Emma Banks of Smile As It Happens contacted me about sharing some very valuable insight on finding resources and opportunities when you're entering into the civilian workforce. I thought it would be very useful to pass along! Please find her article below!
Leaving
the military presents you with a wide range of opportunities, but it can also
bring along the anxiety of the unknown. Unfortunately, many myths have been
perpetuated that fuel anxiety concerning civilian life and your search for
non-military employment. Let’s look at a few of these and learn the truth
behind them.
Myth #1: Most
employers don’t care about job seekers.
Truth: In today’s competitive job
market, many companies receive high numbers of applications on a regular basis.
They understand the need to attract the most qualified, talented people to fill
available positions. In order to attract these individuals, many companies have
significantly streamlined the application process; some of the more tech-savvy
companies such as Walmart and AT&T have partnered with JIBE, a mobile recruiting company,
to allow job seekers to efficiently upload resumes and other pertinent
information right from their mobile devices. Other companies seek to attract
and retain the best applicants by offering special benefits such as
work-from-home options, gym memberships, and more.
Myth #2 No special
services exist to help you find non-military employment.
Truth: While you may feel overwhelmed
by the process of transitioning from a military career to civilian work, many
resources are out there to assist you. Hire
Heroes USA, an
organization composed of former military personnel from a wide range of
backgrounds, provides training for veterans and military personnel seeking
civilian work. In addition to workshops and job-finding tools, Hire Heroes USA
also offers job fairs throughout the country.
Myth #3: You will
only find open positions online.
Truth: While many people successfully
search for jobs online, many employers seek to fill positions through other
means. Job fairs offer great opportunities for meeting potential employers in
person. Networking also offers a great way to find job opportunities. If you
want to work at a particular company but don’t know if they are hiring, you can
submit your resume along with a cover letter explaining why you would be an
asset to the company. Volunteering also often provides a stepping-stone toward
employment. You may eventually find a paid position with the organization where
you volunteer, or your volunteer work could help you network with a potential
employer. Keep your head up and eyes open – you never know where your next opportunity
may come from!
Myth #4: Although
programs exist to help military veterans find jobs in the private sector, no
person is available to help you through this transition.
Truth: All veterans who served
following 9/11 are eligible for personal assistance with job-seeking and career
building. Through the Gold Card program, these veterans can gain access
to a local One-Stop Career Center. Here, with the help of a career professional
you will receive career guidance, the opportunity to work on job-readiness
tests and assessments, interviews, an Individual Development Plan, job
referrals, and monthly check-ups throughout your employment search and beyond.
Change brings both stress as well as opportunity.
Fortunately, many resources are available to help you in your transition out of
the military. By taking advantage of these programs, you will be able to
alleviate much of your anxiety as well as find opportunities for the next phase
of your life.
Emma is a mid 20-something year old with a passion for
life, love, fitness, and helping others. She loves to be active and get
involved in as many sport and community activities as possible. Emma
is currently studying to become a Career & Life Coach, and loves to network
with people from around the world! Check out Emma’s blog at http://smileasithappens.blogspot.com/!
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