August 6, 2012

Preparing vets for the bumpy transition to civilian job search

• Post a comment |
• E-mail |
• Print
• • Share:
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

If the roaring hydroplanes and the screaming F/A-18 Hornets overhead weren't enough to remind you, we just enjoyed another Seattle Seafair this weekend. While strolling on the waterfront past the mighty U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships, I couldn't help thinking about how life soon may be changing for many of the sailors I saw on shore leave. This time next year, many of these talented men and women may be in civilian clothes facing another tough challenge: A tour of duty through the job-search world.

According to President Obama's 2013 military budget proposal, $5 billion in cutbacks for the Department of Defense will draw down troop levels in Afghanistan and could reduce overall military personnel by more than 100,000 people over the next decade. This will create an infusion of some of the most well-trained and battle-tested professionals on the civilian market.

On the demand side of the equation, these veterans also will be the subject of financial incentives for certain employers. The Washington State Employment Security Department recently reported that more than 2,400 employers statewide have filed applications this year for work opportunity tax credits they have earned by hiring unemployed vets before the end of 2012; so far, 1,700 of these applications have been granted.

Anticipating this surge, outplacement career specialist Janet Farley wrote a booklet called "Quick Military Transition Guide." Much of this compact publication consists of standard networking advice, skills-assessment tools, basic resume and cover letter tips, and sample interview questions found in many career guidebooks. However, with her years of experience as a military transition counselor, Farley adds a touch of firsthand knowledge about how returning vets are often perceived by employers.

From a checklist of specific forms to fill out (e.g., DD 214 and DD 2648) to transition programs offered by the government (e.g., TAP offices and VA workshops) to a little civilian sartorial advice ("Green, blue and black aren't the only colors you can wear"), Farley's guide offers suggestions to avoid the many pitfalls that vets will likely encounter in the difficult months -- and sometimes years -- after their service ends. Here are just a few:

1. Make a clean break. When returning to civilian life, it's important to make peace with your time in the service and let go of responsibilities. "No matter how important you or others believe you to be to the organization, your job will go on with someone else in it after you're gone," Farley writes.

Also, be prepared for the occasional insinuation from former colleagues that you are somehow being disloyal for leaving the military. These people are to be ignored, Farley adds. "You have given blood, sweat, and tears for one tour or a lifetime," she writes. "Bottom line? You have done your time, and you can be proud of it."

2. Cut out military terminology from resumes. "You may wonder how you can possibly translate some words from the military," Farley writes. "The answer might be not to translate them at all unless they directly apply to the job."

Some terms and acronyms used every day in theater, such as "battle rattle" (body armor), PT (physical training) and IEDs (improvised explosive devices), will have little use in the 9-to-5 world. Unless the civilian work you seek involves munitions of some sort, it's probably best not to bring up your expertise with weapons or explosives. "It will only invoke unpleasant thoughts by the hiring manager," she adds.

3. Don't overshare details. Many returning vets who've seen combat have trouble relating their experiences to civilians, so Farley recommends not even bothering. "Employers don't want the details. They want to know if you can do the job you're applying for," she explains. "Don't feel that you have an obligation to explain yourself to everyone else unless you want to do so. ... For your purposes, you simply left the military service, fulfilled your service commitment or did your time."

4. Take advantage of subsidized services while you can. Those transitioning out of the armed forces after an extended period may not realize how expensive civilian life can be today. Farley urges military personnel to obtain copies of their medical and dental records before they leave and schedule appointments while they are still being covered by Uncle Sam.

Other free perks include legal services and financial planning. "Visit the finance office to determine what, if any, separation pay you may be entitled to," she advises. "Line up your transitional health-care plan and future insurance benefits."

5. Don't assume hiring managers understand what you've been through. This may be the hardest part of the transition for many returning vets. It may be impossible to translate your experiences to civilians who've never worn a uniform. Hiring managers want to see concrete results, so it's up to you to make sure they understand the depth and breadth of your leadership skills and how they can be transferred.

"You may have to prove yourself all over again," Farley warns. "You may have been an officer in uniform, but that position may not apply in the civilian world. You may have to work your way back to the top."

Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.

• Post a comment |
• E-mail |
• Print
• • Share:
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Read more
career change, government, resumes, returning to the workforce, training, veterans