5 Tips for your civilian job search

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  • You wouldn’t go into combat without a battle plan. The job search is no different. You should be mentally planning your job search and transition months before it happens. Figure out if the job you want requires schooling, training or relocation. Once you decide on a career path, you need to prepare financially to be unemployed while you are searching. It could be a while until your next paycheck. (Getty Images)
  • Many service members struggle with translating military experience into language that will be familiar to civilian recruiters. Typical civilian recruiters understand Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes, job duties and jargon as well as your grandma understands Snapchat. Make sure you’re speaking their language! When filling out applications and resumes, it is important to use the same language as the job description. You can draw even more parallels for employers by obtaining civilian credentials that are relevant to your MOS codes. Credentials allow employers to directly compare your experience to that of civilians applying for the same jobs. (Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images)
  • If you could receive FREE civilian job training that wouldn’t cut into your off-duty beer and Netflix time, wouldn’t you? You can with the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program. USMAP is a military training program that provides active duty Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard service members the opportunity to complete civilian apprentice requirements in their career fields. For example, if your job is the command’s photographer, you may be eligible for an apprenticeship in photography, making you more marketable when searching for a civilian job as a photographer. Upon completion of USMAP training, you will be registered as a Department of Labor apprentice with documented proof of work experience that will easily translate into the civilian world. (Jonathan McElderry/Air Force)
  • Your commander in chief isn’t shy about touting his accomplishments. You shouldn’t be either! Serving in the military is one of the most respected things an American can do, especially because of the fundamental traits and values it instills. Talk these up! Civilian recruiters may not realize just how much you did, so you must tell them. Your service has taught you values such as teamwork, loyalty, discipline, adaptability, leadership and problem solving. It also may have given you a degree of humility that won’t help in the civilian world. Go into the interview process with a Kanye West-level of confidence, talking up your experience, the values and skills you acquired, and how that makes you the best candidate for the job. We the Best *DJ Khaled voice* (Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)
  • “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” The old saying is true; networking is everything. Your time serving has left you with a wide range of contacts in different fields. It is important not only to use your current network but, to expand it. Call up your buddies from boot camp or deployments to see how they can help with your job search. And return the favor when they call you! (Peshkova/Getty Images)
  • Information contributed by Marine Corps Community Services. Find more at http://www.usmc-mccs.org/ (Getty Images)

About 

Adisa is a multimedia journalist covering Military Life, transition to civilian life and veteran education