1

Identify your soft skills stengths (good with people, detailed orientated, etc) then research jobs that require your soft skill strengths. Then target the jobs you like. If you are prior intel NEVER say the words "well I cant provide too many details because its classified." what that means is you haven't spent the time to translate your skills into intelligible connections to the employer.

2

Find someone who can "translate" your military skills and accomplishments into words a potential employer will understand.

3

Build your network throughout your career. You absolutely can do this without "dropping your pack" or neglecting your current responsibilities. Very often this form pf professional development actually makes you better at your current job in the service

4

Vets STRUGGLE who are entitled feeling they are owed a job because of their veteran status. Vets who know there is great economic opportunity in America and go for it achieve GREAT SUCCESS. And the things that lead to success in the Military lead to success in a corporate job: 1. Come in early; 2. Leave late; 3. Take care of the people who work for you; 4. Do the right thing when nobody is looking; 5. Get after it

5

Find a knowledgeable transition team

6

Prepare 3+ years out by networking, networking, and networking.

7

Start planning, preparing and thinking seriously 3 years out! It's all about the "network". If you wait until you are within 1 year of transitioning, you are already behind.

8

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

9

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

10

Use your education benefits and train in a marketable skill.

11

Start preparing yourself at least a year out. Start familiarizing yourself with the different job sites that are military familiar. Prepare resume and and have a couple of people look at it. Familiarize yourself with all the different job programs for transitioning veterans in you state. There is also oversees position that specifically look for transitioning veterans. Do not be afraid to go where the money is. Stay focused and stay hungry. Network, network, network, network! Most important, know your worth.

12

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

13

Explore career fields that have an accepted Body of Knowledge, a professional credential indicating a command of that BOK, and are in demand. Then obtain the credential and discuss your military experience in the language of the BOK. The credential then corroborates your experience which sounds familiar to the hiring official because it's in the language of the career/discipline/profession. Examples of fields are Human Resources, Project Management, Accounting, etc.

14

Plan ahead by putting out feelers sending out good civilian resumes

15

Three things - 1) You need to understand how your military skills translate to the civilian world. So good intel on what companies are looking for in their candidates. Hint: Military folks have the leadership skills companies are dying for but the concern is will you fit into their culture or have the business sense. 2) You need to build a network of friends, family, acquaintances that can help you in your job search. 3) Know what you want to do when you grow up...at least for next few years. And realize you are not going to upper management right away.

16

Spend 6months to a year transitioning... Get your resume out there! Keep military jargon out of your resume..but a conservative suit. If you have no computer or technical skills coming out of the military.. find any way you can to take courses..Beef up on your computer skills and know the differences between military and civilian corporate styles of leadership. Save your money!!

17

Keep very good records of medical and personal while inside and any correspondences between yourself and the VA.

18

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

19

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

20

No matter what they've been led to believe, well paying jobs and perfect employment opportunities are not automatically waiting for the majority of veterans separating or retiring from military service. Most service members will be discouraged by the massive amount of time and energy they'll have to dedicate to their quest for employment, and most will be shocked by the low level jobs they'll be offered as they attempt to enter the civilian workforce.

21

Make a copy of all your records.

22

to get a copy of your service records and medical papers

23

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

24

Don't take a job simply on salary. Type of job, location, benefits, quality of life all should play a big part. Be especially careful not to move to a location you don't like just for a job with a high salary. Many do not have the same job 1 yr after leaving the military, you could be stuck some place you don't want to be.

25

Schedule the start of your transition early, then back up the date another 3 months. start + years early and get all your civilian certifications you need to get a viable long term job/career. Do not rely on your "military soft skills" to start your civilian career. Don't give up!

26

One thing do your homework. Decide if your going to school or find a job. Know were you want to move. If you are going to do the same type job after your out. Find out were the same job is and is it easy or hard to get a job in the field. Second Get your records copied and if you can get VA disability after you leave get the info together.

27

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

28

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

29

Prepare... internships or finding companies that do Onboarding specifically for Veterans are the ideal!

30

It's not easy even you think you are very prepared. Although I was blessed to received several valuable certifications while serving 20 years in the Navy, I have yet to find a job.

31

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

32

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

33

Register at VA as soon as you get out.

34

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

35

The VA is the enemy, take charge of your health care and don't take no for an answer with the VA. Find out all you can about programs and bennifits available.

36

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

37

Leaving the military is like dealing with loss. There is a grieving process that some go through. Allow yourself to grieve. But do not grieve for too long. The job market isn't what is was 15, 10 or even 5 years ago. It is truly competitive and can feel quite degrading at times. Don't give up. What is meant for you will come. You may have to take someone you don't want (and might not even like) before your dream job comes along.

38

Plan to start early, then start even earlier. Get certified in your trade, or the trade you want to get into. Yes you will need certificate and or diploma. Network, network network...

39

Take care of your medical process first because it can be lengthy. Get with people whom have jobs and find out what was the process they went through. Also have your mentors and people in the industry you want to go into look at you resume. If you need a degree, use your post 9/11 gi bill and get one. Live within your means as you look for a job since you may be looking at less. If stressed out, turn to people in your personal network(friends, family) As well as your professional network(co-workers, supervisors, mentors)

40

Talk to family. Now the military has career counselors but back in the day it was a collateral job. contact local unemployment offices and job centers. Also contact veteran organizations. VFW. American Legion Etc.

41

Differentiate yourself from everyone else looking for work. If you are very passionate about something, or extremely great at some certain skill, consider startstarting a business utilizing that particular passion/skill and network to find others to fill the gaps that you are not good at. Focus on what makes you tick and let the others do what they are best at.

42

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

43

Don't limit your civilian career options to a specific location or industry. Be as open to all possibilities. Don't limit your options to your primary military duties. Consider your collateral duties as possible careers.

44

Translation of your Military experience to the Civilian sector.

45

Start planning 1-2 years in advance.

46

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.

47

What military personnel have been made to believe as important for career success in the military is not what is important to obtaining success in a civilian work environment: This includes culture, job skill translation, personality and the ability to work in a teaming environment. Its about your ability to help a company increase revenue, decrease costs, increase shareholder value. There are no budget nor storeroom gate keepers in industry like there are in the military. There are no "watchman" standing duty or keeping an eye on the place....its about production, manufacturing, repairs and ultimately selling off to obtain revenue into the company. There is no barking of orders in industry or the Government civilian world. There is no imagery (rank, insignia, warfare pins, ribbons, medals...etc), just the same clothing you wear.

48

Be prepared for things to take longer than you expect. Have adequate savings to weather the transition as there will be a 45 day lag between your last active duty check and first retired check. If you don't have a job ready, expect to use savings to pay bills for 3-4 months.

49

Transitioning to become a civilian again. The military takes years or months to turn civilians into military members, however, we're returned to become a civilian on our own. Connections are different (camaraderie), ways of getting things done (building teams of equals, not giving directives/orders) and interacting with our peers are significantly different. I have seen many not make this transition and they might be tolerated in the workplace, however, they are not wanted. This is a shame since we can all relearn how to interact, but we need to be shown. I have been a hiring manager and had to forgo the valuable assets most former military members bring because they could not interact in a civilian workplace.

50

network and get a LinkedIn profile

51

Start preparing for separation at least one full year before hand. Get educated on what you want to do post-service while the military foots most of the bill... do that starting the day you leave recruit training. Network with civilians in the sector you want to join! Seek good advice from those that have walked the path you're embarking on. Consider starting your own business. It'll be a LOT more work than a job, but there's nothing like the feeling of freedom you and you family will enjoy... after you've made it a success. Getting there is the hard part.

52

Complete as much off-duty education as possible. Take advantage of certification programs that are available ie PMP.

