell it. Don't expect that people will respect your skills. If you decide to go reseve/guard after active duty it WILL be harder to get a job - companies do want veterans, but they prefer people whose ties with the military are completely over.

53

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.

54

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.

55

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.

56

Civilians are over sensitive.

57

Be prepared for a much less professional work force and employees who are paid only by the hour and act accordingly.

58

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.

59

Make certain you play into your own personal strengths and character when applying for jobs and fulfilling your newfound duties and responsibilities. Do not rely on your prior service and military accomplishments speaking for themselves because no civilian knows what the hell it all means and what your capabilities truly are.

60

1 Be energetic with a positive attitude; 2 Have realistic expectations - you may be looking for a job for awhile - especially if you are limited on relocation or lack the certifications required for the positions you are seeking; 3 Your resume should reflect language in civilian terms - there are numerous websites and services that provide resume writing guidance; 4 Determine the industry you are seeking employment and join the professional association (i.e Project Management -> Project Management Institute, Process Improvement/Quality Assurance -> Association of Service Quality, Human Resources -> Association of Talent Development); 5 Setup a LinkedIn profile and use a professional looking head shot for the profile photo. Get business cards that reflect your competencies; 6 You will hear everyone express thankfulness for your service and how you should be hired based on your service experience. The reality is that most employers are risk averse to hiring veterans (and anyone else) who do not have a specialty (technical,medical, ect.) that easily adapts to their requirements; 7 Take advantage of ALL the job fairs and any opportunity to gain exposure to potential employers; 8 Rehearse 30 second introduction speech; 9 Have someone you trust provide a critique on your non-verbal messages and appearance during a mock interview.

61

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

62

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.

63

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

64

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

65

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.

66

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

67

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

68

Preparation is key and you need to plan the transition.

69

Don't dwell on who you were, but rather the skills that you developed.

70

Take your time and make a reasonable transition plan. Have money saved up to cover expenses for at least 6 months of unemployment between transistor and finding a new job.

71

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

72

With much reflection it is this: Our training, our experience and our dedication have prepared us for virtually any position in the civilian sector. Let there be no doubt in your mind that you can do the job as well as, if not better, than any employee who has not served.

73

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.

74

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.

75

1. Focus in on what you want to do. I did a shotgun approach but if you know which companies you'd like to work for you can focus your efforts on connecting with people inside using all available resources to zero in.

76

Start networking early and work on learning as much about the industries positions of interest as possible before you actually start looking for a job.

77

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

78

-realize that the civilian employers appreciate your service and value your characteristics as a vet; but, you have to use the same intensity you used in the service to explore the unknown, to prep yourself, to recon, to anticipate the questions that will be asked so you can work on the answer; and you must network effectively so you get exposure to any possible job you are interested in so you can assess whether or not if fits you-you can change jobs but you should truly have interest in that first job you intend to pursue

79

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?

80

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.

81

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

82

Make a solid plan well in advance, remain flexible, and make time for yourself and your plan while still on Active Duty. Make it your #1 Priority.

83

Start early!!!!

84

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

85

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

86

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.

87

Have several variations of resumes and cover letters ready to be adapted per the job description. Follow-up. In the early stages it's really important to attend as many interviews as possible, as practice. Go to community networking events. Stay patient and don't take the first job that comes along if it's not the right fit.

88

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

89

Start at least a year before you plan to transition out of the military.

90

Networking is so important

91

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

92

Don't be constrained by thinking you don't have skills that transfer to the civilian world. Good work ethic, leadership, and the ability to work as part of a team are universal skills that are always in demand.

93

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.

94

Be specific about accomplishments and results in your resume. Don't just list what you were responsible for. What did you actually achieve?

95

Have a plan and roadmap. Start at least 24 months prior to separaration.

96

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

97

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.

98

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

99

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.

100

If you don't have a job offer in hand when you leave, ensure you have six months worth of money saved up (with a degree in engineering, and as an engineer officer, it took over a year to find a career). Understand expectation management, if you are looking for a career instead of a job. There is no 'in-processing' checklist to separation, so even if you think you have everything figured out, there will be something you didn't account for as a civilian.

101

Have a support system outside of work. Don't expect your civilian workplace to take the place of the military when it comes to finding new buddies.

102

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.

103

Military transitioning is a leap of faith, employment-wise. When you file the paperwork to get out, it is way too early to find a job. When you go on terminal leave, it's still usually too early to find a job. You have to be financially prepared for the transition in all scenarios. Also, go through the VA process ASAP when you get out as it could easily begin interfering with work. The VA process is broken, but necessary.

