Any pointers on employment when I ETS?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 01:06:21 -0400

After serving almost 6 and half years in the Army, I am ready to trade in my boots for some shoes. My ETS date is October of next year. I have a degree in Marketing. I am half through a second degree in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security. I have a chronic back pain that is not giving me the opportunity to continue serve in the Army. I am a Specialist promotable and my MOS is 92F (Petroleum Supply). Are there jobs related to my MOS in Virginia, Maryland, Georgia and North Carolina? If so, I will need some sound advise. I want to be fully prepared before my ETS date.
PS/ I have one deployment under my belt.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jun 2 at 2015 10:26 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 10:26:32 -0400

While ACAP will really help you, here are a few things that are good to keep in mind.

1) Write your resume to work for you. Your resume needs to be you on paper. In saying that, do not waste time and paper listing your awards, civilians employers appreciate your service but don't care what you got; rather they care WHY you got them. Look at your award write ups and read through the bullets. Use that information on your resume.

2) Dress for the interview! I can't tell you how many times I've walked into a meeting and saw Veterans not dressed for the situation. It will take some extra money but go get a fitted suit, a nice shirt, tie and shoes. Polish up the shoes, learn the four-hand knot of the tie. These things stand out.

3) Research the company you are interviewing for. You should walk into the interview knowing their mission, a general understanding of the product/services they deliver and maybe on or two new things the company is proud to talk about like a new product or service. If you know the name(s) of the person(s) interviewing you, go out to LinkedIN and and see if they have a profile. If they do, read through them and print them off. Have some questions ready for them. You might find out you share similar hobbies that can be good ice breakers.

4) Network, network and network! Get to know the community and those that might be able to help you with your job search. Use sites like RallyPoint to have others you trust read over your resume/cover letter. Maybe take someone with you to buy that suit if you need help picking colors and styles.

These are just four things that I lead off with. There are a bunch more questions you might have that myself or other RallyPoint members can help you with so please feel free to continue to reach out.

Response by SPC Makissa Lewis made Jun 2 at 2015 10:44 AM

SPC Makissa Lewis — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 10:44:37 -0400

Check out the sites Usajobs as well as LinkedIn. Good luck in your search.