Fight Transition Anxiety

For many transitioning servicemembers, finding that first civilian job is both stressful and frustrating. The fear of the unknown has the potential to drive those leaving active duty to seek immediate safe harbor -- turning over their job search to a JMO recruiter or taking their first job offer. Neither are necessarily bad solutions, but it's important to ensure that transition anxiety isn't limiting your ability to find a job you love. The most sophisticated job seekers don't use any single method to find a job; they execute against a portfolio of straightforward strategies to increase their pipeline of opportunities. Although these "job search" tools are relatively obvious, it's surprising how few people actually take the time to use them effectively in combination.

Military Staffing Firms (A.K.A. JMO Recruiters). Companies like Bradley-Morris, Inc., Orion, Lucas, and Cameron-Brooks provide specialized services to help marketable transitioning personnel. Many provide "high-touch" career services like assessment, resume writing, interviewing skills, which often culminate in a job placement with one of their "client" companies.In most cases, these placements happen through hiring fairs -- rapid-fire, meet and interview conferences held throughout the county. The most significant advantage of JMO recruiters are that you often get personalized assistance and direct connections to employers actively seeking to hire military personnel. Some recruiting firms, however, represent a more limited set of employers and career fields -- be sure to ask to see their client list. In addition, a few of them may insist that you stop actively looking while they represent you -- a potentially option-limiting requirement. All in all, however, they provide a great service and have helped countless transitioning personnel find jobs.

Online Job Boards. There is absolutely no downside to uploading your resume and spending the time to browse a few of the hundreds of thousands of job postings. Scanning jobs online is a great way to get a feel for the breadth of available openings and a sense of careers that might peak your interest. Many of these career sites have automated "search agents" which automatically scan postings and will alert you for potential matches. In addition, the best boards have great content on dressing for success, negotiating a salary, and assessing your interests. Don't just use one job board -- use a few national and specialized career sites. Boards offer seekers choice, anonymity, and reach; but generally do not provide personalized career services.

Your Network. Not surprisingly, this is the single best vehicle for developing a set of career options. You almost certainly know someone who is in an interesting career field or works for a company you find appealing. Well prior to your transition, it will pay dividends to start networking early. Interestingly enough, companies often view their internal employee referral programs as one of their most consistently productive sources of great employees -- so they are looking for you, too.

Direct Applications. Almost every corporate website lists career opportunities under the "About Us" section of their site. Contrary to conventional wisdom, companies actually do evaluate direct applicants. Pay special attention to Government positions, as they are required by law to give preference to Veterans in the hiring process. For more information on "Veterans Preference" see http://www.dol.gov/elaws/vetspref.htm In addition, many government contractors are required to take affirmative action to employ Veterans.

Associations. Most military associations and service academies offer some type of career services. Often, they host career fairs and provide help with resume writing, networking, etc. Like military staffing firms, they tend to bring together a smaller, but highly focused network of employers who are actively seeking to hire Veterans. 

Executive Recruiters. Executive recruiters like Korn-Ferry, Heidrich & Struggles, and Spencer Stuart focus on helping companies recruit senior executives. Corporations are increasingly aware that having senior military personnel on their management team or on their Board of Directors is advantageous as they pursue military customers. Generally, executive recruiters are not interested in mid-level managers -- so, unless you are quite senior, they are probably not a viable option.

Consider Educational Options. For many people, leveraging their military benefits to get additional training or an advanced degree is a great post-military option. Taking your great military experience and coupling it with a degree can materially accelerate your civilian career.

An early start to your portfolio-driven job search will result in greater choice, increased confidence, and a better outcome. When you are finally piped ashore for the last time, you won't need to look back ... you'll be well on your way to a great second career.

(Submitted by Chris Michel)

Comments

[Terrence Haymer]

I really enjoyed this article , I'm do to transition out of the Navy apr 2008. I'm going to take the educational route. my CLASSES do'nt start to fall of 2008.Any suugestion far as work in the summer of 08? My major will be eduction in the arts. V/R Terrence Haymer