Posted on Sep 16, 2014
Does anyone know of any good Job Searching websites, search engines, and even Networking sites for separating and/or separated military?
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I have search on many different sites, and for the most part I find jobs that are generic postings that are old, scams, or minimal wage at best. The jobs that I feel I am qualified to do I am unable to do for all kinds of reasons. As anyone found any sites to be reliable and rewarding.
Posted in these groups: 
Networking
Employment
Networking Employment
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 73
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There are a lot of good bits of information here.
Remember, whether online or in person (although more effective in person as they get to know you), persistence can pay off. Don't be a pain in the @$$, just persistent. In college I nearly got a job selling cars at the largest dealership in town just because I stopped in to check every week. The only reason I didn't is I ran out of money for school and had to return home (then shortly after enlisted).
Also, as was mentioned, you can possibly find out about 'hidden' positions or requirements that aren't posted. I was thinking of separating after my first tour. I spoke to a police department back home where I'd like to work. If I hadn't talked to them while visiting on leave I would've missed some big details. I was told that, although not listed as requirements on their web page, they rarely hired someone if they didn't have 1) prior military experience (SF/MP not necessary), 2) at least an Associate's degree, and/or 3) passed the law enforcement qualification test (which would be required anyway before being fully accepted). I had 2 of the 3 & would've had to get the third so it didn't bother me, but it was an eye-opener when it comes to job hunting.
Also try to think of ways to creatively market your experience. If you can get the attention of the person hiring, and interview well while being willing to pick up what you don't know quick enough, you could possibly get a job even if it doesn't line up perfectly with your current experience portfolio.
Remember, whether online or in person (although more effective in person as they get to know you), persistence can pay off. Don't be a pain in the @$$, just persistent. In college I nearly got a job selling cars at the largest dealership in town just because I stopped in to check every week. The only reason I didn't is I ran out of money for school and had to return home (then shortly after enlisted).
Also, as was mentioned, you can possibly find out about 'hidden' positions or requirements that aren't posted. I was thinking of separating after my first tour. I spoke to a police department back home where I'd like to work. If I hadn't talked to them while visiting on leave I would've missed some big details. I was told that, although not listed as requirements on their web page, they rarely hired someone if they didn't have 1) prior military experience (SF/MP not necessary), 2) at least an Associate's degree, and/or 3) passed the law enforcement qualification test (which would be required anyway before being fully accepted). I had 2 of the 3 & would've had to get the third so it didn't bother me, but it was an eye-opener when it comes to job hunting.
Also try to think of ways to creatively market your experience. If you can get the attention of the person hiring, and interview well while being willing to pick up what you don't know quick enough, you could possibly get a job even if it doesn't line up perfectly with your current experience portfolio.
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SrA Joshua Hagler
Its getting to that interview that is the trouble, I can't afford to go to school. I have the GI bill but I need to work to provide for my wife and I. It's really hard to market myself when all I did was fix A-10s. I have been told since it's a small airplane that my skills will not or do not transfer to larger aircraft. Most of the time, the companies that do ANY aerospace stuff states that I have to purchase my own tools and gear. I can't afford any of that.
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MSgt (Join to see)
Unfortunately this is where some creativity may be required. See if you can turn your mechanical experience to something besides planes. Even if it's in a lower paying 'intern' type job it'd be better than no job if in that spot. Did you get a chance to attend ALS? If you got out as a SrA I doubt it but I've known a few who got to go before they had a line number. That qualifies as management training to a lot of folks, so maybe look for management positions outside the mechanical arena. Even if it's retail or something if you don't want to do that it's a paycheck that'll hopefully help pay for equipment/school for something better later. If all else fails, just start looking for jobs that sound like something you think you could do and present yourself professionally and do the best you can. Something should open up. And keep networking, never know if someone knows someone. I've seen a couple on here recently that piped up and asked a person to call as they were hiring for something.
If you can also see if your training might transfer enough to get an apprentice spot or something someplace that runs small aircraft like Cessnas. If they can pay you less than a fully certified mechanic they might be willing to do OJT with their mechanics. Not sure if that's how it works but it's a chance.
