My Husband Is a Vet, I Work in Corporate Hiring – Here’s the Advice I Gave Him When He Transitioned

2022-05-09T11:18:10-04:00

It’s been seven years since my husband transitioned out of the Marine Corps. He spent nine years serving in the military, where he held several different roles and titles, lived in two states, and served in four overseas deployments. Along the way, he gained many useful skills and had many achievements, ones that are valuable to employers.

After nine years, he was ready to make the transition to the civilian world. This meant big preparations as he started looking for a new career path. Since I have spent the last ten years in talent acquisition at various corporate organizations, I was able to share my professional advice and insights as he embarked on this change.

Exiting the military is hard enough. Add to that looking for a civilian job while having to explain to the civilian world what you did, the skills you have, and why you are worthy of this job can make this transition even harder.

It has been great to be able to offer my husband tips and tricks during his transition -- and even now, years later. But not everyone has a direct line to a hiring manager during their job search. That’s why I wanted to share some of the tips I have been able to give my husband to help minimize the challenge of transitioning into the corporate world:

Learn how to translate your military experience and skills. Most people in the civilian world struggle to understand what someone in the armed forces does so it is important to know how to properly translate your role, skills and rank to them. The job description you are applying for can be a very helpful tool. Make connections to what is listed in the job description between what you did in the military. Take each job duty listed line by line and align your military experience with it when speaking with a hiring manager. Make sure your rank includes more than title and explain leadership responsibilities associated with your job duties.

Build your resume to fit the job description. Resumes should be geared towards jobs or industries you are applying to. Don’t be intimidated by job postings or job posting titles. If you’re unsure if you qualify, it’s ok to apply or even find people at that company you can make connections with on LinkedIn or here on RallyPoint.

Advocate for yourself. Serving in the military comes with invaluable skills and tools that are relatable to so many jobs. Be proud and confident of the things you gained and sell yourself. For example, my husband’s main job in the Marines was Supply/Admin. The specific duties of this role may be hard for a hiring manager to understand. I worked with my husband to help him translate what he did and what it means for a corporate role. His position included skills such as being very analytical and detail-oriented, handling sensitive information, maintaining budgets, possessing a strong understanding of procurement and inventory, working in a leadership role and even some accounting. Those are valuable skills to be proud of and only a portion of what he could offer to the civilian world.

Remember interviews are two-sided. What a lot of people don’t realize, and not just Veterans, is that it’s ok to interview a company as much as they are interviewing you. Not every position, company, or company culture is going to be a great fit for you and that’s ok. The best way to find out whether they are a fit is during the interview process and that comes from asking questions. Good questions to ask are: “What are the long-term opportunities for this position?” and “What is the company culture like?”

Evaluate the company culture. As you prepare to start a new job, prepare for a culture shift. Civilian jobs have very a different culture than the military. Find out if there is an opportunity to job shadow during the interview process or if you can speak to potential peers to feel out the culture ahead of time. Ask about the onboarding process, training, and what is provided to help set new hires up for success during this culture shift.

Review the benefits package offered. In the military, benefits are a standard. That is not the case in the civilian world. Companies use benefits, time off, bonuses and total rewards packages to be competitive, and it’s important to understand those early during the process. Evaluate which part of the ‘extras’ are important to you and your family and understand how the company will support you.

Most importantly, know that there are companies out there that understand the value Veterans bring to their organization and culture.

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Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2022 1:29 PM

2022-05-09T13:29:46-04:00

Some great info for transition/job searching. Thanks for sharing!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 9 at 2022 2:22 PM

2022-05-09T14:22:40-04:00

For those who are in WTU or WTBs if you are invited to a job fair TAKE A DAMN RESUME! I have seen soon to be veterans hired this way. :) This site needs emoticons!!!!!!!!!!

The rule about the resume applies to non WTU/WTB veterans. I want success for each and every one of you. We all bleed red.

