Changing careers is never an easy thing to do. Changing from the military way of life to the civilian sector is even more difficult. I know, I’ve done it! My wife is in the process of doing it now, and it can be a frustrating and difficult transition. One of the most difficult things to complete is your post-military resume. How do you put several years of military training onto paper in a way that civilians can understand? (And with no military jargon or acronyms!)

How do you write about the skills you’ve learned and had ingrained into you through years of training, hard work, dedication, and discipline? How does one translate the core values of Honor, Integrity, Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Personal Courage, Selfless-Service, Excellence, and Commitment?

It’s a tough thing to do. Not all military skills directly translate to the civilian world. But I assure you, many skills do. Countless veterans have successfully made the transition back into the civilian world. I did it over a year ago, and so can you. It takes a lot of work, planning, and sometimes a little luck, but it can be done.

Over the next few days and weeks, I will write about going through this transition. I will cover the decision to separate from the military, preparing to get out of the military, writing your resume, going through the job search, interviewing, and many more helpful topics to help veterans find the job they deserve. In the process, I’ll be helping my wife find the job she is looking for. Putting everything on paper will help us in our job search, and we can leave a written record to help others in the military community.

It’s never easy, but anything worth having is worth working for. (But you already knew that didn’t you? ;) )

Related posts:

  1. Veterans Affairs Post-Military Employment Survey – Part II
  2. Veterans Affairs Post-Military Employment Survey
  3. My Post-Military Employment History
  4. Looking for a Job? Consider Joining the Military