104

Planning for ETS should take place at least a year in advance of even filing the paperwork, or the expiration of your service term. Don't expect transition counseling and required training to be worth a damn, either. If you come from a combat arm and are worried about marketable skills, using your GI Bill to go to school could work, but you need to treat it like your new full-time job, not as a vacation. Consider your major or program very carefully, and well in advance of your decision to go to school--admissions testing takes a lot of time and study. Don't be afraid to consider trades if that is more to your liking, but again, choose the skills/certifications and schools carefully before committing funds. Budgeting will also be key.

105

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!

106

Have a plan, know what you want to do (I.e education, and in what field, or employment, and in what area / field).

107

1) The importance of Research and Meeting People (networking); 2) Stay Positive; 3) Take time to celebrate my (and family's) military service

108

Start developing a network with people in career fields you may be interested in working.

109

Attend your transition classes and take advantage of all the transition assistance you can.

110

It's important to remember that you're starting over. Yes, you have a lot of experience that has value, but if you're entering a new industry you have no experience in that industry. No one would take a brand new soldier and make them a squad leader, even if they had 10 years of leadership experience in another industry and the same is true of veterans leaving the service.

111

Prepare BEFORE separation.

112

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

113

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.

114

The power of Networking is King.

115

Take the time to focus on what career path you want to pursue through self analysis and online tools and by researching those fields.

116

Start networking with civilians in the geo location and employment field you're interested in NOW. Take all available TAP-GPS courses in your geo location and online.

117

Those in the combat arms MOSs have a more difficult time transitioning because their skills are not as marketable. Advance planning and preparation are a must. There was not such program as TAP when I retired. Use such resources to diminish separation shock.

118

Don't be so dqmned picky about your next job. Find one and do it well. It's easier to find a job I'd you have a job. And don't fall in to the trap of thinking that you are special or that anyone owes you anything. I worked three jobs before finding my permanent job. Each of those three jobs contributed in a significant way to me landing my permanent job. Also, no one cares how much you "need" to earn. They only care what your contributions are worth. We still live in a capitalist society; your income is based on your worth not your needs.

119

Your loose friend network will help you find your next opportunity. The resume is secondary to the fact that it is more about who knows your reputation and is willing to align an opportunity for you. Second, make sure you get your medical evaluations completed within 3 months of leaving active duty, however, be sure to follow up on all your appointments.

120

I think the most important lesson I learned is being flexible is key in transitions. Things happens that seem bad at times, but it can turn out to be a blessing in the long run.

121

Reduce financial stress and anxiety during and after transition by reducing debts as much as possible, and saving 6months-1year of pay prior to discharge. It takes that long to develop an effective resume, apply for jobs and begin the process of receiving a form of income. Reducing financial stress and anxiety has also been proven to reduce stress and anxiety in other areas, such as relationships. This can improve clarity of thought, judgement and lead to opportunities that were not forseen.

122

Think long term.

123

Culture Shock going from We to Me, Inc.

124

Transitioning is a job!

125

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

126

Take ownership of your career and your life. No one will take care of you like they did in the military.

127

REACH OUT TO FELLOW VETERANS. As a veteran, your network absolutely amazing. Psychologically, there was definitely some adjustment throughout the transition process, but in terms of resources, employment and support, I was surrounded at every single turn with people and organizations who were willing to help-I had to make the initial contact, but as soon as I did, everyone bent over backwards to help and support me.

128

Take time to contact your mentors and others you know who have retired to get their input on transitioning and how to get your foot in the door. Many folks will say, Send me your resume and I'll forward it to our HR. In my case that did nothing. Even though you are loath to do it, take advantage of those offers of writing recommendations. It is who you know.

129

Understand the current job market and be willing to reinvent yourself or take action to become more marketable.

130

Put the military chapter of your life behind you as quickly as you can. You're a civilian now. Adapt.

131

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.

