Military Times
More from Military Times
Reboot Camp
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Transition
  • Best for Vets Rankings
  • Ask the Experts
  • Home
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Transition
  • Rankings
  • Transition Tips
  • News
  • Ask The Experts
  • Vet All Stars
  • Videos
  • Cheat Sheets
  • Polls & Quizzes
  • Opinion
  • Partners
  • More from Military Times
  • © 2019 Sightline Media Group
  • Employment Main
  • Job Listings
  • Job Fair Calendar

Employment

5 Tips for your civilian job search

By: Adisa Hargett-Robinson   November 22, 2017

1. Prepare 

1 of 6 You wouldn't go into combat without a battle plan. The job search is no different. You should be mentally planning your job search and transition months before it happens. Figure out if the job you want requires schooling, training or relocation. Once you decide on a career path, you need to prepare financially to be unemployed while you are searching. It could be a while until your next paycheck. (Getty Images)
You wouldn't go into combat without a battle plan. The job search is no different. You should be mentally planning your job search and transition months before it happens. Figure out if the job you want requires schooling, training or relocation. Once you decide on a career path, you need to prepare financially to be unemployed while you are searching. It could be a while until your next paycheck. (Getty Images)

2. Don’t get lost in translation 

2 of 6 Many service members struggle with translating military experience into language that will be familiar to civilian recruiters. Typical civilian recruiters understand Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes, job duties and jargon as well as your grandma understands Snapchat. Make sure you're speaking their language! When filling out applications and resumes, it is important to use the same language as the job description. You can draw even more parallels for employers by obtaining civilian credentials that are relevant to your MOS codes. Credentials allow employers to directly compare your experience to that of civilians applying for the same jobs. (Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images)
Many service members struggle with translating military experience into language that will be familiar to civilian recruiters. Typical civilian recruiters understand Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes, job duties and jargon as well as your grandma understands Snapchat. Make sure you're speaking their language! When filling out applications and resumes, it is important to use the same language as the job description. You can draw even more parallels for employers by obtaining civilian credentials that are relevant to your MOS codes. Credentials allow employers to directly compare your experience to that of civilians applying for the same jobs. (Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images)

3. Up your game 

3 of 6 If you could receive FREE civilian job training that wouldn’t cut into your off-duty beer and Netflix time, wouldn’t you? You can with the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program. USMAP is a military training program that provides active duty Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard service members the opportunity to complete civilian apprentice requirements in their career fields. For example, if your job is the command’s photographer, you may be eligible for an apprenticeship in photography, making you more marketable when searching for a civilian job as a photographer. Upon completion of USMAP training, you will be registered as a Department of Labor apprentice with documented proof of work experience that will easily translate into the civilian world. (Jonathan McElderry/Air Force)
If you could receive FREE civilian job training that wouldn’t cut into your off-duty beer and Netflix time, wouldn’t you? You can with the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program. USMAP is a military training program that provides active duty Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard service members the opportunity to complete civilian apprentice requirements in their career fields. For example, if your job is the command’s photographer, you may be eligible for an apprenticeship in photography, making you more marketable when searching for a civilian job as a photographer. Upon completion of USMAP training, you will be registered as a Department of Labor apprentice with documented proof of work experience that will easily translate into the civilian world. (Jonathan McElderry/Air Force)

4. Brag a little 

4 of 6 Your commander in chief isn't shy about touting his accomplishments. You shouldn't be either! Serving in the military is one of the most respected things an American can do, especially because of the fundamental traits and values it instills. Talk these up! Civilian recruiters may not realize just how much you did, so you must tell them. Your service has taught you values such as teamwork, loyalty, discipline, adaptability, leadership and problem solving. It also may have given you a degree of humility that won't help in the civilian world. Go into the interview process with a Kanye West-level of confidence, talking up your experience, the values and skills you acquired, and how that makes you the best candidate for the job. We the Best *DJ Khaled voice* (Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)
Your commander in chief isn't shy about touting his accomplishments. You shouldn't be either! Serving in the military is one of the most respected things an American can do, especially because of the fundamental traits and values it instills. Talk these up! Civilian recruiters may not realize just how much you did, so you must tell them. Your service has taught you values such as teamwork, loyalty, discipline, adaptability, leadership and problem solving. It also may have given you a degree of humility that won't help in the civilian world. Go into the interview process with a Kanye West-level of confidence, talking up your experience, the values and skills you acquired, and how that makes you the best candidate for the job. We the Best *DJ Khaled voice* (Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)

5. Build your network 

5 of 6 “It’s not what you know, it's who you know.” The old saying is true; networking is everything. Your time serving has left you with a wide range of contacts in different fields. It is important not only to use your current network but, to expand it. Call up your buddies from boot camp or deployments to see how they can help with your job search. And return the favor when they call you! (Peshkova/Getty Images)
“It’s not what you know, it's who you know.” The old saying is true; networking is everything. Your time serving has left you with a wide range of contacts in different fields. It is important not only to use your current network but, to expand it. Call up your buddies from boot camp or deployments to see how they can help with your job search. And return the favor when they call you! (Peshkova/Getty Images)

 

 

6 of 6 Information contributed by Marine Corps Community Services. Find more at http://www.usmc-mccs.org/ (Getty Images)
Information contributed by Marine Corps Community Services. Find more at http://www.usmc-mccs.org/ (Getty Images)
REBOOTCAMP NEWS
Transition

Employing NCOs: Our most valuable untapped resource
Transition

Here’s why these vets are turning to yoga
Employment

This state will turn vet MPs into police officers with just 2 weeks of training
Education

These unique scholarships gives student vets cash to make ends meet
Transition

‘Last Out’ brings one Green Beret’s war stories to the stage
More Rebootcamp News
VET ALL STARS

Stirring the pot: This veteran went from the Air Force to the cannabis business

This vet launched grenades for the Army. Now she’s a model and beauty pageant queen.

An IED took both his legs — but that won’t stop this vet from driving 18-wheelers

This Marine went from the ballet to the battlefield — and back again

More Vet All Stars
Close
Now Playing

BEST FOR VETS

Best for Vets:
Colleges 2019
Best For Vets:
Employers 2019
Best for Vets:
Franchises 2018
Best for Vets:
Places to Live 2019
New tool:
Best for YOU
Employers
Education and Transition
Your GI Bill benefits: Everything you need to know
Education and Transition
Controversial changes to GI Bill transfer rules delayed until next year
Education and Transition
A more accurate, completely digital DD 214 is on its way
Transition
Employing NCOs: Our most valuable untapped resource
Military Times
LATEST NEWS
Best pics of the week: Aug. 18, 2019
Wildlife now roam where US once forged its deadliest weapons
Trump meets with national security team on Afghanistan
ASK THE EXPERTS

Ask the Experts: How much is too much when it comes to civilianizing your resume?

How do I decide whether to stick with my MOS in my civilian career?
More Ask The Experts
Comments
  • Newsletters
  • Got a Tip?
  • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
  • https://rebootcamp.militarytimes.com © 2019 Sightline Media Group
    Not A U.S. Government Publication
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Transition
  • Best for Vets Rankings
  • Ask the Experts
Terms of Use
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
Get Us
  • Newsletters & Alerts
  • RSS Feeds
Contact Us
  • Help & Contact Info
  • Advertise
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Team
Military News
Air Force News
Army News
Marine Corps News
Navy News
Defense News
Federal News
C4ISR
Cyber
History