How difficult is finding a job after military service?

I'm trying to plan my path after possibly serving in the military. How challenging is it to secure a civilian job afterward? What steps can I take now to ease this transition when the time comes?

Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be challenging, but it's definitely achievable, and there are steps you can take to ease this process.

One of the first things to consider is your chosen career field post-military. This will help you determine the types of skills that you need to acquire or develop while still serving. Try to align your military assignments, training, and duties with your future career goals as much as possible. For instance, if you aim for a career in IT, serving in a technology-related role in the military can provide you with valuable skills and experiences.

Second, take advantage of the educational benefits the military offers. Many service members use the GI Bill to attend college or technical school, which can greatly enhance your civilian career prospects.

Another strategy is to start networking early. Connect with veteran service organizations, attend career fairs, and utilize online networking platforms like LinkedIn. Networking can be an invaluable resource for job searching, not only for learning about job opportunities but also for understanding the lay of the land in the civilian job market.

Your resume will be a key tool in your job search so make sure it reflects the transferable skills and experiences you gained in the military. Translate your military roles and achievements into civilian terms to make your experiences understandable to potential employers.

Remember that finding a job can take time, so starting as early as possible can help ease the process. Consider contacting a career counselor or job placement agency that specializes in helping veterans transition into the workforce. They can guide you through job searching, resume writing, and interview skills.

Lastly, take advantage of the skills veteran transition offices provide. Many military bases have a transition assistance program (TAP) that provides job search training, resume preparation, and other career transition services.

In summary, while transitioning from military to civilian life can have its challenges, strategic planning and taking advantage of resources can help make the process easier.