132

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

133

First, ensure your military skills can be readily translated into a civilian career. Just using "leadership" skills won't cut it and only widens the competition. I was enlisted US Army Infantry, Field Artillery, Finance, then Medical Service Corps (IT) for a total of 30 years AD. Take classes on your own time if possible. Second, begin the job search at least 1 year out. You will hear that's too long, but that notion is hogwash. You will learn to great pieces of information doing so: a) You will learn how your fare in the job market at that time; b) You will learn how to narrow your job search (geographical, career, and so forth). Both will save time and agony. Third, do not oversell or undersell yourself. Find your market worth. Look up what the civilian job market is paying for your job skills and let the facts sink in. Fourth, do not believe that in today's job market there is some overwhelming ideal of mutual respect, job security, or honor as a general rule. Once you have figured that out, you will proceed with your eyes wide open. There are some employers that value their employees greatly and seek them out if your job skills match. Fifth, do not be affraid to go back to school (even part-time) to keep up with the job market. I still believe in life long learning and it's a valuable fact of life and employment. If you aren't willing to keep up with the "change" pace, you won't be marketable. Sixth, network, network, network. Join professional organizations, community organizations, and volunteer to help those in need. It should be an essential part of your nature leaving the military so don't let those skills get rusty. Networking can often lead to new positions of greater responsibility as well. Also, help those in need of a job where and when you can, but realize that your "name" is going on their job application as a reference. Have fun, plan for your future in the civilian market. Be prepared for rejection (which comes more often than acceptance) and keep moving forward. Honor your family, friends, and colleagues daily. They are your most important support group so don't treat them poorly. If you need medical attention (such as PTSD) get it and don't be ashamed. You are not alone unless you choose to be alone! Get on Linkedin -- it's that important. Other social media is for fun, but don't waste much time on it! I entered military service as a Private E-1 and spent 6 years enlisted. Then, after college graduation, I was commissioned a 2LT and served another 24 years retiriing as a Colonel. I never had a "rank" issue during or since my transition to civilian life--that's resulted in enormous success (career and financial). I'm proud of my military service, but have been able to be just as proud of my civilian career choices.

134

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.

135

Make sure you have your next steps firmly lined up before leaving.

136

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

137

You will be very shocked as too how little people know about what skill sets you present and how little respect you receive as a veteran in the civilian sector.

138

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

139

Do everything you can to observe and learn about your new employment culture. Listen and watch. Each organization is unique. Reach out to other veterans/veteran organizations; these can be good connections and allies in your transition. Change for what direction you want to go, not what you want to avoid.

140

Do your homework and line up an opportunity or two before leaving the military. There is a question of what is important to you not just money? Make a list and then see if the opportunity will give you that fulfillment you are missing..

141

Start the transition process well in advance of your separation date. I started too late, less than 5 months before retiring.

142

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

143

Take the time to plan for your future career by attending job seminars and doing personal research to determine the best fit for your skills. Don't set you sights too high with regard to salary, but look for companies that have upward mobility opportunities.

144

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

145

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

146

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

147

Either transition into the field that you know, or go to school and get the education you need to get the job that you want. And regardless of your MOS, you possess skills that are badly needed win the job market; leadership skills, organizational skills, technical skills, even if you were an infantryman. So do not let your MOS get in the way of getting the job you want. Wording on resumes is key, and every skill you learned can be translated into a skill in today's job market.

148

be willing to change everything: your skills, behaviors, location, appearance, resume, standard of living, etc.

149

Network with other veterans that have transitioned from the military to the civilian workforce. It may be something you hear all the time, but getting their experience will better help you get that job.

150

Realize that you bring a skill set to a new employer that has benefits but you also have to be open to new ideas. I have seen too many veterans expect that their way is always the best and always superior to others. Rank isn't a determinant of success. Realize that in most companies, you will be supporting yourself and that's okay.

151

Civilian employers will continue to add responsibilities until you say no. There is no responsibility of 'soldier care' from leaders so you will be pushed until you fail if you do not say stop.

152

Everyone is looking for the discipline and Mission focus that military members bring to a company. Few of them, however can say that due to squirrely HR and hiring systems. Worse, the Military MOS's, AFSC's, ratings, etc do not readily translate into Civilian Descriptions. Best advice, take what looks to be a match in jobs, then spend the first year of the job talking to your contemporaries about the system, and how career progression works within your industry.

153

Have a plan

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How to translate your skills from military jargon to be understandable to a civilian interviewer. The second most important skill (but still related) is to be able to find out what the company is looking for and to show how you have the experience at doing that job or skill. After that - networking.

155

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

156

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!

157

Build your network. Who you know matters.

158

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.

159

Start earlier than you think necessary.

160

You will meet people in informal situations that may turn into opportunities. Therefore, whatever you are working on, be excellent and always be "on." Always be engaged, accessible, positive, and respectful. You never know when it will serve you well.

161

Understand what you bring to a civilian employer and clearly translate how your skills and experience are a fit with a potential employer.

162

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

163

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.

164

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.

165

You need to understand the business world. It is totally different then the military. Your experience is stronger then all civilians, but you need to understand their world.

