Transition to a Civilian Job

 The transition from the military to the civilian workforce for a retiring veteran, as well as a career change for someone who has been employed for a while, can be daunting. The following steps will assist in that transition process.

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• Start planning early. The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, so it's important to start planning early. This means taking advantage of all the resources available to you, such as those offered through the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

• Take a self-assessment. Once you've started planning, it's important to take a self-assessment to identify your skills, interests, and strengths. This will help you narrow down your career options and focus your job search.

• Research career fields. Once you know your skills and interests, it's time to research different career fields. This will help you learn more about the different options available to you and identify the ones that are a good fit.

• Network with people in your target industries. Networking is a great way to learn about job opportunities and connect with potential employers. There are many different ways to network, such as attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and reaching out to people on LinkedIn.

• Update your resume and portfolio. Your resume and portfolio are your calling cards, so it's important to make sure they're up-to-date and highlight your skills and experience. You may also want to get your resume professionally reviewed.

• Start your job search. Once you're ready, it's time to start your job search. There are many different ways to find jobs, such as online job boards, company websites, and networking.

• Prepare for interviews. Once you start getting interviews, it's important to be prepared. This means conducting research on the company for which you are interviewing,  formulating your answers to common interview questions and dressing professionally.

• Negotiate your salary. Once you've been offered a job, it's important to negotiate your salary. This is your chance to get the best possible offer.

• Use your military benefits. The VA offers a variety of benefits to veterans, including education benefits, job training, and financial assistance.

• Be patient. The transition from military to civilian life can take time. Don't get discouraged if you don't find a job right away. Keep networking and applying for jobs, and eventually you'll find the right opportunity.