Hopefully something helps for you soon, it's a rough spot to be in.
Also, sorry for the answer on an older thread. Seems it still might apply but thought it was a newer one.
If you can also see if your training might transfer enough to get an apprentice spot or something someplace that runs small aircraft like Cessnas. If they can pay you less than a fully certified mechanic they might be willing to do OJT with their mechanics. Not sure if that's how it works but it's a chance.
Hopefully something helps for you soon, it's a rough spot to be in.
Also, sorry for the answer on an older thread. Seems it still might apply but thought it was a newer one.
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Joshua,
I assume that you are or have made the transition to the civilian job sector. I have also begun and made that transition. I have found that the different sites (Indeed, Zip Recruiter and Monster) are hit or miss. What I did was locate jobs on the different sites, then go directly to their career center and submit my resume/cover letter for that position. If you feel that you are qualified for a job position, submit! Your resume needs to correctly portray your skills and experiences for that position. I would recommend that you go to the virtual job fairs through veteranrecruiting.com. There are over 20 organizations that participate with military advisors and probably the best way for you to make some contacts with organizations that you are interested in. I would recommend that you go to ACP Advisor.net. It is an excellent resource to field your questions about careers and also request a mentor in a location near you and matching interests. I was given a mentor and have received excellent guidance and feedback from him. I would also recommend Hirehereosusa.org. Excellent resource that helped me develop my current resume. If you have linkedIn, build it up and make contacts. I began my transition six months out with these two resources and they have helped receive job offers from companies like GE, BoA and Aramark.
I assume that you are or have made the transition to the civilian job sector. I have also begun and made that transition. I have found that the different sites (Indeed, Zip Recruiter and Monster) are hit or miss. What I did was locate jobs on the different sites, then go directly to their career center and submit my resume/cover letter for that position. If you feel that you are qualified for a job position, submit! Your resume needs to correctly portray your skills and experiences for that position. I would recommend that you go to the virtual job fairs through veteranrecruiting.com. There are over 20 organizations that participate with military advisors and probably the best way for you to make some contacts with organizations that you are interested in. I would recommend that you go to ACP Advisor.net. It is an excellent resource to field your questions about careers and also request a mentor in a location near you and matching interests. I was given a mentor and have received excellent guidance and feedback from him. I would also recommend Hirehereosusa.org. Excellent resource that helped me develop my current resume. If you have linkedIn, build it up and make contacts. I began my transition six months out with these two resources and they have helped receive job offers from companies like GE, BoA and Aramark.
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SrA Joshua Hagler
I can never make it to Job fairs and they do not have much of those here in tucson. What really hurt is that i was planning on a career in the service, but because of a PT test failure I was shown the door. I had 13 days to out process and leave the base. It hurt and since I do not have alot of education out side of the service and high school I am very limited on what I can apply to.
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For those in the NCR, three job sites you can be a part of which will help you out. 40Plus, Christian Netkwork Ministry, and Beltway Job Search Partners. Go online to see what they offer and when your ready to attend, let me know.
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I hope you found a new position after this post. Looks like it’s been a year since you posted. As a Guardsman, I can tell you one of your best options is to network as much as you can. Who you know is more valuable than what you know. Sorry but most of the time, that’s true.
Don’t settle for just talking with a contractor that finds jobs for vets or your state VA employment person. Not to label all of them but many of them have not had a career in the private sector and don’t know how to sell your resume to an employer. Anytime you can find a recruiter from a company that has a job you want, contact them. See what they say. Use LinkedIn to shine and reach out to recruiters. Send your resume to someone in HR and ask for help in making your resume shine.
You need to understand that many private-sector companies don’t understand a military resume. Don’t assume that because you’re military, they want you. Why spend time reading your complex resume about the bla bla fighter wing, when they can skip you and read about a guy that has always been a civilian? People aren’t dying to find vets to fill jobs. Your greatest battle may be finding a job and explaining how you are relevant to a company. Be active active active.
Drop mic. End soapbox.
Don’t settle for just talking with a contractor that finds jobs for vets or your state VA employment person. Not to label all of them but many of them have not had a career in the private sector and don’t know how to sell your resume to an employer. Anytime you can find a recruiter from a company that has a job you want, contact them. See what they say. Use LinkedIn to shine and reach out to recruiters. Send your resume to someone in HR and ask for help in making your resume shine.