53

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

54

Make sure they enroll in the VA Healthcare system, EDD, Create a resume, consider being a member of Team Rubicon, The Mission Continues and or IAVA-All offer great support and you will feel a sense of belonging while serving yiur community.

55

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

56

Don't depend on any one or any organization to help you, you're on your own.

57

There are a lot more organizations now to help veterans transition now than when I left the service. I only had a Half day seminar mostly about resume writing and that was it. Take advantage of any Veteran help that you can find. Join your local veteran organizations such as VFW or American Legion. The members there can be of invaluable help. On a negative note, do not expect any employer to give more than lip service about being pro veteran supporter. After 20 years of working in the civilian sector my military service played almost no advantage in the view of any of my employers other than as a curiosity. What has always counted has been building a civilian history of hard work, sacrifice to the company and loyalty. Basically you are starting all over again. Get copies of all your service records and keep them in a safe, fire proof location. In regards to translating military skills to civilian skills, in my case most of my skills were classified and won't be unclassified for 50 years so that was useless. There are efforts by organizations and colleges to get around this. Keep copies of any qualification cards you may have gotten signed off. While your skills are still fresh in your mind, take "challenge tests" at colleges to quickly get college credits toward degrees. About job fairs. I quit going to them and consider them a waste of time and money. After a couple years of working these mass events and receiving almost no employment responses yet noticing a large increase in the amount of junk mail I received I started using different middle initials in my name when submitting resumes and filling out employment forms as an experiment. After a while I started receiving junk mail with these different middle initials in the address. I have become convinced that these mass events are nothing more than information mills by employers to gauge the number and quality of the unemployed available and to sell lists of peoples names to various organizations that will pay money for mailings. On being patient, that is nonsense. Be aggressive in pursuing your employment goals. Sitting around waiting for an employer to call you is a joke and a waist of time. Research the companies you want to join and work the heck out of every possible avenue to get that job! Wait for nothing! Don't bother with professional resume writers. There are plenty of excellent programs you can use. My resumes got me in the door constantly and that's all they are supposed to do. After that it is all in your interview skills and your connection with the interviewer.

58

Research potential careers based on your passion and personality type. Examine your MOS/Rating and see what's out there that is related, IF that's what you'd like to do.Research careers based on your passion and personality type. Use the web sites that will help you examine your MOS/Rating so you can se what is related if that is the direction you'd like to go. Finally, do what you love to do!!!

59

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

60

EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN FOR THE WORKFORCE. REMEMBER TO DO A RESUME' THAT ACCENTUATES YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS, ABILITY TO TAKE DIRECTION, AND MOST OF ALL TO ACCOMPLISH GOALS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. EMPLOYERS KNOW THEY CAN TRUST EX MILITARY FOLKS TO BE PUNCTUAL, BE THERE WHEN SCHEDULED, AND EXHIBIT A WILLINGNESS TO GO THE EXTRA MILE WHEN OVERTIME IS REQUIRED.

61

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

62

Networking and figuring out what you want to do.

63

Just because you have a particular NEC or MOS, that may not be the job that capitalizes on your abilities. Find out what you truly love to do.

64

1. Be flexible with what types of jobs you are willing to consider, be open to interviewing for different types of jobs; 2. Give yourself time to adjust. See a therapist if you are having trouble; 3. Read two books: "the first ninety days" and "Leaving Active Duty: Real Life Stories and advice for junior military officers". Both are applicable to all veterans regardless of rank. Both are available on Amazon.

65

network, network, network.

66

Be ready for an undisciplined work environment where you will need to be aggressive to succeed.

67

Relationships and work processes in the civilian workforce are not as clearly defined as in the military. You need to get an understanding of how the civilian workforce interacts. As an example, while I was an LTJG on a helicopter carrier, specific actions were clearly delineated. You took orders, made decisions and issued orders which were carried out expeditiously. You expected specific outcomes from the orders you issued, and at times did spot inspections to insure these orders were executed. The work processes in the civilian workforce doesn't happen this way. Often there is no clearly defined rank structure. And, woe to you, if you actually issued an order. As a transitioning veteran, try to get some mentoring from other vets who've successfully made the transition on tips and techniques on how to deal with the civilian workforce.

68

Have a specific plan on what is going to happen. If you want to hand out resumes to companies, plan on where you are going, who you're talking to, what you are applying for, how you'll get there, etc. Don't just apply for a job here or there and expect to get hired right away.

69

Try to preposition yourself during your last tour in a target rich environment for the type of career you are looking. If you cannot do that, stay flexible and portable to moving to where jobs are being created. Go to school as soon as possible to get another degree or professional certification. STEM, STEM, STEM ... That's where the shortage of skills are.

70

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

71

Start looking for a job or higher education early. Best is to have a job, or college acceptance before you transition out. It can take longer than you think to land the job you want once you're separated.

72

Recognize that it is your work experience and knowledge that is important, not your rank.

73

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.

74

start early - do not believe what you hear or read

75

1. Prepare yourself long before you decide to transition to the civilian workforce. Attending TAP class should be something you do a minimum of 2 times because it is impossible to get all the information in 1 sitting; 2. Plan 1 or 2 years out. Start writing resumes, practicing interviews, reading books on the subject of job hunting (Guerrilla Warfare for Job Hunters, What Color is Your Parachute, etc.); 3. Don't be afraid to ask for help. There are dozens and dozens of places to ask for assistance from Veterans & Industry Leaders who are willing to help (Linkedin, ACP, etc.)

76

Make time for yourself to make sure all your medical and transition paperwork gets completed early.

77

SEEK A JOB THAT USES YOUR MILITARY EXPERIENCE, ONE THAT YOU LIKE, ONE THAT YOU ARE GOOD AT.

78

Get and or make copies of your records and I mean EVERYTHING! !!!! Things have a tendency to get lost or it doesn't have the information needed on some of the forms that is requested by civilian employers or by the civilians that operate programs for veterans; (VA benefits/medical facilities)

79

Have a short-term and long-term plan for how you envision your civilian career path. No one is going to outline your promotions and career path for you, so it's up to you- which is both exciting and nerve wracking.

80

No one at any job I've had has cared anything about my education, since it was not a 4yr degree. No one cared about my military experience or training. No one cared that I was a disabled vet.

81

The employers I dealt with could care less about your military background. In some cases, once you mentioned you were retired, they would find a way to end the interview. On one occasion I was interviewed by (a retired Air Force E-9) who was a mayor of a small town. He didn't even care about what I had accomplished in the military. I got the job over 11 other applicants only because I agreed to start out at minimum wage. Please don't misunderstand me. I felt that serving in the navy was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I think I did pretty well considering I had broken service and still made Senior Chief.

82

You have to know yourself and know what career field you want to pursue outside military. Once you have this info, start branding yourself, let people know who you are and what skills you bring to the table. Networking is key, online and in person. Establish a strong Linkedin profile and start making connections.

83

Stay in.

84

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

85

Set an objective based on skills and personal interests. In addition, have a dream job - what would you love to do ! What are the obstacles preventing that target and are they overcome able? On active duty ask civilians what they do and how they like it ! Begin early to broaden your horizon of experience! Be proactive- don't sit back and wait to be hit by a falling job!

86

Get as much of your education completed while on active duty. New employers want new employees with education and certifications. Some of the most popular certifications in my industry are: PMP, ITIL, CISSP, CEH, and Security +.

87

1. If all possible try not to retire while on deployment, retire before or after; 2. About 2yrs out start working on your retirement process; 3. Start net working for Government/DOD Jobs prior to leaving, Transitioning is a lot easier going to government to government than it is Civilian to government; 4. Take a class in writing resume's, Prewrite your resume should be 1 to 2 pages tops, learn how to write like a civilian not like your still in the military civilians do not know or understand the military ways; 5. Everything stated above should be related to a military course.Boot camp was 8 weeks long and Tap Class 5 days Tops, don't take this wrong it does provide you with good info, just isn't long enough, in other words here's your completion certificate good luck have a nice day and thank you for your service.