166

Network, network, network!

167

Communication in the civilian work environment is much more nuanced and indirect. In the military, directness and bluntness are valued. They are highly disfavored in the civilian sector. Be advised

168

Start the job hunt early and be open to working in a field you may not originally have considered. Many jobs these days are transitional and what you start with may not be what you end with but it will get your foot in the door and some experience for your resume.

169

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.

170

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.

171

Take some time after retirement to decompress and assimilate into the civilian environment. Do this before you make a job decision.

172

Complete all of your active duty physicals before you transition and have to go to the VA.

173

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.

174

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.

175

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.

176

Believe and understand that you do have experience you just have to sometimes help the civilian sector understand how it relates. examples: If you were a squad leader you had to manage more details about your Soldiers then any civilian small team leader. You know how to work with people of all backgrounds. Also, the Military provides some of the best leadership training in the world. You might think otherwise while you are in or even during Officer/NCOES school, but trust me its better then what most people do.

177

Be prepared to take a job for which you may be over qualified.

178

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

179

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!

180

It is harder than you hear from your peers to find a career that directly replaces the pay and benefits you have.

181

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.

182

Prepare yourself ahead of time with appropriate education/certifications, volunteer time in field if possible ahead of time, network with others already in the field, begin applying 3-6 months before retirement.

183

Plan for a worst case scenario. For me, that was saving to survive for six months of unemployment. I'm not there yet, but prior my planning has reduced the financial impact of separation substantially.

184

Start early. You need to learn a whole new language to relate to the civilian workforce.

185

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.

186

Do your best to take a long term view of the decision. Don't decide just because you're unhappy with your current situation, and don't jump at a too-good-to-be-true offer. Do not waste your educational benefits at any for profit school that requires any kind of contract. Finally, don't burn any bridges. I know a lot of folks that got out and went back in when they saw the grass wasn't greener and that they missed the comeraderie and intrinsic satisfaction of serving.

187

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.

188

Figure out what you want to do before you separate.

189

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).

190

Jobs come from personal connections.

191

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.

192

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.

193

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.

194

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

195

You need to network in order to find a job. Do not rely on sending resumes out or applying blindly for jobs.

196

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.

197

It's risky in that you may not know what you will do when you get out, but if you work hard and put in the effort, you will make it work. Nothing is owed to you--you have to earn it. But as you assimilate into a civilian job of some sort, don't forget what made you successful in the military. You can't apply it all cookie cutter, but you have to find the similarities and make the lessons fit the new situations. Also, there is a mental struggle to leave behind something toward which you were so dedicated. The underlying principle in all of it is service, so continue to serve. Serve your community, your neighbors, your country through your actions in civilian life.

198

Do research on the types of jobs that you want and review the requirements those positions typically require so that you can obtain your certifications early.

199

Have a masters degree before separating/retiring.

200

Resume writing and job application process.

201

Don't get out until you've set a plan in motion and have a follow-on role lined up.

202

Take care of you. This is not a selfish statement regardless of how it sounds. There will be times where the unit will expect you to put ACAP/outprocessing aside and help them try to accomplish a unit specific mission such as, supplementing a training exercise, guard duty, or, something they might feel takes more precedence than what you have going on. Don't do it. Use your chain of command to prevent incidents such as these from happening. If you're a leader, provide that service member with the top cover they need. If you're a service member and getting push back from your chain, take your complaint to IG. Focus on your future away from the military and if you have family, ensure all their needs are met first. The unit will be fine without you there, trust me. Have a plan months prior to outprocessing. Ensure you give yourself options of what you'll be doing after the military such as, school, work, or starting a business. Build networks, job search, research schools, research the area you will be living in. If you're starting a new job, is there a resource you can provide that the area might benefit from? Understand that the plan will change, but stay flexible and stay focused.

203

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.

204

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.

205

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.

206

Network early while you're still in the service. Establish a LinkedIn profile and have all military training and experience listed in civilian language. Take advantage of ALL "optional" transition classes/courses: don't just attend the mandatory training. Have your resume reviewed by civilians in corporations BEFORE sending it to a potential employer.

207

Tailor resume to position before submitting.

208

Emphize leadership skills. There are attitudes in the civilian sector who are " hygiene freaks". They are only interested in the basic survival needs of food, homes, salary and self adulation. They avoid responsibility and don't want to jepordize their position. This leaves a void of leaders and piles on the " I don't want to be the decision makers". Be pro-active and lead.

209

Find a mentor and network, network, network!!