by Sandra Clawson Freeo

Created on: February 06, 2009

Making the transition from military to civilian employment

There are few jobs where you can work for years and find no market for your skill, like you find when you leave the military. There are some career fields where there are jobs in the civilian world that are comparable but there are some that don't have a civilian equivalent. Below are 11 things you can do to prepare yourself for a military civilian transition.

1. Do your research, find jobs that fit what you have done in the military. If you are an expert on military hardware find the companies that hire military to work with them on developing military hardware. They are the largest employers in the country, next to the military.

2. During this economy you may want to use that GI Bill money and get some education. If college isn't your thing then look at technical colleges or training classes. Your local community college has a variety of classes on many topics and it is a good way to see if you can hack it in a University. you will pay less per class at a community college and the credits you earn may be transferable to a university.

3. Have a well written resume. Use the sources on the military base you are on while you are still in the military. A transition center on base has people trained to help you write the best resume you can about the jobs you have done. If you are already out you should find a reputable source to write a resume for you if you don't feel confident about your writing skills.

4. Get your self a business or calling card. Put your name and contact information on it. Also, don't be afraid to put the name of the profession you want on it. Hand it out.

5. About that resume. Don't forget to add any jobs you have done as a volunteer on base or in the community. Many military people have helped plan or participated in large events either on the base or in the local community. If you haven't you have missed some fun times!

6. Also, if you have taught classes or training put it down. This shows you can get up in front of a group and speak.

7. Put your experience in the language of the civilian world. No one cares that you were the adjutant to a two star general. Tell them your duties and responsibilities and put them in a language they can understand.

8. Network, network, network, Get out of the house go to free classes at the local unemployment office. Attend professional association meetings. Talk to people in the grocery store, its true, people want to help so don't be afraid to say you

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