Has Your Job Search Stalled? Here’s How to Restart It.

Chances are if you’re reading this newsletter, you’ve been online long enough to know you’re always a click or two away from a rabbit hole of job-search despair – applicants offering tales of being rejected or ignored that could derail most any career journey.

It’s only natural for such stumbles to slow your momentum. Maybe you’re suddenly coping with an unrewarding position instead of looking to leave it, or your application output has slowed to a trickle, or you’ve stopped attending networking events .

Regardless of the “why,” MOAA transition and career expert Brian Anderson offers the “what” – as in, what you can do to reignite your career search . Some tips to keep in mind:

Get Off the Bench. As Brian puts it:

“Anywhere from 75% to 80% of all job offers come through networking, according to most estimates. Make sure your friends, family, professional colleagues, and casual acquaintances know what you are looking for, and ask them to keep their eyes and ears open.”

And don’t limit yourself to online interactions – in-person relationships tend to create deeper connections and a more effective network.?

Reflect and Adjust. Chances are you’ve had plenty of time to hone your application materials and sharpen your interview skills, but that doesn’t mean a shakeup isn’t in order. It may be time for a status report: Have you tailored your résumé?to meet the needs of the position? How well-tuned is your “30-second commercial ”?

MOAA’s many transition and career resources will help you present your best self. Need some outside perspective? PREMIUM and LIFE members are eligible for 1-on-1 career consultations .

Take a Deep Breath: Obsessing over a cover letter or stressing over interview prep can make an already tense situation worse, weakening your overall presentation. No matter how long you’ve been searching, it’s important to project confidence.

Get more from Brian at this link . And if your career path of choice involves science, technology, engineering, or math, you’re in luck …

Event Spotlight: MOAA’s Virtual Career Fair and Hiring Event Featuring STEM Employment

What: A Nov. 20 virtual event that will put qualified job-seekers in the uniformed services community in front of veteran-friendly employers who are ready to hire for STEM vacancies. MOAA’s platform allows for 1-on-1 video chat capability – you could be interviewed on the spot!

Who: If you took on STEM-related roles while in uniform, you (and your credentials and certifications) should not miss this event. But it’s not just for STEM experts:

• Transitioning servicemembers looking for an entry-level post in STEM fields will find plenty of support and opportunities.
• Veterans looking to move on from their current STEM employer, or curious about the current marketplace, will have the chance to meet virtually with fellow professionals.
• Military spouses and survivors who may be looking to reenter the workforce, or are eager to discover a new field of expertise, can connect with employers who understand their unique background and skills.

Why: STEM occupations continue to outpace others when it comes to job growth, both in new hires and in median wage. MOAA can help you navigate these opportunities in a military-friendly environment.

How: Register Today! (Special thanks to participating employers Leidos, CACI International , and ManTech . More coming soon!)

Get More From MOAA!

Thank you for checking out this week’s issue of Your Next Step: MOAA’s Military Transition Report . If you’re one of our MORE THAN 9,000 SUBSCRIBERS, we appreciate it. If not, subscribe today, and don't forget to share these tips and others from MOAA with your network.

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