88

Have a plan; know what you want to do when you get out, create your goals as early as possible and then use the military transition process to help you attain those goals.

89

Connect to the business world prior to leaving the safety net of military service.

90

Many of your friends, from high school or other activities, may not be there for you. They will have moved on in their lives. So understand that you may need to find new friends and create new relationships.

91

Remember that not everyone you work with are disciplined and pro-military. (also depends on which company you work for)

92

Maintain a professional network.

93

I would advise transitioning servicemembers to stay in touch with their old military friends and make attempts to meet new ones through social groups such as Team RWB or Mission Continues. By connecting with others like them, veterans can interact and learn from those who have made the transition before them.

94

Have multiple plans; while you are still on active duty, people will make all types of promises about employment after retirement. Most often this promises are sincere but circumstances change. I had a plan and a back-up plan for employment but neither came to pass.

95

The concept of "fit." When pursuing job opportunities, don't approach it from the standpoint that you need a paycheck. Think more along the lines of "...do I fit what the Company needs and does the Company fit what I am wanting to do?" Also, develop a vast network prior to departure from Active Duty and rely upon that network to assist you in the job search. Finally, research the Companies you're targeting and have a working knowledge of what they do before the interview. Sell your self by telling an interviewer how your skill sets will "increase their bottom line."

96

Start to plan for your transition well over a year in advance. Connect with friends and colleagues to see what their experiences were like when they transitioned. Talk to a skills coach to see what you are truly passionate about doing and align your job search with your passion. Understand that there will not be a perfect match between what you did in the military and what you will do in the civilian sector, and give yourself time and space and patience to make the transition.

97

Be yourself; Give, teach, and love.

98

To develop a comprehensive job search strategy that includes a robust tactical toolbox, but does not focus on any one to the exclusion of the others. Some of those tools are: 1) A networking effort that includes friends, family, and former military members along with social media vehicles like LinkedIn and TogetherWeServed; 2) A resume template for military-savvy and private sector employers that can be customized for a specific job; 3) Avoiding the limiting concept of staying or re-locating to a specific location; 4) Develop a realistic understanding of how companies hire; 5) Develop the ability to negotiate a salary based on the market, NOT on some preconceived idea of personal value.

99

Arm yourself with as much accurate information as possible. Know what you want to do, either by job type or industry. Our faith in being able to do "anything" is justified, but employers aren't looking for "anything." They need a person who can perform a specific set of functions. Know what those functions are so you are prepared to meet the employer's expectations.

100

Start early, study the process, research career fields and do the hard work of talking to people who have gone before you

101

Military is family and civilians do not understand unless they are attached to someone in the military.

102

One, find your passion which may be where you want to live, what you want to do or who you want to be with or work with. It's not always about what you want to do. Second, seek out help. There are so many organizations, embedded within corporate, non-profit and for profit that provide transition assistance

103

Don'the believe a thing they say.

104

If retiring, find out how much the cost of living will be where you intend retire. Ask the question, "Will my retirement payment allow me to reside here with minimal financial risks until I have a full time job with acceptable benefits?" Not retiring, learn and understand the unemployment policies. You will most likely need to use the service soon if a job is not lined up after separation from service. Ensure your resume is filled with keywords both the military and civilian environments understand. Employers want more than just single page resumes. Get a LinkedIn account, populate it, ask for recommendations and endorsements. Submit atleast three resumes a week and don't choose the first job opportunity unless it is exactly what you wanted. Better opportunities could be right around the corner. Best chances of getting hired is in the first quarter of the year! Most importantly, Pray to God to guide your path. All these things will workout for you! :)

105

Save more money early in life.

106

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

107

Your home-of-record move is one of your most important assets. Don't squander it. Make sure you are moving to an area with an economy that can support not just your next job, but the one after that. Even if you are planning on going to school (that plan doesn't always work out), make sure that the area can support your post-college career goals. After all, employers like to hire from their local colleges. Location, location, location!

108

I would not take the decision to separate lightly. Ensure you are as methodical and thorough in choosing whichever career you do. Understand the process of transitioning, understand the job market you desire to head into, talk to as many people as you can, and have a well thought out plan. For the transition process itself, I think the most important advice is to have a mentor. Someone that has transitioned himself/herself in the past, knows the process, and can provide recommendations and advice as you make career moves.

109

A college education is necessary if you expect your civilian salary to match your military salary.

110

Start planning the transition at least 18 months out. Items to consider: VA paperwork, final medical procedures, resume development, network building, finances immediately post retirement(if no follow-on job secured)

111

re-establish your networks before you are ready to transition and ensure your clearance is current before you transition

112

Stop working on your resume and start networking.

113

Decide what your top priorities are from amongst location, money, type of job, etc. and focus your job search by using those priorities. This helps you narrow down your search while also keeping you in a satisfaction zone with whatever job you end up choosing.

114

Start to plan your transition at least a year out. Use LinkedIn and other social media to network. Get advise from other veterans that have completed the transition within the last two years, they will have the latest information. Attend GPS class in the area that you plan to move to if possible, the class will have the local connections.

115

#1 Priority - VA Disability Rating (Seek help from DAV, VFW, AMVETs etc. #2 Resume Skills

116

Do not wait until the last minute, and I mean "the last minute". I work with service men and women in transition, and I see on a daily basis how they wait until they are 3 to 4 weeks out before really looking at their options. At a minimum, given the ideal situation, all should start planning and developing their exit strategy 2 years out.

117

Learn how to convert your resume to a civilian human resources format

118

Plan ahead (years)

119

Do not stay longer than 35 years or you make get the too old questions.

120

To research what potential employers need in order to determine what you (the vet) may need to become an employee of choice. You must be able to articulate what you can do for them in terms of their business...specifically whenever possible.

121

Grow your network and LinkedIn profile

122

Before negotiating your first salary, take into account all the things the military provided you for free or at a reduced cost that you will now have to pay full-price for: things like health insurance premiums, loss of commissary benefits, and loss of non-taxable allowances for housing and subsistence. In my first civilian job I made 20% more than I had on active duty, but my standard of living was noticeable lower!

123

Learn the logistics structure of the civilian world. Purchasing, accounting, etc. Also, depending on your military experience, pay attention to teams, collaboration, and matrix organizations.

124

Don't be overly broad in your search. While it may be true that you can learn to do anything, most employers are not looking for that and will find you to be overly confident and simplistic in your capabilities. Employers will come to love your ability to learn and take on challenges, but it is not necessarily their first hiring requirement. I suggest you spend adequate time (maybe a few months) really assessing your skills (tests, etc.), your family needs (discussions), your personal needs (true introspection) and your professional goals (aspirations) before jumping at the first opportunity that seems to pay well. You may be able to find something quickly to pay the bills, but it may end up being wrong for you in the long term. Start this process long before you get your DD214. I'm Navy and didn't start thinking of this until after leaving the hectic schedule of sea duty. It was on a shore tour that I finally had the time to really think about whether to leave or stay and if leave, what to do. You can still get paid while you work on your next step. When I was separating, there was a program called TAP or Transition Assistance Program that helped with some of this thought process. I don't know what is available now, but do use whatever resources your service offers. Take the personal assessments, attend the seminars, networking events and training opportunities. If you do these things, and don't jump too quickly, I believe you will make a better decision and be happier in the long term.

125

To be able to convert your job responsibilities and experience from military terms to civilian language. Recognize you are moving from a world where you know a military language to a world where no one knows what language you are speaking. Obtain certifications that are known in the civilian world such as Professional Engineer, Project Management Professional etc.

