Happy Veteran's Day!

Some of my reader's might remember that last year was the first year for Tailored For Success' Suits to Veteran's Success event.  At this event veterans from around the community were invited to come to Tailored For Success and receive a free business suit, dress shirt, tie and a new pair of shoes.  

Unfortunately, with our recent move, we were not able to have the event this year, but look forward to an even bigger event in 2014!  So, as an alternative, I thought I would give some tips on landing a civilian job to Veterans who are in the job search process. Clearly, a person's military experience plays a big role in who you are as a person and making the transition to civilian life should not be taken lightly.  

Here are seven steps to help:

1.  Establish your Post-Uniform Priorities - which means thinking ahead, if you are still in the military, as to what you want to do in the future (e.g. what type of job do you want).
2. Identify your Marketable Skills - use skills identification (e.g., self-managment skills, technical or job specific skills and transferable or functional skills).  A good place to start is a free, self-directed assessment instrument available through Military One Source (www.military.com).
3.  Translate your skills for Civilian Employers - to find out what employers are looking for do a military crosswalk on O*Net Online (www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC). 
4. Craft a flexible Resume and Cover Letter - remember there is no one "right" way to write a resume and plenty of resume writing resources in your local library.
5. Find and Apply for Worthy Jobs - organize your job search and set daily, weekly and monthly SMART goals.
6. Nail the Interview - remember there are three things employers want to know: (1) are you qualified to do the job, (2) are you willing to do the job and (3) will you fit in with everyone else.  Remember first impressions count, so dress for the interview as a way to show respect for the interviewers time.
7. Get Hired and Succeed on the Job - once you get hired, remember you are the newbie...learn the unwritten rules of the workplace, go beyond the basics and give your coworkers a chance to get to know you. 

If you want more information on these seven tips, check out the book published by Jist Works American Career Publisher, "Quick Military Transition Guide: Seven Steps to Landing a Civilian Job" by Janet Farley, and/or follow her on Twitter @SmartJobChoices and @Mil2CivGuide for timely tips and insights.  

Enjoy the Journey!