Seriously, those recruiters want to hire veterans and are looking for qualified applicants.

Response by CPO Nate S. made May 9 at 2022 8:23 PM

2022-05-09T20:23:10-04:00

Lindsey Stanlick There is a ton I'd like to say.

Right now, a great resource for veterans is ONET and their MOS/NEC/AFQT skills crosswalk system (https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/). Every military occupation is cross referenced with civilian jobs. For instance, go to the Crosswalk:

Step 1 Select Military Branch
Step 2 enter your MOS/NEC/AFQT (i.e., 8432 or HM) (Note: Not everything under the "military title" will make sense, but it is fun to examine the possibilities)
Step 3 press go
Step 4 click on the military occupation that comes
Step 5 click on the one or more civilian occupation codes that come up based on your training. If you have more than one MOS/NEC/AFQT you will have to do this for each one.
Step 6 you will see several tabs, examine each one closely, especially the veteran tab. Study each link in this tab.
Step 7 look at the "other related roles" (https://www.onetonline.org/link/details/19-5012.00). Your MOS/NEC/AFQT may not always directly translate. But you have gained various skills from distinct roles that may interest you. Study them!!!

ONET also has the mynextmove feature:

https://www.mynextmove.org/vets/
https://www.mynextmove.org/vets/profile/state/19-4042.00

I have used it to help fellow vets!

Just saying.......................

Military Crosswalk Search

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made May 10 at 2022 1:13 PM

2022-05-10T13:13:22-04:00

This is great advice: "Remember interviews are two-sided. What a lot of people don’t realize, and not just Veterans, is that it’s ok to interview a company as much as they are interviewing you."

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2022 9:19 PM

2022-05-12T21:19:31-04:00

beautiful family!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2022 10:02 AM

2022-05-15T10:02:22-04:00

Or just sign up with Hire Heroes USA, you will get assigned your own Transition Specialist( most are veterans) who will write your resume, translate your skills and help with interview prep. All you have to do is be responsive to outreach and take initiative, it’s your transition. Find out what you are passionate about/what you will thrive at in your new career.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made May 20 at 2022 6:14 AM

2022-05-20T06:14:25-04:00

OH Oh.
We Know What The Two Of You Were Doing, Huh?

Response by SSgt David M. made May 20 at 2022 7:55 AM

2022-05-20T07:55:43-04:00

Great tips for the conversion trip. After my first tour with the US Army I thought I was a big shot and could get a mechanic job anywhere. The sad fact is that all my experience working on Military vehicles did not get me ready for the 'Real World'. Technology had exploded during my three years and things had moved on. I was able to land a mechanic's helper position, but found that I did not like the way the owner was dealing with his customers or the vehicles that were brought in for repairs. There is a difference between cutting corners and short cutting any repair. I did not last long as I prefer honesty in any work that I was involved with. Needless to say I reenlisted and headed back to Germany for another round of Service. After separating from the US Army for a 2nd time I had a lot more experience as I not only was a mechanic I was also a supervisor of other mechanics, I also was an instructor/director. Sometimes the hardest jobs are forced on you but you just need to be able to roll with the punches and get the job done, no matter what it takes. I listened to advise on how to present myself and applied for a few different positions, some I got and others not. Each job that I got I learned what was needed and did a bit more not so much to impress my boss but to get the job done with the least amount of issues. I was recommended for service awards for going above and beyond to get work done. Now that I am retired I can look back and say I did good! ;-)

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made May 20 at 2022 9:16 AM

2022-05-20T09:16:31-04:00

Good share.

Response by SGT Wayne Dunn made May 20 at 2022 10:56 AM

2022-05-20T10:56:12-04:00

It was all worth it and family

Response by SSG Bob Robertson made Jul 2 at 2022 9:59 AM

2022-07-02T09:59:45-04:00

I cant figure out if this is for real or a corporate recruiting ad.