126

The civilian world operates very differently from the military. Civilians use different jargon and systems for accountability, communications, and operations than what we were used to seeing in the military. There are also varying levels of commitment, dedication, and professionalism in the civilian workforce. The point is to be prepared for a less rigid working environment and atmosphere than what you were used to in the military.

127

Don't just take a job to have a job. According to several recent studies, most people employed today are not "engaged" at work and even a greater number lack passion. This largely is due to being in roles that are not a good fit for how they are wired and/or a poor fit with their manager. One of the most important factors in job success is having a role that their natural wiring fits. So, it is extremely helpful to know how they are wired (what their natural strengths are) and what people who are wired like them are doing successfully. Then they can choose from the list of those jobs to pursue employment in jobs/careers where with the appropriate education, experience, skills, and ambition, they can be successful.

128

Networking

129

Plan, plan, plan. Get out and start attending job fairs and networking. Attend FFSC Employment Classes (Career Planning, Job Search Strategies, Effective Resume Writing, Interview Techniques and Federal Employment). Make sure everything medical is documented and start on VA Claim. Federal Eployment is plan B. Learn to target resumes.

130

If stating in DoD work, don't civilianize your resume and don't worry about 2 pages.

131

Talk to anyone and everyone who separated or retired before you. You will hear a lot that does you no good, but you will find the stuff the saves your ass.

132

Be prepared mentally and financially to take advantage of opportunities. Eliminated as many obstacles before the transition (for example housing).

133

Learn to speak "Civilian" and let go of the military terminology. Systematically analyze your strengths (military and civilian) and classify them into civilian terminology. While transitioning your vocabulary to civilian, don't forget your military network who can help inspire and/or encourage your transition moves.

134

Ensure that you get a military to civilian transition resume done. A lot of civilian companies do not understand military terms. Also know the difference between each type of resume you may need. If you have a clearance, keep it active as long as you need for potential jobs that require clearances. A clearance is a great benefit on the outside world.

135

Take a job and keep looking for your perfect job.

136

You learned more than you realize while serving your country. There are many different things you are fully qualified to do. The challenge is finding a new career where you enjoy the work and the people you work alongside.

137

The civilian market place is not better than the military - it's just different. In the military we developed plans to deal with turnover - material history, other crew/shift/etc. logs. We were always told the civilians have the 30 year guys who are there and understand it all. Not true - and not planned for. We are better equipped than a lot of our civilian counterparts to deal with turnover. Make sure you're not deferring to the "experts" on how to deal with turnover.

138

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

139

Start planning at least two to three years in advance.

140

Start far earlier than 18 months!! The transition takes a long while and should be started, at least planning, 2-3 years out. What am I going to do for the rest of my life? What is my next career? Will it need a degree? Serious questions that must be answered and planned for early.

141

Do your homework in studying which civilian jobs are available and those with advancement potential. Get a college degree while still on active duty.

142

Network early. Earlier than you think necessary.

143

Networking and the translation of skills into the civilian employment. Learning how to talk from active duty to seeking full time employment. This is crucial in the interviewing process so that the interviewee can understands the passion and training I have received to translate into the job description that I have applied to for the interview.

144

Search & Consider All options to make use of your government service time already spent, ensuring future success. Life time endeavor - build on skills of interest to fit alternate career paths with retirement (pension) benefits couple with professional -personal development.

145

Planning for the transition is essential. Laying the groundwork to change locations and especially industries can take years to accomplish. The sooner you start planning for a successful transition the better. It is never too early! You should always be planning to get out. You never know what could happen, a personal or family illness or injury, forced separation, force reduction, ect.

146

Do a lot of soul searching about what you really want to do when you get out and consider the path that you need to get there. Ask everyone you encounter lots of questions about what they do and what path they took to get in that position. Start to plan early so that you have plenty of time to work on your resume, network, apply to schools. Seek out non-profits that can help you transition.

147

Have a plan, maintain goals, develop a daily scheduled/routine and stick to it.

148

No institution cares if you served. Yeah you get 5 veterans points in hiring but its essentially meaningless. Companies will hire a college grad who has never done anything over a veteran every day of the week

149

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.

150

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

151

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

152

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

153

Get ready for either unemployment or to switch jobs each year out of frustration and anger at lazy backstabbing shithead civilians.

154

Start early

155

Networking

156

Start networking and preparing a year in advance at least.

157

People are not going to be knocking down your door to hire you just because you are a veteran. Know what skills you have and how well they match the job you want. Then go out aggressively market yourself to potential employers.

158

The separation career programs available from the services are much better than what was previously offered but it is still up to each individual separating service member to determine what they want to do, where they want to do it at, and how they can get there. Most separating service members have a good idea of where they want to live. Many haven't a clue of what they want to do and as a result get desperate and take jobs that are not even close fits to who they are. Figuring out one's path(s) is a critical but often overlooked step to getting out. As for the how, my experience and observations indicate that many separating service members do minimal planning before they get out. If planning is involved, ITPs and other plans are mandatory, they are poorly executed. The how also includes effective networking which again is a skill that many learn often by trial and error. My advice is to try and attend a transition workshop at least a year prior to getting out and taking action based on those workshops and those recommended in web sites (such as this one) before, not after, one steps out the cozy gates of their military home for the last time.

159

Plan ahead!! I asked all the right questions, and still found out that I had wrong answers. I officially retired on 31 March 2016, and was lead to believe that my first retiree check would be April 1st, not the case. I was also not told that my final check would be held up. I had planned to start work on 14 March, but the job offer was rescinded on 11 March, and I had to start over. Needless to say, April was a very tight month with no income coming in. Another thing, DO NOT STOP LOOKING FOR A JOB UNTIL YOU ARE IN THE DOOR OF YOUR FIRST! As soon as I got the verbal offer, I was told by my recruiter to shutdown my job search. I did, and lost out on other opportunities I could have had when I lost the first job.

160

The transition is much more than just getting a job.

161

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

162

Ask questions. People assumed that I knew a lot of things and had expectations.

163

Don't make ANY permanent commitments to start with. If you move to a new area, rent. Be sure your family can adjust to having you around more often

164

Start transition planning early by doing parallel career development.

165

Build a strong initial network of contacts (friends, former personnel you served with who have separated or retired) and grow your network through them. Do not wait until you are a few months from separating or retiring to build your network, rather start 1-2 years in advance.

166

Patience with those who have not served a combat assignment.

167

Take the transition classes as early as possible and close to separation or retirement. Start working on college courses while on active duty. If possible attain at least a Bachelor's degree before leaving the service. Start perusing USA Jobs to have an idea what's available in the Federal Government. Seriously consider a Federal Job due to special hiring authorities granted to Veterans.

168

Talk to someone who excels in career counseling on the outside. Someone who has an understanding of military jobs and can help you understand how your skills fit into the civilian workforce. Do NOT do it alone. I used a recruiter who knew the military and my transition would not have been nearly as successful without the help.

169

Start the process with a focused Objective ! Target your activities and clearly communicate that Objective!

170

Find a mentor

171

Talk to as many different types of professionals as possible; use social media to find fellow veterans and branch-specific service members that have already transitioned to career fields you find interesting and reach out to them proactively.

172

Speak civilian & forget about rank.

173

Start planning at least 2 years before you plan to transition. The process takes time and other organizations like VA are not on same clock as you

174

Plan ahead to be unemployed for 6 months while searching for your next career opportunity. Don't expect to walk into a job making what you did when in uniform.

175

Go for jobs that might not be what you did in the military to have a better chance of not being unemployed due to waiting for doors open. A job in something you don't like is better than nothing at all and shows you are not just staying home waiting. Get a college degree, that's when doors opened for me. Most employers where anti-war protestors during Vietnam and will not care if your a veteran, even hold it against you. I use to have 2 resumes and the civilian one always got me more interviews than the military one. 20 years of service means less than the degree to the employers out here, even know I learned more knowledge, leadership, and discipline in the military. I applied to 40 websites for over 1000 jobs to get 20 interviews in a 5 year period. I worked Charity job, TSA, VA, and now CBP.

