What are the most effective career development strategies for military veterans?

1 Assess your strengths and needs

The first step in developing your career strategy is to assess your strengths and needs as a veteran and a job seeker. This means identifying your transferable skills, values, passions, and personality traits, as well as your gaps, challenges, and areas for improvement. You can use various tools and resources to help you with this process, such as self-assessment tests, online skill translators, career coaches, mentors, and peers. By knowing yourself better, you can narrow down your career options and target the ones that suit you best.

2 Explore the civilian job market

The next step is to explore the civilian job market and learn about the different industries, sectors, roles, and employers that are relevant to your skills and interests. You can use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, and Monster, to research and compare various opportunities, as well as to network with potential contacts and recruiters. You can also attend career fairs, workshops, webinars, and events that are specifically designed for veterans, such as Hiring Our Heroes, Transition Assistance Program, and Veterans Career Transition Program. These can help you gain insights, advice, and referrals from experts and fellow veterans.

3 Update your resume and cover letter

Once you have a clear idea of your career goals and target opportunities, you need to update your resume and cover letter to showcase your qualifications and achievements in a way that appeals to civilian employers. This means using plain language, avoiding military jargon and acronyms, and highlighting your transferable skills and accomplishments. You also need to tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific position and employer, using keywords and phrases that match the job description and the company culture. You can use online templates, samples, and guides to help you craft your documents, or seek feedback from career coaches, mentors, or peers.

4 Prepare for the interview

The final step in your career development strategy is to prepare for the interview, which is your chance to make a positive impression and convince the employer that you are the best fit for the role. You need to research the company, the position, and the industry, and prepare answers to common and behavioral questions, as well as questions that are specific to your military background. You also need to practice your communication skills, body language, and etiquette, and dress appropriately for the occasion. You can use online tools, such as mock interviews, video recordings, and feedback systems, or enlist the help of career coaches, mentors, or peers to help you prepare.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?