Response by SP5 John Burleson made Jul 2 at 2022 12:34 PM

2022-07-02T12:34:20-04:00

Great article! Any vet would be able to use this info to their advantage. But I got some advice for the not-yet-inlisted crowd. Mke sure you get into a military job that helos when you mke up that civilian resume`. I joined the rmy and had several choices. But I listened to my lying recruiter. I was eligable for the Intelligence bunch, he said. That meant the Goldie Hawn Army: yachts and the Riveria. It turned out to be a whole lot less. I coulda drove trucks or did mechanical stuff. I could've built stuff. I coulda been a chopper pilot. Today I coulda been a computer geek. Even Amazon is hiring drone pilots. So be damned careful before you raise that hand and swear to be screwed by your government. Screw them first. Excelsior!

Response by SPC Matt Ovaska made Jul 3 at 2022 9:44 AM

2022-07-03T09:44:19-04:00

Do not mention Vietnam in the North East. If you do, you will not be considered...

Response by Sgt Mervyn Russell made Jul 4 at 2022 6:55 AM

2022-07-04T06:55:17-04:00

I became a Veteran in 1969, I also was a Marine. My MOS was 0311 a rifleman. infantry. Not many job skills associated with Civilian life. I married a young girl in the mountains of North Carolina that I had met while in the Marines when I came home from Vietnam. I made this area my home. Not many jobs available in this Rual area. Most places would not even take my application. I was not a high school graduate, that played a role. I joined a Marines because I did not have any experience other than operating farm equipment. This was another time and World far, far away. I became a carpenter, it was very rewarding career, not money wise but I enjoyed the work and that is rewarding in itself. Life is what you make of it, and I have had a good one. Thanks to my Creator God Jehovah.

Response by SSG David Phillips made Jul 4 at 2022 9:46 AM

2022-07-04T09:46:08-04:00

Great advice but there’s so much more that wasn’t covered. I always carried 5 plus different resumes and pack of my business cards. Been with company for awhile and I still carry a handful of updated resumes with me. Always keep your resumes updated!!! Always

Response by MSgt Keith Morreira made Jul 6 at 2022 7:12 PM

2022-07-06T19:12:00-04:00

Solid advice for any veteran transitioning

Response by CPO Bill Frey made Jul 7 at 2022 6:11 AM

2022-07-07T06:11:21-04:00

Valid information, I've had two full careers. its a little painful initially to draft a resume however it will be well worth it! Beside though name has changed (TAPS) several times and likely different in other branches. You should attend the transition class before you get out unless you are making plans to be a failure and a burden on us all. There you will get help building a resume minimum. These training sessions are GOLD, don't miss that opportunity no matter what else is going on in your world at the time. It's easy to update your resume from phone/computer and should be customized each time for the actual job you are applying for once you made that first one. You have been told!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2022 12:07 AM

2022-07-08T00:07:46-04:00

Thank you! Been out over twenty years, but this will help anyone transitioning now. Thanks again.

Response by PO2 Rick Creed made Jul 10 at 2022 4:35 PM

2022-07-10T16:35:14-04:00

Listen to the lady and the Major below, I got my first post military job about 40 years ago. All of these recommendations rang true then and still today, with a few tweaks...
Good luck to all of you

Response by CPL Sheila Lewis made Sep 29 at 2022 2:43 PM

2022-09-29T14:43:50-04:00

I miss it so much.

Response by CW3 Susan Burkholder made Oct 30 at 2022 6:35 PM

2022-10-30T18:35:59-04:00

Very creative recruiting advertisement you just did. Best of luck.

Response by CPO Kurt Baschab made Oct 31 at 2022 10:13 AM

2022-10-31T10:13:30-04:00

thank you

Response by Maj Joan Marine made Nov 2 at 2022 10:32 AM

2022-11-02T10:32:26-04:00

Great job with the details, and suggestions for being on top of the job market!