176

Be willing to change and understand your link in the chain of command will likely go down. Be willing to prove yourself and demonstrate your skills, not everyone understands where you have been, nor do they need to. Be patient.

177

Get all the information possible about the VA benefits. compare your benefits to what you will be getting if your retiring from the military. Don't jump at a sum of money, instead look at what you will be giving up if you take the money or if you take your disability rating. Try to get a job in the civilian world before you are mustered out.

178

1. MAKE time to get in touch with yourself and identify what you want and where you want it. Don't just chase money UNLESS you're willing to relocate and even then, FOCUS on what aligns with your internal compass. 2. Get a counselor, get a mentor. Develop a PLAN but know that that plan can and is likely to need to be adjusted based on the intel you gather. 3. Plan on the first post-service job being a "transition" job, a learning experience.

179

The civilian community really does not care if you are a veteran or not, don't be in a hurry to get the job done right the first time, civilians except you to make a 1 hr job last at least 8 if not longer. Take pride in your work, goes out the window, again there is no pride in the workplace.

180

Get a job offer before getting out.

181

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

182

Save more money than they tell you to save because the job market is not as friendly as people say.

183

Be prepared, have a transition plan. Understand how your military skills and leadership experience translate into the civilian economy, and get comfortable communicating and describing yourself in civilian terms. Hopefully, you took advantage of the free educational opportunities available on active duty to get a degree or certification in your field of interest.

184

Don't take it so personal that people don't know what you've accomplished in the military, because they too have their own accomplishments to be proud of. We are all selfish and proud to an extent, that we don't care so much about the accomplishments and experience of others.

185

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

186

Prepare early with job finding efforts.

187

Listen to your family and be aware of trends in your industry

188

Positive mental attitude. Sell your strengths not only your accomplishments in your resume and interview(s). Be ready to provide at least two areas of improvement that you have set as a goal. Sell military experience as if you were talking to someone who knows nothing about the military. Clean up your internet footprint (e.g. Social media accounts)

189

Have your finances in order allowing stress free decision making as to your futurr

190

Jobs are not abundant no matter how many years you served or how qualified you are.

191

try to figure out what industry you want to work in...genuine interest in the industry is key.

192

With over 20+ years of military experience, continue networking with private companies and civil service employees who believed in your knowledge and experience and they will be the one that will call you for a job offer. I was already offered a job even before my retirement and I have to ask them that I need a break first before I start my Federal job.

193

Establish a network and start positioning yourself for post military employment at least 10 years prior to retirement

194

Military life is a much more structured, familial and disciplined life. Taking off the uniform and changing it for civilian clothes only makes you a military person in civilian clothes without the support groups NOT a civilian. Real transition must start months before the final day and must involve thoroughly researching every aspect of the new, anticipated life style. It's not intuitive in many instances and is definitely not the same.

195

Stay in the military as long as possible.

196

Start your VA claim paperwork immediately. Make multiple copies of all your records, and request copies of all electronic treatment records from all providers and locations. Save up your leave. Start asking for letters of recommendation for future job search. Start learning how to dress yourself in something other than a uniform. Commit to no PT breaks, you'll never start again. Seriously research where you want to be since the military is paying for that last move. Research TriCare now, it's a nightmare.

197

Lower your expectation of focus from peers. Most civilian sector is not driven the same as military

198

Do not count on your military training to be recognized by civilian employers. While you are on active duty, get all the college credits and civilian credentials that you can. Plan on getting a college degree or a technical/trade certificate after you leave the service.

199

Decide what you would like to do with the rest of your life and then begin preparing for that by networking and taking any required courses sooner rather than later.

200

There is life after the military. Unfortunately the adrenaline rush will be infrequent.

201

To find a job, you have to email people working where you want to work instead of relying on job postings.

202

Know your worth. Industry will pay for it, especially leadership.

203

The resources provided by the military are helpful, but the truth is that they're no good without significant input by the transitioner. Thinking that someone will be there to do anything for you is false logic and will lead to failure. Show the initiative that you showed while active and you will succeed. There will be no free rides once you leave the service.

204

Don't expect your status, experience and knowledge gained in the military to translate to the the civilian workforce. The civilian workforce seems to view the military with curiosity at best, looking to merely get numbers of Veterans, but rarely provides transition training or counseling.

205

The civilian perception is probably not what you think especially from HR and recruiters. When I left the service I thought that companies would value my leadership experience and background working in fast-paced environments. I was wrong. I have since learned that many recruiters simply bypass prior military candidates and HR managers (at least in the industry that i am in - medical devices) have no conception of the training and experience that prior military job candidates bring to the table. Many hiring managers as well as peers view prior military members as potentially too rigid and too disciplined to fit in. As an example, a couple of weeks ago when i was interviewing candidates for a new position, my SVP boss told me he didn't want me to fill my team with a bunch of prior military guys. I pointed out to him that some of the most successful people in our company are prior military.

206

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

207

Spend the money for quality suit, tie, shirts and get rid of the PX/Exchange clothing and polyester ties. Keep the hair above the ears, but not high and tight.

208

Embrace the challenge and put your military service behind you. You will utilize the hard and soft skills you gained in the military but you must prove to your potential employers that you will increase their bottom line.

209

Understand your VA benefits. Always apply for Disability even if you don't think you qualify. It's much harder later.

210

1) Start 18 months prior to separation to begin your transition. 2) Be flexible about your possible locations. 3) Go where the work is. 4) Learn to speak in civilianese and quit using so much military jargon, it's a turnoff for many employers. 5) If you are older, 50+ your age can be a detriment and used against you. You must learn how to overcome this by concentrating on your experience. 6) During interviews talk 'specifics' and not glossy talk.

211

I learned to take full advantage of any opportunity thrown my way. I initially thought I deserved a well-paying job right out of the gate but that isn't the case for many. I had to get my degree, take lower paying jobs and work for that dream job.

212

Practice interviewing

213

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

214

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.

215

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

216

Start networking early

217

Take your military training and discipline to the civilian workforce. Most people there have no concept of service or mission and are waiting for someone to "pick up the ball" like you did every day while serving.

218

Build a reputation within a broad network.

219

Do your homework and know the job market for the area you will be settling in after discharge. Know what you want to do and prepare yourself before transition for the job market. The notion that you will walk off base and find a job with little to no preparation is false.

220

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

221

Understand how companies view talent and skills within the company and what to see the impact you had and not the job you did.

222

Research thoroughly job opportunities in the field you are considering in the geographic area you are considering and network, network, network.

223

Call the unemployment office prior to getting out/once you get out to check your benefit availability. Ask questions and make calls! Do NOT just assume what you read is true. Speak to someone to make sure!

224

Be able to clearly articulate your skills as they translate to the civilian workforce world.

225

Don't be afraid to ask friends and former coworkers for recommendations of jobs to apply to.

226

Civilian employers have no clue of what your experience means. You have to translate it to civilian equivalent experience. As a Navy veteran no one related to my position as a Main Propulsion Assistant. I broke down my job into components on my resume.

227

Forget how important you were in the military. Forget the perks you have/had. Forget the sea stories, no one is interested. You will be the new kid on the block until you prove your worth to the organization. Educate yourself in the skills your new outfit will be hiring you to exercise. Once you are hired, do not talk excessively about your military career, where you have been, what you have done, the qualifications you have achieved. They may have helped get you hired, but your contemporaries at work will only resent your bragging.

228

Do not let anyone make you fear the civilian world. Tough job markets, more expensive healthcare, inexperienced management, etc. No matter what, you have the ability to succeed and flourish as long as you stay persistent and work hard.

