Translate Your Skills.
You need to help someone who never served understand how your experience is relevant to their company and job. HOWEVER, don’t go so far that another veteran has no idea what you did in the military. List your military title and the translation on your resume so veterans can help hiring managers understand why they should hire you.
TAP is NOT Enough.
TAP will begin to prepare you for the job search process but it will not prepare you for what happens beginning with your first day of employment.
Don’t take the process personally. Don’t take the lack of feedback or rejection personally. Recruiters interact with thousands of people each year and can’t respond to everyone.You haven’t lost until you stop trying!
Network, Network, Network.
Yes, this was Tip #3 but it is worth repeating. Check out LinkedIn Group: Veteran Mentor Network
Be professional.
With less than 7% of the population having military experience you may be the first veteran someone has met.
Stay Positive.
Don’t use social media to complain about your transition. It’s not going to help you find a job. Save the complaints for when you are offline and talking to a buddy. You will stand out much better focusing on the positive.
Learn the recruiting process.
Companies have different processes for recruiting. Learn how they operate. On average it takes 30-60 days to fill a job once it is posted so don’t expect an answer back the day after you apply. Some companies collect all applicants before reviewing others begin right away.
Find someone who has done the job.
LinkedIn can be a great source for finding former employees who have worked at a company you are considering or who have even done the job. They may be able to give you insight that will help you get the job or avoid it.
Take advantage of free help.
TAP will not prepare you for everything you need. There are lots of non-profits out there that can provide assistance beyond what you get in TAP. In addition, there are apprenticeship programs and fellowship programs that can help with your transition.
Focus only on what you can control.
The only thing you can control in the interview is your behavior and your responses. Focus on listening carefully — taking notes if necessary — and on controlling your behavior and words.
Present yourself as the solution.
Answer questions in such a way that you are always keeping the hiring company’s requirements and goals in mind, not yours. Your answers should reflect how you fit in with this organizations aims and enhance their objectives.
Prepare and Ask Questions.
Questions demonstrate how well you prepared for an interview. Ask “what, how, and why” questions helps YOU to control the conversation. Get your interviewer to share information that helps you be more prepared for the next interview and eventually your job.
Focus on what is important for the job.
In the military it is not uncommon for leaders to ask about you personal life as well as professional but in a interview you should focus on what is important to do your job.
Save Money for the Transition.
Unlike civilians who can find a job and then give a two week notice, you need to give notice first which means you need to plan to support yourself after service and before employment. Know your expenses to determine when you may need a part time job.
Learn about Healthcare.
It is so easy when you are in uniform. The choices and costs are far more complex once you leave service. If you have a family member with special needs healthcare can be a deciding factor on where to live and work.
Be Humble.
The best leaders I knew in the military were humble. Your service doesn’t entitle you to anything. It’s your experience that companies want and humility is what they need.
Find a Mentor.
Veterati and American Corporate Partners are two places to start as you transition. Once you are hired find a mentor within the company.
Learn more about our Military hiring outreach at jobs.cvshealth.com/military
CVS Health is a values-based organization focused on helping people on their path to better health. Here, you’ll work alongside former members of the military and current reservists and members of the National Guard. Bring your unique skills to our industry, and we look forward to helping you grow your career. We offer opportunities at all levels for U.S. Veterans and will enforce the Uniformed Service Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).