You need to understand that many private-sector companies don’t understand a military resume. Don’t assume that because you’re military, they want you. Why spend time reading your complex resume about the bla bla fighter wing, when they can skip you and read about a guy that has always been a civilian? People aren’t dying to find vets to fill jobs. Your greatest battle may be finding a job and explaining how you are relevant to a company. Be active active active.
Drop mic. End soapbox.
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SrA Joshua Hagler
I do not assume anything, i am pretty good at that. I have no idea how to write a good resume and a lot of these private sector companies only offer me minimum wage spots. I have looked into Guard and reserves but that seems to be even a big hassle to get that ball going.
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CPT (Join to see)
Yup. You have a guaranteed job in anything related to manual labor, driving a vehicle or operating a machine. I bet you have noticed that by now with these 'jobs' companies have for you. You need to find a non-government person to help you write that bad-ass resume you want. There are a ton of HR people that will look at what you have and help you. But you have to find them. Trust me, it's worth it.
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I encourage my veterans to "network" join "meet-up" groups. I live in the Austin, Tx area and there are hundreds of such groups. Also, I suggest that if you do join one or more groups, don't start off at the first meeting by declaring you are an "unemployed veteran". Sit back and be part of the group make friends first and then turn those friends into possible business contacts or advocates for your cause.
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SrA Joshua Hagler
Where would I find these groups, I can't afford the dues for the VFW or anything like that.
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SFC Joseph McCausland
Most are "free" to join. Just google.... Meet-Ups and then you can narrow it down to which groups and the distance you are willing to travel. See if there are any groups with your skill sets, IE, IT, sales and marketing, repair. You can also look for the generic groups that just "helps" vets find jobs. Good Luck!
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I know this thread is about 7 months old, so I'm curious; SrA Joshua Hagler, were you able to find something?
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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
SrA Joshua Hagler - You are in a great position, you do have a job! Now, you can explore some of the options posted, develop a great, succinct resume/application with guidance from other threads on RP. Your efforts will be rewarded in proportion to your efforts expended!
Must do: work HARD at laying the groundwork for getting a job you will enjoy!
Must do: work HARD at laying the groundwork for getting a job you will enjoy!
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SrA Joshua Hagler
Very true, its hard to be scared to be homeless with this struggle but over all its nice to have some cover while looking for something better.
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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
SrA Joshua Hagler - Money talks, BS walks. Your independence can be enhanced by the amount of CASH you have in the bank. Don't save $ for ?? a house, save for independence. Check "Dave Ramsey" on the radio and the internet for $ guidance! SAVE, SAVE$ you too can learn, if you really want! Avoid emotional entanglements as much as you can until you can afford the pain and suffering they bring! SAVE $
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SrA Joshua Hagler
Dude i havent had saving in three years, ever since I have had a job I have sent money home to help out my family. Now out, not by my own choice, I do not make enough money to get by. Also this crippling debt I have from that stupid Military star card and the money I now owe back on my GI bill is sucking the life out me. I didn't know you have to owe back money if you fail a class.
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Monster.com and Career Builder are the best and safest although they really don't cater to us Vets. I haven't found any even after the fact business gets extra credit to hiring us Vets
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SrA Joshua Hagler
Never been impressed with career builder and monster is alright, the downside with them is they spam the shit out of my email.
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PO2 Mark Saffell
Linkedin is a good network site. All of my jobs have come from Monster or recruiters. As a Quality Manager now, Im usually approached by Head-Hunters or recruiters. Everyone has told me its all about having a well connected huge network so if thats true Linkedin is the best option.
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Suspended Profile
I've been told that quite often VA MedCen HR offices have lots of VA jobs that are not listed on usajobs.gov or vacareers.gov
indeed.com and simplyhired.com are also good civilian sites...
indeed.com and simplyhired.com are also good civilian sites...
SrA Joshua Hagler
The VA is hard to get a job with, and one of their HR people told me that are really trying to hire disabled vets, which i can understand.
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