229

Patience

230

Give yourself time. The longer you were in the military, in my case, the longer I think it takes to transition back to civilian culture - especially if your are returning to work. The work force - front line staff, really doesn't care much about what you did or are capable of doing while you were in the military. They support us and say nice things, but you will have to reprove yourself. No one cares how many stripes you had on your sleeve. Take your time and learn how the work culture has changed while you have been gone.

231

Be as open as possible to new career opportunities other than those most obvious, such as going back to your old job but as a civilian contractor. When I transitioned my kids were just approaching high school age and I was very concerned about job stability, so I went the contractor route. After a year or so I knew this was a bad fit and I went into real estate and the reward was vastly greater than the risk. It turned out that the most useful skills I learned in the military weren't the technical ones but the organizational ones: time management, process management, active listening, problem solving, things like that.

232

Start preparing early and have a plan for transition.

233

Begin your preparation for separation/retirement well before departing the military. Ensure all records, particularly medical, are complete and accurate.

234

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

235

Be prepared for the fact that the civilian world works very different than the military environment to which you are accustomed. Most people in the civilian world are genuinely appreciative of your military service but very few of them will know, or care, what that service means or the skills it implies. You developed a lot of skills and attributes during your service that are difficult to explicitly mention on your resume (team work, different ways of approaching problems, work ethic, etc...). Those attributes will eventually stand you in good stead but are often unrecognized and unappreciated by your managers.

236

Open the aperture, so to speak, as to what your military experience may qualify you to do. Think outside the box. For example, maybe you managed your work center budget or workload planning -- so you have project management experience. Get advice from non-military folks, or those who have already transitioned, as to how to represent your experiences better.

237

Records, records, records: pay, training, fitness reports, medical (including any dependents) must be thoroughly reviewed for completeness and accuracy.

238

1) Education - Foreman and group leader positions are looking for those with a four year degree or more. 2) VA - File disability claims within a 12 month window. Once service connected, those items are treated free of charge through VA Medical Centers. 3) County Veteran Service Offices - inquire in your local community where all your VA resources are located, to include your county. Vet Center, VAMC, VARO, banks that participate in VA Home Loan program, check with State Veteran Services to see programs your state offers etc

239

Understand that being a civilian is much different than being in the Armed Forces. Don't expect to have one job your entire civilian career. You are likely to go through 2-4 jobs the first few years trying to figure out what works for you.

240

Learn all you can, get certs for it, whether it is in your job scope or not. Get it on your resume and that will make you more marketable.

241

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

242

Be Humble

243

Be honest with yourself on how the skills you learned in the military cross over to the civilian employment world.

244

Have 3-6 months of living expenses saved up before you make the transition. If a move is involved, more on the 6 months side.

245

To require each service member separating or retiring to receive a Veterans Administration review/evaluation for admittance into the VA system.

246

1) Start your VA disability claim 6 months before you get out. 2) Prepare your resume 1 year before you get out. 3) Start looking for a job or applying for school 9 months before you get out.

247

Life and attitudes outside the military are very different than those in the military.

248

1) Assess how well connected you are to where you will be living. If you have no family who is working, no friends in the area, you will find it extremely difficult to find meaningful work unless there are abundant job opportunities. 2) Begin networking before you exit the military to find your career path in your civilian area.

249

In the military, instructions/tasking was usually pretty specific in the civilian world it's much more fuzzy and vary rarely does a manager denote in advance how an individual's performance is going to be evaluated.

250

Start early. Build a network of people in areas of interest. Get involved in the community: volunteer, join groups, get off base. Understand that being a Veteran does not guarantee a job. Work on your transition as hard as you worked in boot camp.

251

Have a good church for spiritual support

252

Save up a substantial amount of money while you serve so you will have some to allow yourself a small amount of vacation time and support yourself until you can find a job in a tight employment situation. Even better would be to begin looking for work well before your discharge!

253

Be realistic. You have tremendous skills and leadership experience but most corporations either don't understand or care about what you did in the military. Your former rank will mean nothing to the civilian world. Your work ethic, integrity, and adaptability will be foundational to your success. You will be successful, but it will look different.

254

Know that your skills are absolutely transferable! You just need to make sure to translate them into civilian-speak so hiring managers and HR folks will understand. The soft-skills that military veterans bring are huge, and are often even more important than the technical skills. Traits like these are highly valued in the workplace: exceptionally strong work ethic, honesty/trustworthiness, ability to handle very stressful situations (and remain calm). Also very important is to work with a military transition specialist. The TAP office is fantastic. I also worked with two firms that specialize in transitioning military officers (I was a Navy O-3 at the time), and their advice, feedback, and interview practice were priceless.

255

Attend all transition classes offered. Attend all job fairs that you can. Get used to speaking with all different types of reps at the fairs. Glean as much application process/hiring info as possible--even for positions you may not be directly interested in. Then hone in on the type work and locations you want to work after separation. Make sure you have a good resume that is well up to date using appropriate "buzzwords" and avoid the overused and fluff terms that will just be ignored.

256

Civilian employers don't see our experience as a Leader/Manager equal to what they expect out of a college grad.

257

Since I retired from the Navy Reserve I was already in the civilian workforce. My biggest (Reserve Specific) lesson learned is find our about all of the retired benefits that you are eligible for before your retirement date. As a retired veteran I have recently started using the VA medical benefits in addition to my civilian benefits. VA service has been good and the out of pocket costs are less than my civilian insurance plan.

258

People (who never served) treat female veterans differently than male veterans. There is a double standard which I have yet to understand why in looking for employment, to obtain the veteran benefits, and to socialize with others

259

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

260

1) Before considering employment/educational next steps, spend time reflecting on your experience--what have learned about yourself? (skills I have developed and environments in which I excel) and what do I seek in this next phase of life? Consult with close friends/family, ask coworkers and previous supervisors... 2) Take advantage of the transition--take a break! 3) Looking for a job solely by responding to classifieds/postings is limiting and passive. Craft the job description of the opportunity you seek...then go find it or create it.

261

Use your educational benefits. Be selective to find a discipline that you will enjoy and one that will lead to a professionally rewarding career. It is good to examine the job market before deciding which degree (undergraduate or graduate) to pursue. Your military experience and leadership skills will work well in the civilian marketplace. Make sure your family is fully supportive of what you are seeking to do.

262

Rather than leave entirely, consider the reserves of whatever branch you are in. Also, the grass isn't always greener. It is very difficult to find a civilian company that provides the same sense of team as the military.

263

Learn new people skills - command & control works great in the military but most civilians will resent it and/or be intimidated by it, and they will view you as unapproachable, and they will not want to work with you.

264

1) Do your due diligence in research 2) Don't simply fill out applications; use LinkedIn and company veterans networks to find someone you can connect with and ask to be referred 3) Consider graduate school (e.g. MBA) as your transitional step... use that GI Bill. Do not underestimate the value of the two years graduate school and internships all you in calibrating to social norms 4) Practice, practice, practice! With your resume's, pitches, and interviews.

265

Explore all options. When you attend TAP listen carefully, take the advice the various presenters tell you and make copies of your medical record prior to leaving active duty. when i attended TAP i paid close attention and like a good sailor i followed instructions to the letter and as a result when i filed my initial claim for service connection i was awarded 40%. make sure you go through your medical record for completeness. there are a # of sites now that'll assist in converting your rating/MOS to a civilian job. take advantage of those and apply for either government jobs be it local government, state government and federal government. when you work for the government you can buy your military time back which adds to your retirement. you can do this IF you DIDN'T retire.

266

There are many opportunities for you, don't jump at the first thing that comes along. Ask yourself if it's something you would like to do?

267

Have a clear understanding of what you would like to do as a career when you separate/retire from the military. Determine what skills and/or certifications are the industry standard and start working on them - the minimum goal being able to explain to a potential employer when you expect to complete the designation/degree.

