Advice for Veterans Entering the Civilian Workforce

Transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce can be a daunting task, with a vast job market to navigate. From sifting through job titles and companies to interviewing and acclimating to a new role, it's understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed. But remember, your veteran skills will help you shine in the job market and advance quickly.

We spoke with some of our colleagues at PFES to get their advice on how to successfully make that transition.

Q: What can veterans do to quickly improve their resumes?

• ‍Bob Kearns, Project Manager:
  • ‍"Describe your military duties and work functions, but use civilian verbiage and avoid military-specific acronyms. This allows hiring managers to clearly understand what you did and how those experiences translate to their business."

Q: Do you have any interview tips?

• ‍Laura Hannah, Program Manager, PFES:
  • "Never assume that the person you're interviewing with has any idea what it's like to be in the armed services. Bridge the gap for them and directly correlate all relevant experience gained in the military with the job you are applying for. For example, I had a team member whose experience in the service was very similar to the experience required for the position they were interviewing for. So, they simply explained how they did that job within the military. And because it was relevant, it secured the job for them."
• ‍Bob Kearns:
  • ‍"Just be yourself, talk about your experiences, and again avoid those acronyms!"

Q: What jobs have you seen veterans really excel at?

• ‍Bob Kearns:
  • ‍"After gaining required technical experience, I've seen veterans excel at supervisory and leadership roles where attention to detail, delivering on objectives and building a team culture are core requirements."

Q: What are some transferrable skills that veterans can take with them into the civilian workforce?

• ‍Stephen Taipala, Director of Project Controls, PFES:
  • ‍"I've found that veterans have often been given significant responsibilities during their service, and are eager to apply their competencies in relevant, tangible ways. Some of the more noteworthy skills that emerge include: Engagement with the task at hand, willingness to learn, accountability, leadership, communication, listening to understand, learning technical concepts, and being proactive."
• ‍Laura Hannah:
  • ‍"Time management and problem solving."
• ‍Bob Kearns:
  • ‍"Attention to detail; work planning and execution; and personal organization skills."

What advice do you have for other veterans who are making that transition right now?

• Bob Kearns:
  • ‍"Pursue opportunities in a civilian field that you are reasonably confident you will be passionate about for many years to come – and stick with it!"

Are you a veteran looking for a job? Reach out to us today!

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