Posted on Dec 9, 2015
A letter to veterans searching for a private sector career.
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Is the author wrong on any of this?
Dear Battle Buddy,
I know you have been thinking about how you want to transition your military skills to start a career in the private sector. I don't have a whole lot of time to write because I'm getting ready to get off my lunch break but I wanted to give you some things to think about. Much of what I have written to you has to do with my own experience using a military resume as well as what our peers have encountered.
Network with people as much as you can. Who you know is more valuable than what you know. Sorry but most of the time, that’s true. Maybe just applying to jobs via websites as much as you can will work out but spend time meeting the people that will get your resume.
Anytime you can find a recruiter from a company that has a job you want, contact them. See what they say. Tell them you applied to a position. Engage them. Tell them about how you have some really awesome skills and education that you know would benefit their business. Use LinkedIn to shine and reach out them.
Don’t settle for just talking with a contractor that finds jobs for vets or your state VA employment person. They are only a tool in finding a career. Starting a career is your battle now. Not theirs. You have to be active constantly.
Before you start applying to different places, send your resume to someone in the private-sector HR world and ask for help in making your resume awesome. These are the prime people to ask what your resume should look like. What is the worst they could tell you? Remember, have thick skin.
Understand that many private-sector companies don’t have time to translate a military resume. Why spend time reading your complex five-page resume about the bla bla fighter wing, when they can skip you and easily read about a guy that has always been in the private-sector market?
People aren’t dying to find vets to fill jobs as you are led to believe. There isn’t a siren that goes off when a veteran applies to a job. Don’t assume that because you’re military, they want you. There, I said it.. You have to bring attention to yourself.
Your greatest battle may be finding a job and explaining how you are relevant to a company. Be active, active, active. You have to own this. I believe in you. This battle can be long but if you ask for help and stay involved, you will be good to go!
I look forward to seeing you in your new uniform!
Dear Battle Buddy,
I know you have been thinking about how you want to transition your military skills to start a career in the private sector. I don't have a whole lot of time to write because I'm getting ready to get off my lunch break but I wanted to give you some things to think about. Much of what I have written to you has to do with my own experience using a military resume as well as what our peers have encountered.
Network with people as much as you can. Who you know is more valuable than what you know. Sorry but most of the time, that’s true. Maybe just applying to jobs via websites as much as you can will work out but spend time meeting the people that will get your resume.
Anytime you can find a recruiter from a company that has a job you want, contact them. See what they say. Tell them you applied to a position. Engage them. Tell them about how you have some really awesome skills and education that you know would benefit their business. Use LinkedIn to shine and reach out them.
Don’t settle for just talking with a contractor that finds jobs for vets or your state VA employment person. They are only a tool in finding a career. Starting a career is your battle now. Not theirs. You have to be active constantly.
Before you start applying to different places, send your resume to someone in the private-sector HR world and ask for help in making your resume awesome. These are the prime people to ask what your resume should look like. What is the worst they could tell you? Remember, have thick skin.
Understand that many private-sector companies don’t have time to translate a military resume. Why spend time reading your complex five-page resume about the bla bla fighter wing, when they can skip you and easily read about a guy that has always been in the private-sector market?
People aren’t dying to find vets to fill jobs as you are led to believe. There isn’t a siren that goes off when a veteran applies to a job. Don’t assume that because you’re military, they want you. There, I said it.. You have to bring attention to yourself.
Your greatest battle may be finding a job and explaining how you are relevant to a company. Be active, active, active. You have to own this. I believe in you. This battle can be long but if you ask for help and stay involved, you will be good to go!
I look forward to seeing you in your new uniform!
Posted in these groups: 
Employment
Transition
Employment Transition
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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"People aren’t dying to find vets to fill jobs as you are led to believe. There isn’t a siren that goes off when a veteran applies to a job. Don’t assume that because you’re military, they want you. There, I said it.. You have to bring attention to yourself. Your greatest battle may be finding a job and explaining how you are relevant to a company. Be active, active, active. You have to own this. I believe in you. This battle can be long but if you ask for help and stay involved, you will be good to go!"
I think this guy has got it right. Most, if not all, of his suggestions, I did as well a couple of years from retirement from Iraq; and the part I quoted above? Spot on! Be positive and don't get frustrated, but also understand and know the truth of what you are up against.
I think this guy has got it right. Most, if not all, of his suggestions, I did as well a couple of years from retirement from Iraq; and the part I quoted above? Spot on! Be positive and don't get frustrated, but also understand and know the truth of what you are up against.
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This is a great letter, and important to remember. Networking is critical for vets whether it is to find work, or just to find a purpose after service. There are many of us out here, but it is on you to make the connections.
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