Posted on May 8, 2015
So, did you think getting a job would not be tough?
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So, since January, I have been preparing to transition from Active duty to a new civilian career. From now until I accomplish that task, I'll post some lessons learned along the way.
Lesson 1: You need a plan! I have experience and education in emergency management, security management, law enforcement and IT. I need a plan to be able to move forward in one or more of these areas.
Step 1: I'm actively working to translate what I've done in these areas into articulated statements distinguishing me from other civilian only candidates.
Step 2: How are others distinguishing themselves in the area of training and education?..........if you did not know it.......certifications.
Lesson 1: You need a plan! I have experience and education in emergency management, security management, law enforcement and IT. I need a plan to be able to move forward in one or more of these areas.
Step 1: I'm actively working to translate what I've done in these areas into articulated statements distinguishing me from other civilian only candidates.
Step 2: How are others distinguishing themselves in the area of training and education?..........if you did not know it.......certifications.
Posted in these groups: 
Transition
Job/Skill Training
Transition Job/Skill Training
Posted >1 y ago
This is a duplicate discussion and the contents have been merged with the original discussion. Click below to see more on this topic...
For all those preparing to transition and those already there, I will address two topics in this post. First, it is important to find out where you don't want to work and second, State applications for Texas.
Over the last month, I attended the Incident Commander Position Specific Course and the Basic Instructor Skills Course. I'm interested in continuing my education in emergency management and there are multiple free courses available through preparing Texas. The added benefit of attending these courses is the networking opportunities. I was able to network with other students from multiple agencies. My interaction with these professionals allowed me to gain an insight into the agencies where they are members. So, I would recommend you consider how you can attend a conference, training, or other event where you can meet the professionals in your desired field. I was able to eliminate an agency from consideration that I had intended to pursue. Most statistics say that your first job right after you transition will likely not be a long term position. That being said, this has allowed me to avoid accepting a job where I am not a fit.
The second topic is the dreaded State application. In my TAP training, it was emphasized not to leave blanks and to fully fill out any application forms, but the majority of the focus was on the resume. Folks, the resume is not even considered for State applications in Texas. It is all in the application. That application is then reviewed by a computer or an entry level worker with no knowledge about the job. They are looking for the specific language in the job posting. If your application does not match these key search terms, you will not be considered. We did discuss this in TAP but mainly as it related to the resume. These are clearly valid points for your resume, but you also must have this information in the application. So, if the posting says you need basic understanding of computer software, that needs to be in the application. If you have a Masters in Computer Science but your application does not include the must have terminology, you might be passed by. Working Texas provides a training session specifically for State applications that I would recommend you attend. I've been told by Texas recruiters that there is a perception that State agencies only hire within, but the reality is that they know what to put on the application.
Happy hunting and I hope you find the career you are looking for.
Over the last month, I attended the Incident Commander Position Specific Course and the Basic Instructor Skills Course. I'm interested in continuing my education in emergency management and there are multiple free courses available through preparing Texas. The added benefit of attending these courses is the networking opportunities. I was able to network with other students from multiple agencies. My interaction with these professionals allowed me to gain an insight into the agencies where they are members. So, I would recommend you consider how you can attend a conference, training, or other event where you can meet the professionals in your desired field. I was able to eliminate an agency from consideration that I had intended to pursue. Most statistics say that your first job right after you transition will likely not be a long term position. That being said, this has allowed me to avoid accepting a job where I am not a fit.
The second topic is the dreaded State application. In my TAP training, it was emphasized not to leave blanks and to fully fill out any application forms, but the majority of the focus was on the resume. Folks, the resume is not even considered for State applications in Texas. It is all in the application. That application is then reviewed by a computer or an entry level worker with no knowledge about the job. They are looking for the specific language in the job posting. If your application does not match these key search terms, you will not be considered. We did discuss this in TAP but mainly as it related to the resume. These are clearly valid points for your resume, but you also must have this information in the application. So, if the posting says you need basic understanding of computer software, that needs to be in the application. If you have a Masters in Computer Science but your application does not include the must have terminology, you might be passed by. Working Texas provides a training session specifically for State applications that I would recommend you attend. I've been told by Texas recruiters that there is a perception that State agencies only hire within, but the reality is that they know what to put on the application.
Happy hunting and I hope you find the career you are looking for.
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