Empowering Veterans' Career Success: Why I Wrote a Guide for Veterans' Career Transitions

Throughout my career as a federal hiring manager and over a decade of mentoring veterans through both government service and leading veteran transition organizations, I've witnessed countless talented veterans struggle to translate their exceptional military experience into civilian success stories. This observation wasn't just professional – it was personal. Like many of them, I've walked the challenging path from military service to civilian career, and I've seen firsthand how complex and overwhelming this transition can be.

That's why I wrote "PIVOT: From Military Service to Public Purpose."

Military service equips you with invaluable skills – leadership, strategic thinking, adaptability, and unparalleled work ethic. Yet, too often, these powerful capabilities get lost in translation. I've sat on both sides of the hiring desk and mentored transitioning service members, and I've noticed a persistent pattern: it's not a lack of qualification that holds veterans back, but rather the challenge of communicating their value in civilian terms.

The federal government remains one of the largest employers of veterans, yet the hiring process can seem like navigating a labyrinth. As a former federal hiring manager, I've seen qualified candidates miss opportunities simply because they didn't understand how to leverage veteran preferences or navigate USAJOBS effectively. In PIVOT, I break down these systems into actionable steps, sharing insider knowledge gained from both hiring and mentoring that can make the difference between application success and frustration.

While federal employment offers excellent opportunities, I've ensured PIVOT addresses the full spectrum of civilian career paths. Through years of mentoring veterans in various transition programs, I've developed strategies for:

·?????? Translating military achievements into civilian accomplishments

·?????? Building and leveraging professional networks

·?????? Crafting compelling resumes that speak to civilian employers

·?????? Mastering interview techniques that highlight your unique value

·?????? Utilizing programs like SkillBridge to gain civilian experience

This isn't just about finding a job – it's about finding purpose. Throughout PIVOT, I emphasize the importance of aligning your civilian career with the values and sense of mission that drove your military service. The transition to civilian life doesn't mean leaving behind the principles that defined your service; it means finding new ways to embody them.

·?????? If you're a veteran preparing for transition, currently in transition, or even years into your civilian career but looking for a change, PIVOT offers the practical guidance you need. The book is available now on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats, as well as through Barnes & Noble online.

·?????? To my fellow veterans: your service has equipped you with incredible capabilities. Let PIVOT help you showcase these strengths and find your next mission.

·?????? To my network: If you know a veteran in transition, consider sharing this resource. Together, we can help ensure that those who served our country continue to thrive in their civilian careers.

Your military service was just the beginning. Let's make your next chapter even more impactful.

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