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Take advantage of your Post 9/11 GI Bill. I floundered quite a bit trying to find my place after leaving the military. Even though I was a Supply Officer and had a lot of business experience, it was tough for me to translate that experience onto a resume for businesses that weren't used to hiring veterans with a college degree. As I wasn't interested in continuing work in the defense industry, I struggled to find work that suited me. The Post 9/11 GI Bill allowed me to go to graduate school and obtain my law degree with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. This has opened a whole new future for my career that is far more flexible and fulfilling than what I was facing upon my separation.

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Study the industry that you want to target for your transition, as well as the companies that you are seeking employment. Through this homework and preparation, it is vital to be able to translate your military experience into a relevant connection to the company and industry that you are looking to move to. Your employer likely is not familiar with military experience in depth, so you need to show how your skills relate and will offer value to the employer

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Be prepared to start over at Entry Level positions and work hard to show that you are an asset to their company. Draw on your experience, but don't throw your experience in people's faces.

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Figure out what field (career path) you want to take as early as possible, and read up about the field. Begin networking in person or through social media channels. People have always been willing to help me out, but I had to seek their help. If you want to start your own business, reach out to your local SBA and/or SCORE office. They have been very helpful and given great guidance/advise. Be assertive, don't wait for opportunities to come to you - go find them.

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Make sure you are aware of all educational benefits available to you. Make sure you can effectively translate your military experience into comparable civilian/private industry terminology.

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Network!

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Either get your degree or take the best job offered. Don't waste valuable time looking for the perfect job at the perfect place. Work like you were still on active duty all the time.

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Make your first job, if possible, one that is still involved with the military and your co-workers are fellow veterans. Also, join clubs, groups and/associations for and with veterans. Use your GI Bill benefits immediately. And enroll in VA Health immediately. I did the first one. It took many years to do the other three, and those years of being disconnected took their toll in many aspects of my life.

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The hardest hurdle to overcome for me was making less money and starting at the bottom at a new job. The other challenging thing is having to pay additional taxes that I was exempt from while being active duty.

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Realizing and accepting that things and people are going to be different, and that you generally aren't going to step out into a job with similar responsibilities. The work ethic varies widely which can make it easier to promote once you get established. And as a manger, you don't have the same "tools" available to get people doing the right thing. For me, this was the hardest thing to accept. "It's not my job" is a hard, cold reality in trying to get things moving forward as opposed to the military mindset of finding a way to make it happen.

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Have your resume civilian ready. Make sure you have your resume proof read by someone who is fluent in military and civilian lingo. Take the advise of others who have transitioned from your branch and specialty. Do not expect top dollar for your years served. You will get what you deserve in time. Prove yourself. Know the company you are interviewing with. Do your homework.

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May not be related to entering the workforce, but most important - start the process to get your claim into the VA BEFORE your actual retirement/separation date. You can submit 180 days out, which means you should start the separation/retirement physical up to a year out. As far as entering the workforce, start looking at jobs/desciptions, and have your long an short resume's written about a year out, as well, if you want to start working immediately after retirements/separation.

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Learn how to network, most companies only hire from the internet as a last resort. If you go to college, attend career fairs early and find out what companies are looking for your freshman year and get internships. Most hiring managers do not understand technical skills in general, so military skills are really foreign to them.

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Be prepared for huge change. The civilians work force and culture is a vast difference from the military. Also, it may take several jobs before you find the right job and/or the right company.

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Take the time to before you leave the service to prepare for separation (e.g., medical/dental appts completed, records orders/copied, ensuring schools/training/certifications/awards properly documented, attending transition training, etc.).

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

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Military job skills do not transition as easily into the civilian market as people believe. For example, if you are an electrician in the military with 20yrs of experience don’t expect the civilian job market to recognize that. Some places are better at it than others. Do your research, don’t assume.

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Stay in government contracting or government. Most other organizations don't value military work experience.

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Identify a new career, make a plan to transition into that career (i.e. college degree, apprenticeship, etc...), and don't lose sight of your goal!

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

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

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Make sure you have a family/friend support system, and don't be afraid to rely on them. The transition out of military service is a difficult one, no matter how you slice it, harder still for those with families of their own. It is a daunting challenge, particularly in an unstable economy, to again find your civilian legs, as it were. Because that's the big difference. Regardless of all the minor comparisons and contrasts between military and civilian life, the big one is that we can generally rely on our commanders to take care of us and our problems at the end of the day while we're in. Once we're out, though there are various programs and services available to us, that huge level of support is gone, and it is once again all on us as the individual. And that is a heavy weight to carry, especially if we have a spouse and children to care for. I do not regret one iota my decision to get out; the price I ended up having to pay in frustration and anger for that "huge level of support" was too high a price in my opinion. But the fact of the matter is, a successful transition does not happen accidentally. It takes being proactive in your plans and the steps that you take, and it takes good friends and family to help guide your way, and catch you when you start to stumble or simply fall flat on your face. And personally, the same is true of everything in life; it is merely highlighted with great intensity during the military-to-civilian transition.

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Civilians who have never served will not understand you and your abilities. They also have a misconception that we all have some kind of mental problem stemming from our service. Many will also feel as though you are a threat to them (professionally) and will treat you accordingly. Just remember to breath, control your anger and frustration, and teach them about who you really are. It will be difficult at times but remember, we Veterans are experts at overcoming diversity.

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

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

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T-GPS or whatever it's called is useless. The two biggest things to do when transitioning are scan all your records onto a flash drive, and use a military targeted recruiting firm to land you a great job

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Research what you want do, where you want to live and companies you apply for. Beware of big business if you dislike bureaucracy and stratification (like staff duty). Include your family.

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My Family and I were much happier while I was in the military. As you transition you must network non stop to be able get employment. Also compared to what I was doing in the military my new job seems USELESS.

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You must plan for your retirement. Prior to retirement do the math in terms of your income. I could have stayed and served longer, working on getting promotion to a higher grade. I had two young children and when I did the math of what my pay would be if I worked to get promoted to the next grade, the pay raise was not substantial enough for me to kill myself to get there. I did this evaluation about at the 04 level. However, I did make myself as competitive as I could just in case life changed and I had to change that plan. I then moved around enough in the military with the long term goal at deciding what State I would want to live in as a civilian. I did my best to get assigned in places I think I wanted to retire in. Finally as most important attend the transition seminars offered and listen and execute all they tell you to do to prepare.

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Start looking early.

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Most of your military skills/experience can be applied to your civilian transition. I learned that experience and knowledge of are often confusing when you apply for a position in a related field. Even if you have only done the job once you have knowledge of it. Which means you can LEARN how to do that job. Don't short change yourself when you see that in a job requirement. If you have put it to use or practice say yes and go from there. Every employer has their way of doing the same job; it's up to the company. I held a position as a Functional Analyst and wound up being a Telephone Switch Technician. Once I got the job I put my hands on as much equipment as I could and got it documented. Then I applied for other jobs because I had knowledge of. Most employers would rather hire someone from within the company rather than get someone new to train. It's cost effective and the person filling the position is already there.

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1. Understand who you are and what you like to do, 2. decide what your priorities are (location, stability, travel, job, company), 3. research companies and government agencies, talk to others who have made the transition and ask for referrals (network, network, network), 4. write and rewrite your resume in plain English to convey not just your skills and accomplishments but what you can bring to the company (ask for reviews and pay for professional help), 5. don't give up if you don't get calls or offers right away and don't think the first job you get will be a perfect fit but recognize you have the opportunity to chart your own course and decide what you want to do and most importantly, there is a veteran network out there willing to take your calls and help.

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Start planning/work on your transition early.

