September 12, 2019
5 Tips to Transition to Civilian Employment
Photo by Chinmay Singh under Pexels License
Major life transitions carry with them a host of emotions including excitement, fear, and anguish. For former military servicemen and women, the process of reintegrating themselves into society after years of service in the military is one of these complex transitions. Imagine the feeling of leaving what seemed to be your security blanket to take a giant leap into the unknown.
While transitioning out of the military environment is far from being easy, did you know that preparing early and being proactive will help you deal with the changes ahead? Before they make the switch, some veterans focus on getting their retirement pay issues sorted out while others prioritize job hunting. If you’re one of those who are looking to find a pathway that would lead to a successful civilian career and job, then you’re reading the right page.
What are the 5 Tips to Transition to Civilian Employment?
Any job-seeker would agree that beginning a job search or finding a new career can be daunting—especially for a person who has spent so many years of their life serving in the military. To help you prepare for what’s ahead, Veteran Car Donations shares these 5 tips to transition to civilian employment.
- Begin networking ASAP!
It doesn’t matter if you have three years or a few months left until your military transition begins. It’s best to start networking now. Building and maintaining real and personal connections with people is the most effective way to obtain a job. Applying for jobs through job sites can only do so much.
Start connecting with vets who have successfully transitioned into the civilian workforce and learn from their experiences. Who knows, they may lead you to the civilian career that is meant for you.
- Attend workshops that focus on military transition
Participating in workshops and training programs that have something to do with military transition to civilian life will benefit you more than you think. For example, the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) holds events that aim to equip service members with the right tools to prepare them for their next step in civilian life.
Attending one of those workshops and training programs will enable you to know more about job search strategies, career exploration, preparation for an interview, and resume and interview preparation,
- Identify your transferable skills
Learn to identify the skills you developed in your military experience and translate them into something that can be utilized in the corporate world. For instance, the skills you used when you managed travel accounts that helped the Navy save more money are likely the same skills needed for the job of financial controller.
- Play up your strengths
Did you know that you can find employers out there who truly appreciate the qualities that former military servicemen and servicewomen can bring to their civilian jobs? These qualities include individual accountability, perfect execution, precise communication, and leadership. Remember to showcase them during your job interview because these are in high demand.
- Get your military jargon filtered out
Always remember that there’s no place for military jargon in the civilian realm. Successful civilian workforce transition doesn’t only require you to demonstrate the right skills for the job, but they’ll also demand that you adjust from military to corporate speak. This is especially important during job interviews.
For example, when asked about your area of expertise, you can simply say that you’re highly skilled at developing contingency plans for rare events instead of saying that you were the “black swan” expert. Instead of saying 13-hundred hours, say 1 p.m. Furthermore, instead of addressing everyone as Sir or Ma’am, address them by their first names.
Do You Have a Clunker in Your Garage?
You don’t have to stay stuck with a clunker you don’t want to keep if you donate it to Veteran Car Donations. Not only will you find yourself free from the responsibilities associated with caring for an unwanted vehicle, but you’ll also help our IRS-certified 501(c)3 nonprofit partners deliver much-needed services to our nation’s heroes.
With your donation, they can get mortgage-free and specially adapted homes, free mental healthcare, employment opportunities, job training, transitioning assistance, tutoring support, education scholarships, financial assistance, life skills training, counseling, and many other benefits.
It doesn’t matter where your location is. As long as it’s within the U.S., we can pick up and haul away your vehicle for free since we have vehicle donation programs in all 50 states. Plus, we’ll handle all the paperwork for you so that you can receive a top tax deduction in the next tax season.
We guarantee you a most satisfying giving experience since our donation process is simple, quick, and convenient. Simply fill out our online donation form or call us at 877-594-5822 to get started.
If you want to know more about our vehicle donation program, send us a message online or visit our FAQs page. We accept donations of nearly all types of vehicles regardless of age and condition, which means you can hand over even vehicles that are no longer in good running condition.
Turn Your Clunker Into a Powerful Life-Changing Tool Now!
Photo by Pixabay under Pexels License
You can turn your old and unwanted car into a powerful tool to uplift the lives of those struggling veterans in your community. Call us at 877-594-5822 and get started with your car donation!
Last Updated: August 23rd, 2023