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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, June 11, 2007

Seeking a job after military service? Here are a few tips

 •  Readjusting to work after war

By Dana Knight
Indianapolis Star

You served your time for your country and landed back at home sweet home. Now it's time to change out of the uniform into a business suit. Talk about intimidating.

Where do you start? How should you craft the resume? What jobs make the most sense for a veteran? What skills do you have to offer?

While it may seem overwhelming, remember this: Most employers and experts say former military members already have an edge in the civilian work world. As you served selflessly, you were gaining critical job skills and characteristics.

"There is good work ethic, strong character ethic. There is discipline, and there is flexibility," said Janet Farley, author of "Military-to-Civilian Career Transition Guide."

Here are some tips to land a job in life after the military:

TAKE A BREATH

You have lots to think about. Reuniting with family, adjusting to civilian life and a new job. But what will that job be? Take some time to assess yourself. What are your strengths and your weaknesses? What do you really want to do? Look at what skills you have, what skills you might lack and decide whether you need additional schooling or training to reach your goal.

For some, it may mean taking a quick job to cover expenses as you get that training or seek that dream job.

DON'T DO IT ALONE

Veterans have many resources available to help them transition from military to civilian life. Reach out to former military colleagues who are now in the civilian workforce for advice.

UPDATE RESUME

This is where you can stand out. Even if you joined the military right out of high school and have no job experience, you have lots to offer employers. Don't be afraid to write in detail what you gained while serving. Laurence Shatkin, author of the upcoming book "150 Best Jobs Through Military Training," to be released in September, said there are plenty of skills and attitudes those who served can include on a resume. Teamwork, a positive attitude toward authority, stress management, diversity, global awareness and initiative are just a few.

GO WITH FLOW

Some former members of the military had defined roles as they served and for them, it makes sense to continue on that path if they like it.

For others, Shatkin's book offers 150 civilian jobs for which military training is a common entry route. Examples include computer support specialist, paralegal, radiologic technician, police officer, pipe fitter, plumber and first-line supervisor in construction.