5 Tips For Veterans Looking For Jobs

This month, the nation pauses in gratitude to celebrate those who have served our country. Let’s also take time to consider how adjusting to civilian life after being in the military can be difficult at first, especially when it comes to finding employment. Despite years of experience and specialized training, many veterans have questions about where and how to find a job.

Are you finding it difficult to make the transition into the civilian workforce? 

This guide outlines five practical steps for veterans entering the civilian workforce: translate military experience into civilian roles and secure needed certifications, highlight soft skills on your resume, leverage personal and online networks, use veteran-focused resources like VA VR&E, and build new competencies through education and training. Premier Talent Partners supports veterans by promoting their experience to hiring partners and connecting them with meaningful opportunities.

Focus On Transferable Experience & Credentials

Many of the skills you learned in the military (like flying a plane or fixing a diesel engine) will likely be useful in a civilian job. However, you might have to do some legwork to figure out what kinds of federal or state certifications you need to continue operating in a similar capacity in the civilian workforce. 

Sometimes it’s challenging to find accurate words to describe your military experience in terms civilians will understand. Don’t give up! If you don’t have a skill that translates easily, use a military skills translator service to help you figure out where your skill set fits into the civilian job market.

Identify Your Soft Skills

Soft skills are personal qualities crucial to success in the workplace, and many employers prioritize them when making hiring decisions. Distinguish yourself as a top candidate by including a section on your resume that highlights the unique (and in-demand) soft skills you developed while serving your country, such as:

• Communication
• Leadership
• Adaptability
• Performance under pressure
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Work ethic

Tap Into Your Network

Ask your family, friends, and other veterans to recommend you to employers who might be a good fit for you. Take advantage of social media to expand your search. Making connections might lead you to a great job opportunity.

Seek Out Resources

Premier Talent partners with many organizations dedicated to helping veterans and their spouses transition to civilian life. You may receive Veteran Readiness and Employment services, where you can access resources like:

• Employment accommodations
• Job training
• Education
• Resume development
• Job-seeking skills coaching

Broaden Your Skillset

Yearning to learn something new but not sure how to move up the career ladder in the civilian job market? 

Explore classes at a local community college or university and see if something interests you. Getting out into the community will further familiarize you with civilian life, and expanding your skills will make you more attractive to potential employers and might lead you to new interests and job opportunities.

Supporting Veterans

We recognize and value your unique, transferable skills. Whether you are newly transitioning into the civilian workforce or are a long-time veteran, we want to help you find meaningful work with great pay. 

Our dedicated recruiters will leverage and promote your military experience to our hiring partners. Let us help you succeed! Explore our open jobs today!

Key Takeaways

Question: How can I translate my military experience into civilian job roles?

‍Short answer: Start by identifying which of your military skills directly apply to civilian work, then confirm any federal or state certifications required to operate in a similar capacity. If you’re unsure how your background maps to the market, use a military skills translator service to find civilian job equivalents and close any credential gaps.

Question: Which soft skills should I highlight on my resume as a veteran?

‍Short answer: Employers value soft skills highly. Create a dedicated section that showcases strengths you developed in service, such as communication, leadership, adaptability, performance under pressure, teamwork, time management, and work ethic.

Question: How should I tap into my network during my job search?

‍Short answer: Ask family, friends, and fellow veterans to recommend you to potential employers, and use social media to widen your reach. Thoughtful networking often uncovers strong job leads and referrals.

Question: What resources are available to support my transition to civilian employment?

‍Short answer: You may be eligible for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) services, which offer employment accommodations, job training, education, resume development, and job-seeking skills coaching. Premier Talent Partners also collaborates with organizations that support veterans and their spouses and promotes your experience to hiring partners.

Question: How can I broaden my skillset to improve my job prospects?

‍Short answer: Explore classes at a local community college or university to build new competencies. Getting involved in your community helps you adjust to civilian life, and expanding your skills makes you more attractive to employers while opening doors to new interests and opportunities.