Getting a Job After the Service Not That Easy

I crossed over in the Air Force when Sept. 11, 2001 happened, after serving four years in the Navy. Transitioning back into the civilian world was like being a fish out of water. I spent months trying to find a job, but with no luck. I didn't know how to apply all the knowledge I gained from our Transition Assistance Program (TAP).

I didn't know how to apply all the knowledge I gained from our Transition Assistance Program (TAP). I couldn't figure out how to translate my military background into civilian terms so I could "sell" myself on paper, even with all the wealth of knowlegde and assistance that is out there. After months of looking for a job on the Internet and in the paper, I finally decided to go back into the military after the events of Sept. 11.

Once I completed my term of service in the Air Force, I spent a lot of time doing research and getting feedback on resume writing techniques and interviews. I searched online and talked to people. I continued to look online for jobs, went to Career Fairs and looked in the paper. Fin ally, I got a response to work for a company who had a contract with the military for a program on the base that I just separated from. I served there for two years until the program came to an end and I was out of a job...again.

After months of looking and applying online, in the paper, through e-mail, going to job fairs and talking to people, I finally got an interview with an Aeronautics company in the local area after I attended a Career Fair. Now, I am finally secured with a job and can put my military and aviation background to good use.

Transitioning from the military is not easy. It takes lots of research, determination, patience, networking, and prayer to get to where you want to go but, in the end, it pays to put in your time and effort.

Just keep working, talking to people, going to job fairs and obtaining helpful tips and tricks for perfecting your resume and interviews. Eventually, you'll get it.

(Submitted by Marilyn Richards)

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[Nathaniel J. Harrington]

Nathaniel J. Harrington
11112 Cherry Lake Court
Indianapolis, IN 46235
(317) 894-4070
nharri1234@att.net

Summary of Qualifications
Excellent Customer Service which enables company growth
Comfortable working individually or in team setting
Ability to work in fast paced environment in different climate of weather.

Experience

Cintas Corporation April 2007-Present
Indianapolis, IN
Service Representative

Drive to and from customer location for pick up of confidential documents.
Perform on site and off site document destruction
Pick up bins and material to be shredded
Perform installs of new customers
Load trucks before route and offload trucks after route as required.
Perform routine maintenance on truck or equipment.

V-Line Corporation Sept. 2006-April 2007
Indianapolis, IN
Lead Driver

Performed delivery to different location within the state of Indiana for pick up and delivery of building products in a timely manner.
Inspected truck daily to insure all items were secured and fastened and there was no safety issues.
Verified that all delivery items were present and if any concerns about delivery notified management immediately.
Provided daily report to management of any issues on all delivery for the day.
Assisted new employee with process for delivery of products.

Atlas Cold Storage May 2006-Aug. 2006
Shelbyville, IN
Selector

Picked Frozen products and non-frozen product items to be shipped to different vendors for purchase.

Nathaniel J. Harrington
Page 2 of 2

Examined food items to determine if products were acceptable for delivery to insure only quality items are delivered.
Confirmed all items for delivery to insure all items were present.

TNT Logistics Company Feb.-April 2006
Plainfield IN
Picker

Pulled parts accurately to be sent out to customer with company standards achieved.
Transported parts within the warehouse using a taylor dunn vehicle which assisted with fast paced delivery of parts within warehouse.
Placed tag on parts to insure accuracy of parts for delivery
Performed inspection of taylor dunn for safety issues.

State Of Indiana Sept. 1993-Dec. 2005
Indiana Women Prison,
Indianapolis, IN Nathaniel J. Harrington

Correctional Officer
Received over 100+ incoming calls on a multi-line switchboard while accomplishing great customer service.
Transported over 20+ inmates to other facilities, hospitals, etc. in a timely manner which insured effective turnaround time.
Checked perimeters of the facility to provide safety and security to premises as well as to others.
Prepared incident reports in writing for detailed records of any incident.

Military Experience June 1978-Jul. 2004(Retired)

United States Army Reserves
282nd CRC, Indianapolis, IN
Human Resources Advisors

Education/Training

Powerpoint Achievements
Primary Leadership Course Non Commissioned Officer Award(2003)
Self Protection Certificate Of Achievement Metal
Non-Commissioned Officer Course Commanders Certificate of Excellence
Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course Ordination Certificate
Fork Lift Driving

[Sandra]

I retired from the army in April 2008 after 21 years of service. I have been seeking employment since I began terminal leave in February 2008. I have four (4) military occupational specialties and additional skill identifiers as Drill Sergeant and Instructor. I am qualified in E4 (Attache Administrative Support; and E3 (Executive Assistant). I have a Bachelors degree in Human Resource Management and a Masters degree in Law and Public Policy and excellent references. I have an active TS/SCI clearance. I do very well on interviews and I am willing to relocate. I have submitted at least 100 applications for government employment and sent out hundreds of resumes in response to both advertised and unadvertised jobs, yet to this day, I am still unemployed. I considered a career change to an "in-demand" field such as nursing or IT, but despite my 70% VA disability rating, I was denied Vocational Rehab benefits. Needless to say, I am very discouraged at this point so if anyone has any suggestions, I'm listening.