It’s only natural to feel a little aimless after leaving the Armed Forces. You’re now a standard civilian and must form a new routine to adjust to everyday life. The transition can be challenging. However, finding a job can be integral to forming a new routine and supporting yourself. As you start your job hunt in earnest, here are a few things you need to know:
Just like many job applicants, you’ll likely be vetted to ensure your suitability for a job. Employers use background check services like Triton Canada to learn more about an applicant’s criminal history, educational background, and employment history. Employers may also check references to gain insight into the type of employee you are. This process can take time, so don’t expect an immediate ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer from an employer after submitting your resume and cover letter.
Transitioning into civilian life is not an overnight process. It can take time to adjust, and not every veteran can do it alone. Reach out to professional networks offering transition coaching. You can receive guidance, support, and networking opportunities from companies and resources like the USO Transition Program and American Corporate Partners. Many transition coaching services are free for active service members and may be helpful for a successful transition into the civilian workforce.
Some businesses and corporations are more likely to hire veterans than others. As you transition into civilian life and start your job search, find a military door. A military door is a company that has developed a veteran hiring program and has gained a reputation for hiring veterans.
Many companies have excellent veteran retention rates and have appeared on ‘best employers for veterans’ lists. You may like to start with military doors before expanding your search to regular businesses.
There’s never any harm in searching for your dream job after leaving the Armed Forces. However, there can sometimes be a transition period that sees you trying to determine where your passions lie. As a result, your first job out of the military may solely revolve around earning money to support yourself.
While you work in a job you may not be passionate about, start thinking about the type of work you prefer. You can then start putting steps in place to obtain your dream job while you’re still earning money in your current position.
There are special hiring programs for veterans seeking jobs with the federal government. This means that you may get preference over other candidates when applying for federal jobs. However, these programs don’t guarantee federal employment, and not all veterans are eligible.
Therefore, federal employment shouldn’t be your only goal or game plan after leaving the armed forces. While you may apply for federal work, there’s value in applying for jobs with other employers, as well. Otherwise, you risk not obtaining your preferred federal job and struggling to enter the workforce.
The job market can be fiercely competitive. Employers are looking for the most skilled and qualified applicants to fill their positions. This can often mean that applicants with the best resumes stand a better chance of receiving an interview.
Don’t underestimate the value of preparing a quality cover letter and resume. Ensure your location, job title, skills, and certifications are in the top third of your resume. If you have security clearances, don’t forget to list these.
Prioritizing this information may mean that all the most important details about you are accessible at a glance. If you don’t feel comfortable preparing your resume and cover letter, consider contacting a recruitment service provider to help.
You deserve to have all the facts when deciding whether to accept a job. Don’t be afraid to ask your potential new employer any question that may provide the peace of mind you need. Some of the best questions to ask can be:
● What are my daily responsibilities?
● Do you have a high success rate with veteran employees?
● Are there future promotion opportunities?
● Can I improve my earning potential?
● Is your company open to ideas and change?
The more questions you ask, the more informed you can be. You may then decide to accept a job offer or continue with your job hunt.
While job hunting as a veteran can be daunting, it doesn’t have to be. Refine your resume, access veteran resources, and seek out military doors. You may then be well on your way to finding a job you love.