How to turn your military job into a civilian role?

I'm curious about the process of transitioning a military job to a civilian career. How do the skills and experiences from the military translate to the job market? Any tips or resources for making this transition smoothly?

Transitioning from a military to a civilian role often involves identifying the transferable skills you've gained during your service, and then effectively articulating them for civilian employers. Here are a few steps to consider.

1. Recognize Your Transferable Skills: During your military service, you have likely acquired a wealth of valuable skills that can transfer to civilian jobs. These may include leadership, project management, strategic planning, and teamwork, among others. Make a list of these and consider how they can apply to civilian roles.

2. Translate Military Language: It's important to "demilitarize" your language and explain your experiences in terms the average civilian or HR department would understand. Decoding military jargon and grades into terms that civilian employers are familiar with can make it much easier for them to see the value you can bring to their organization.

3. Use Civilian-friendly Job Titles: When relating your military experience, use job titles that match their civilian counterparts where possible. For instance, if you were a platoon leader, in civilian-speak that could translate to team leader or line manager, among other terms.

4. Seek Professional Guidance: As you embark on the planning process, consider seeking guidance from a career counselor or job-search expert who specializes in military-to-civilian transitions. They can provide valuable advice and resources for your career progression.

5. Networking: Just like in the military, networking is crucial for a successful career transition. Many areas have local associations and communities for retired military personnel where you can meet civilians who may be valuable contacts when seeking employment.

6. Prepare for Cultural Differences: Remember, the civilian work scene can be culturally different from the military. Understanding the 'soft' elements—such as the value of individual initiative, or the importance of a work-life balance—can be just as crucial for a successful transition.

7. Further Education and Certification: Depending on the civilian career you are aiming for, you might need supplementary training or certifications. Many educational institutions and online platforms offer veterans' programs geared toward helping military personnel transition to civilian life.

Navigating a career transition from military to civilian life requires time, but with targeted effort and proper resources, you can position yourself to be an attractive hire in the civilian job market.