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Nov 3 at 2022 10:45 PM

2022-11-03T22:45:57-04:00

For one, you should reduce your writings because what you wrote many people lose interest in your story like me. I know what you wrote is sincere, but we are not here to read a book. I know we get carried away in our writings as I do at times. But I back off and write facts.

Response by PO3 Bobby Quisenberry made Dec 7 at 2022 11:34 AM

2022-12-07T11:34:36-05:00

The sad truth for us vets is that most businesses don't give vets any priority in hiring. Most of that is only lip service. Being a vet usually doesn't bring a lot of civilian skills to the table anyway, to be honest, and formal education usually trumps military experience and you have to remember that about 90% of the jobs are gotten because someone knows somebody else. That is just the hard truth! I didn't care to compete with the world system's crap so I started my own business instead of going into the work place. You'll never get rich working for anyone else anyway! Work for yourself and you'll get back what you put into it eventually, plus it's nice not to have to work for anyone else! That's just my two cents by experience. We all have a tendency to think higher of ourselves than we should, like we're just a little better than the next person but is that justified actually. It just erks me that I spent such a large part of my life serving my country and protecting everyone else who didn't serve, protecting their rights and freedoms and it seems to mean nothing to a world full of opportunist self-serving takers who never gave!

Response by PO3 Bobby Quisenberry made Dec 7 at 2022 12:25 PM

2022-12-07T12:25:01-05:00

What seemed so true to me and brought me to tears was the speech Rambo gave at the end of the Rambo First Blood movie about how he could do all these things with all the expensive equipment he was trained to work with in the military but could only be a drifter because no one would hire him. After getting out during Vietnam, it seems all I could get was shit jobs for a long while until I got a break because my father-in-law knew someone for me to get a decent paying job. That company went on strike that lasted five years so then I went to work for the government for the SEAL Teams for 16 1/2 years and then quit when Bush rattled swords and didn't go after Ben Lauden right away and he went underground. I then started my own business because I wasn't going to go through not getting hired again in the civilian world. Best move I ever made. I only have to answer to myself and almost never had a problem and none that couldn't be fixed and the effort I put in I got back out and I made all the money and some else was not getting rich off of me. I imagine this was typical of vets in my day.

Response by SSG Edward Mcghee made Dec 16 at 2022 6:53 PM

2022-12-16T18:53:03-05:00

Thank you for all of the useful information. Hopefully it will get around and help a lot of soon to be and current veterans.

Response by LCDR George Hernandez made Jan 6 at 2023 1:00 PM

2023-01-06T13:00:49-05:00

As a corporate recruiter, I do have access to the Hiring Managers for a $14 billion dollar EPC organization, these were great tips Lindsey.

Response by TSgt Ken Richter made Jan 8 at 2023 4:19 PM

2023-01-08T16:19:11-05:00

Question: You mentioned to build a resume to fit a job description. I've been out for a few years and had trouble finding employment. The most common excuse I heard was either that I was over qualified or not the right fit.
Whenever I managed to get a job, it was usually by short term contract. The only relevant job that I somehow got relevant to my degree was a short contract at NASA JPL. That was still a while back.

My question is, how do I tailor a resume to a job when in the chronology, there are non relevant jobs in between any relevant ones? Thank you.

Response by MSG Paul L. Ruiz made Feb 7 at 2023 5:58 PM

2023-02-07T17:58:32-05:00

My Brother Marine has a beautiful family; and what I learned from my transition from being an active duty Marine was building a resume on USAjob.gov, just as you beautifully said to match my military skills with an occupation in the civilian sector, to include buying back my 9.8 years of active duty, joining as a Marine civilian servant, and continuing my civilian journey, going from a DoD civilian to GSA, as a GS9, GS11, and going to college to earn a BA degree, and to fill the gaps of my military knowledge, and become well rounded GS12, and ready to retire again in 15 months, with 42 years of honorable service to our great Nation!