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Get ready to be disappointed and frustrated. Face it, nothing is ever going to truly compare to being in the service. Civilian life is different and for the most part, trivial and unimportant. Outside of your family most people couldn't care less if you live or die. Most civilians live lives of quiet desperation and pretty much waste their time doing mundane and unimportant things. There is nothing in the civilian that is going to match the importance, sense of comraderie, duty, honor, or fulfillment of being in the military.

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Every day in uniform is a gift and a privilege. Cherish the opportunity and be grateful, for it is available to relatively few. Never make your decision to transition about leaving the military, and only go if it is because you are headed towards a new, exciting and even more personally fulfilling opportunity.

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Plan ahead financially. We bought an affordable house 3 years prior to retirement, paid off a car, and had college funds (in addition to transferring post 9-11 GI Bill). This has removed all stress of having to get a another full time job I wouldn't have been happy with.

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Prepare 2 years in advance for you transition if possible. It's a difficult transition from military to civilian and you need to have a good idea of what you want to do. Be prepared for the job search and interview process and know that patience is a virtue. It can take months after interviewing and applying for jobs before a decision is reached if you ever hear back from the companies at all.

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1) Find what you love to do and put a plan in place to do it. Take advantage of retiree veteran benefits (school, etc.). 2) Make changes in how you prioritize "things"; allow your personal and family life to be first for a change. 3) Join a gym, be active; meet other people - outside of the military culture.

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Network, network, network!
Utilize the free premium membership Linked In gives you and network!

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

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Ensure everything is documented correctly in your military record and medical record.

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Become involved in an organization for veterans.

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MAKE time to plan your transition. You don't know what you don't know. SAVE 6-9 months' living expenses. Accept that your out-of-pocket expenses (rent, car insurance, food, EVERYTHING) will increase. Accept that you may not be able to achieve a lateral financial transfer. Downsize NOW. Rent reasonably. When looking for a job don't determine it SOLELY on $$. Factor in the commuting time. Commuting = aggravation. Gas is cheap now but it's bound to increase again. Be economical.

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Weigh your options and make the best decision for YOU, not just your family. Make sure you are really ok with getting out and that you're not doing it just because it would make life easier on everyone involved. Regret is not fun.

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Start early.

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Military service is not preparatory in nature. Skill conversions are difficult and training opportunities are nearly nonexistent.

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Figure out what you want to do before you separate.

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Don't do it if you do not have too. If you do, be prepared to enter a different world. If you have a family, job security is something you will miss when you become a civilian. It is non existent in this world.

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Start preparing for life after the military 18-24 months out..It comes quick.

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Plan ahead for retirement or transition. Have a reliable financial plan. Ensure that you have the educational and experience credentials to compete for civilian employment. Be realistic re the salary that you might expect. Some of my friends had difficulty working under a much younger, lettered person who had little hands-on expertise.

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Stay true to the your personal and professional development; your interpersonal skills must convey in words, actions and spirit so people are attracted to the difference you are going to make.

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Avoid rushing back into the force work if you have the financial flexibility to do so. Use your terminal leave and the months following to discover what you are truly passionate about doing (beyond what you did in the military). Look for opportunity to experience all the things you wished you had the time to do while serving.

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Talk to other Vets about their experience and get facts about the profession you are about to enter. Figure out what you are worth to your next boss or career. Get your resume reviewed for errors and ensure it reads like a professional and not a military person.

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Don't be overwhelmed by the numerous and seemingly unrelated opportunities. Take the time to reflect on what is important for you in the next 1-, 5-, and 10 years. Prepare as early as you can.

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Know how to translate what you did in the military to civilian skills and civilian speak

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It is important to place the past behind you and learn to move forward. Do not forget what you have learned, but learn that portion of life is like the chapter of a book that can no longer be written. It helps to have someone discuss past problems as well as current ones. In my experience, it is best to talk to those who have already transitioned out of service recently. Connect with other veterans in your area. There are many military groups in existence.

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Get started early.

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

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Make the decision on locating for quality of life, intentions to climb or simply finding satisfaction in employment.

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Make time to take advantage of the transition training offered; in the navy for example it was called TAP. I saw so many senior people who wouldn't adjust their busy schedule and then they were retired and wishing they had made time to figure it all out.

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Take notes or journal about your transition and keep them. Note what you knew, what you didn't know and what you thought you knew but was off. I didn't and during my first couple years as a civilian I wished that I had that information. There are a lot more resources available than when I transitioned, take advantage of them. If you don't need the information most likely someone you know will.

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1) Know yourself, know your skills, know what area of profession you want to enter. 2) Do not get caught up on whether you were enlisted or officer, focus on your hard and soft skills and promote them. Anyone can enter just about any profession, regardless of whether you were enlisted or officer. 3) Know what you want to do. Do you want to be a wrench-turner or do you want to get into management? Do like to work in various areas (outdoors, different buildings, etc) or do you prefer to go to one office day in and day out.

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

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Get involved in civilian sector activities, such as volunteering, while on active duty.

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Understand that you are eminently qualified to do an enormous number of things that you may not realize prior to transition. Simply the ability to be a responsible manager and qualified leader is priceless to many employers.
Ideally, if you have retired and have a military retirement income, you have a luxury to pick/choose employment to a greater degree than others.

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Your personal network is key.

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Be open to new careers. Get a degree in something. Don't wait on the government for job opportunities. I had a career in intelligence that disappeared in a blink and I wasn't prepared for the career change. Always keep looking for new opportunities because you never know when your current career may no longer be a part of your life. Also, don't be forced into believing that the only two jobs you can get once you separate are government employment or contracting

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Get degrees and certifications. Have a civilianized resume. Build a professional wardrobe.

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Get as much college education as one can while in the military. Many military careers need a degree in the civilian world.

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Attend the transition class at least twice. -pay close attention to VA Claim process -Write a resume for peer review -NETWORK !!! NETWORK leads to opening doors for potietional emplooyers.

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have an plan and know what your gonna do.

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1) Prepare, prepare, prepare! 2)*Understand your personal wants and career goals. 3) *Learn as much as possible about that "job market." 4) *Research and prepare for each and every application separately. 5) *Understand the HUGE gap between military service and civil employment from almost every perspective. 6)*Understand you value in your chose job market. 7) *Understand that it is as important or more so for you to research, interview, and select your employer as it is for you to do what is needed to get the job.

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prepare in advance look for jobs before your separation date.

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Understand job skills and qualifications that civilian employers are looking for. Having military experience and a high school education, will not get you ahead in the civilian world. Education is the very valuable tool and many veterans get out hoping to use their benefits for school and few make it. Make it a priority in your life! Find a mentor in the workforce, preferably a veteran that has been successful in getting out of the military, and learn from them. Find out how to combine your traits from the military with your education, and leverage your potential and value.

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To plan as much as possible, realize that there will be setbacks so have a Plan B and C. Network and start taking the additional classes besides TGPS like Career Planning, Job Search Strategies, Effective Resume Writing, Interview Techniques and Federal Employment System. Take time to know who you are outside of the military and embrace your new identity. Keep your spouse and children involved in the process. Attend Employer Panels and Job Fairs early to network. Trust your instincts and rely on you. If you need more help sit down with FFSC one on one. Conduct Informational Interviews.

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Plan early and attend transition seminars.

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Get your college degree

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1. Plan your transition out at least 5-7 years from your projected retirement date. 2. Get a transition mentor to talk you through the process.

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Carefully craft your resume in order to make it easy to understand your skills and experiences by someone who did not serve in the military. Also craft your resume specifically for each job to which you apply.

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Get counseling, to get or provide a part time job

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Go back to school for a first or graduate degree. There is something about being immersed in school that helps the transition to civilian thinking and networking. Also, being in school takes the pressure off the job hunt process and related stress. Finally, being in the military opens up some great school support and resources....take advantage of it and act on those dreams that came to you as you matured in the military.

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Get counseling, to get or provide a part time job

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Work hard, do your job, save your money and invest.