'Looking Back, Everything I Did Was Wrong'

Most people that you have to pay to write resumes and help with a job search either don't know what they are doing or have something in mind for you that fits their priorities.

I retired from the Navy in 1991. I was [ready for] the civilian world. But first, we would take a nice vacation and then go back home and start looking. Now, looking back, I think that everything I did was wrong. I paid a "professional" to write my resume. I did my own job search through professional websites. I only applied to jobs available in my home town or nearby. After about 6 weeks, I was so down on myself that I didn't really want to get out of bed.

Now, I am a Human Resourse Specialist with the State of Kansas. I make a great salary, but best of all, I'm retiring for the second time in June of this year with a full retirement at age 59. The things I would suggest, by order of priority.

1. Deal with the Veterans Specialist at your local Workforce Center! I wish I had all of the money back that I spent on professional help during my job search. All of these things are free at Workforce Centers. My representative helped me with everything I needed from resumes to advice on how to dress.

2. Find the job that you want and go to where it is! You can be selective, but be realistic.

3. Learn about Job Search Stress! The Workforce people were also helpful in this.

4. Most people that you have to pay to write resumes and help with a job search either don't know what they are doing or have something in mind for you that fits their priorities, not YOURS! Looking back at my "Professional" resume now, scares me. IT WAS HORRIBLE!

5. As someone said earlier, plan ahead and pay attention at TAP classes. This is all excellant information.

6. Contact a Workforce Center before you get out and start your work search early. Terminal leave is a great option, look for work while you are still getting paid.

7. Don't be afraid to draw Unemployment Insurance. Its not charity, it helps you have some income and allows you to be a bit more selective about the job you take.

8. Investigate your State Civil Service. These jobs usually pay well, have good benefits and usually have a system to allow you to count your military time as time for retirement (thas's why Im retiring at 59).

And good luck!

(Submitted by NCC Elwyn Briggs)

Comments

[Adam M]

Hello,

As a Veteran who struggled to find a job quickly I found the frustration with these "professional resume" writers. You said it Mr. Briggs they worry about their interests, not yours.
I was actually able to look for jobs at www.vetfriends.com. They have job postings and help on how to get a job as a veteran. What really helped me was they have a Veteran Owned BUsiness Directory. I actually contacted Veteran Business Owners and asked if they were hiring. Who better to hire a Vet than a fellow Vet.
http://www.vetfriends.com/Memorial_Day_Parade/index.cfm

[Adam M]

Sorry that was the link to their memorial Day Page, here is the one for the Business Directory

http://www.vetfriends.com/directory/index.cfm

[Farah Lynch]

I'm having a same problem what you encountered. I paid professional to write my resuem and no luck getting job. Therefore, I end up writting my own resume using vairouses sources. I had been out of service for one year.

[michael]

It's hard out there for vets for sure I retired a couple of years ago from the Air Force and took a short break too. looking back time off was fun but did'nt help my situation at all. I've put in resumes for the last year and a half and I got no response yet. I severed for over 20 yrs, able bodied, good work history but cant seem to get hired. Employers like to say they are all for vets but I dont see it. Just look at the home less and job less rate among Vets.

[Jessica Richardson]

Hello. Regarding the comments about professional resume writers, I am sorry to hear that some of you have had not-positive experiences.

However, I can assure you that all "professional" resume writers are not the same. If you can, find a writer or company that specializes in military-to-civilian resumes.

Also, ask them for some testimonials from others like you. These are actual ones we've received, just as an example:

"Hi Jessica, I just wanted to let you and your team know that I received a job offer with (company redacted). They said my resume stood out above all other applicants. Thanks again for all of your help - you allowed me to accomplish my goals in the time limit I had set. I look forward to the day that I can recommend your company's services."
G. Shaw

"I have a really close friend that I think you guys can help out. With the resume that you did for me, I cannot fend off the Employers."
B. Taybron

With that said, using a professional resume writer is not a pre-requisite to finding a job. There are many free transition resources as well as resume books that can help.

Good luck in your job search.

[E]

Have any of you still looking checked out the "contractors" They are numerous sites and locations were they hire for the military contracts. Check out goood ole USAjobs too. Also email some "old military friends" use those contacts you made in the military. We went from retirement to an outstanding job. We called a friend and asked him what tips he had on job hunting and next thing we knew we were working for his company. We have another friend that tells us when we are ready to move on let her know and we can work for her company. When we were ready to retire we let the job pick where(of course we researched the area)we moved to, we are in the midwest but about 7 hours from home. I figured that's ok we haven't been there in 25 years. ;o)

[Brian]

Also check out VeteranOwnedBusiness.com. It's also a pretty good directory of veterans and service disabled veterans who own their own businesses. It's free to get a listing on the site: http://www.VeteranOwnedBusiness.com