Hi there! As most of you know, I am currently studying my behind off and therefore, need to be away from blogland for a bit. Lucky for me – AND you!- I’ve got some great girls posting for me every week. First up is Emma from Smile As It Happens. She offers some great advice about transitioning from a military career to a civilian career.Enjoy!
Ifyou’re like most who are transitioning into the civilian workforce after serving in the military, you’ve heard plenty of horror stories about the job search and application process. It’s hard to not feel anxious and overwhelmed by the impending stress of finding a job in the civilian world, but fear not, many of those horror stories are simply not true. I’m here to tackle some of those myths to help you feel calm and prepared as you enter the civilian workforce.
Myth #1: The most qualified candidates always get the job
Truth: Even though possessing the necessary skills will help you find a job, employers consider much more during the hiring process. Employers will also pay close attention to “soft skills” like attitude and personality when making a decision. Even the most skilled candidate will not get the job if the employer feels they will not be a good fit for the company. On the flip side, many employers are more than happy to take the time to train a candidate whom they feel will get along with current employees and mesh well with the company’s culture.
Myth #2: When military personnel transition to civilian life, there are no special services to assist with finding non-military employment
Truth: This is completely false. There are actually many services available to help veterans and their spouses find employment. One popular organization, Hire Heroes USA, is dedicated to working with veterans to improve their self-marketing and networking skills through workshops, access to tools, and job fairs that are held throughout the country.
Myth #3: Applying for jobs is difficult and time-consuming
Truth: I don’t think there is anybody out there who really enjoys the job application process, but it doesn’t have to take up all of your time. Remember, the majority of employers understand that applicants are busy and aim to make the process as easy as possible by allowing résumés to be submitted electronically. While you may come across a few companies that still request you to mail in your application, some companies, actually use platforms such as JIBE, a mobile recruiting company that allow you to submit an application and supporting documents from a mobile device.
Myth #4: There are no companies that are specifically looking to hire veterans
Truth: Not only are there companies who wish to hire veterans, you can use a site such as VeteranJobListings.com to find these jobs in one place. This site allows companies to post jobs specifically for veterans and also includes a section where veterans can easily apply for these jobs. There is no account required to take advantage of this useful site.
Emma is a mid 20-something year old with a passion for life, love, fitness, and helping others. She loves to be active and get involved in as many sport and community activities as possible. Emma is currently studying to become a Career & Life Coach, and loves to network with people from around the world! Check out Emma’s blog at http://smileasithappens.blogspot.com/!
This past weekend I ran in the Rugged Maniac 5K Obstacle Race – NYC with two of my best friends. It was so much fun and I will definitely do another!! I highly recommend doing one of these!
I’m pretty sure the photos can do most of the talking here so I’ll leave you with a few snapped by our families:
Happy JULY! I can’t even believe it’s already July.
I will be away from my blog and blog email this month to devote my time to studying but I promise I will be back and I will let you know when I am 🙂 In the meantime, I have some great scheduled and guest posts!
Now, here’s some motivation/inspiration to kick-start the week AND month:
to help support military families. As part of the project, the company is sponsoring a half-hour television special called ‘Operation Inspiration’ which is slated to air on NBC in select markets across the country tomorrow, June 29 (click here for local listings). The special, hosted by Al Roker, is aimed to honor and support the military families who inspire us.
Here’s one of three touching stories that you will see on the show:
In April, Roker, along with NASCAR Hall of Famer “The King” Richard Petty and current driver of the famed No. 43 car Aric Almirola, made a trip to San Antonio to surprise United States Marine Corps Corporal Sebastian Gallegos and his wife, Tracie. The 23-year-old Marine, who lost his right arm while serving in Afghanistan, and his wife, a nursing student, are living rent-free in the Operation Homefront Village while he receives necessary medical and rehabilitation treatment. With their car in need of major repairs, the group presented the family with a new 2013 Ford Fusion, which will be specially modified to accommodate driving with a prosthetic.
This couple’s story is just one of three inspiring stories that will be featured in the special. For more information and a preview of the show, visit the Operation Inspiration website here.