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Step 1
Determine what you want to get out of a career as a civilian employee. Determine what type of job you would like to do, how much you want to earn, and where you want to be in your career path five or ten years from now.
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Step 2
Evaluate your skills, training and experience. On active duty, the military invested in training you for specific positions. This was formal, in-class training or on-the-job training. Evaluate all the skills you gained in the army, and determine whether these are transferable to the civilian career that you are targeting.
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Step 3
Determine whether you need further training or qualifications. If the civilian career you want is significantly different from that of your military career, further training or education may be necessary. Some positions will have licensing and certification requirements for particular positions.
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Step 1
Conduct research online, at the library or by talking to people who work in the industry.
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Step 2
Find out as much as you can about the career you are targeting. Is it industry-specific or are there a number of industries you can pursue your career in.
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Step 3
Browse job-listings of similar positions to research qualifications that employers are looking for. This will not only help you determine if you have said qualifications, but will also help you tailor your resume to better sell you as a potential employee.
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Step 4
Research the salaries, benefits and possible bonuses that are typical to the position you are seeking. This will help you determine if you can live on that salary, and will also help you negotiate a favorable compensation package in a hiring interview.
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Step 1
Set a career objective and identify the particular types of jobs you want to target
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Step 2
Clearly identify what potential employers are looking for and tailor your skills, training and experience to match these qualifications. One size does not fit all, so tailor your resume for each employer you send it to.
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Step 3
Translate the jargon. Replace the military specific terms and phrases to regular language. In particular, avoid the acronyms, abbreviations and terminology that are typical of military jargon.
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Step 4
Create a personal inventory of your qualifications, skills and experience, as well as your training and education. This will save you time whether you are applying for a job via a job application or tailoring your resume.
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Step 1
Browse job listing from many sources as possible. Online, you can job search via resume banks, job listings and online classifieds.
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Step 2
Attend events such as job fairs, trade shows and conferences.
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Step 3
Take advantage of off-line job sources such as employment agencies, head hunters, professional associations, chambers of commerce, college placement offices and industry unions.
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Step 1
Prepare in advance for the interview. Research the company and its products or services. Learn as much as you can about the industry.
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Step 2
Anticipate questions and prepare answers that are based on your experience and qualifications.
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Step 3
Dress for success with clothing and accessories that are appropriate for the particular position you applied for.
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Step 4
Be prepared to not only state that you can do the job, but also explain how you will do it too.
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Step 5
Prepare a list of questions for your interviewers – they will give you the opportunity to ask questions of your own, and they will use them to rate you. Keep in mind that one great question from you is worth two great answers.
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Step 1
Before you accept a job offer, evaluate what you are agreeing to. Evaluate the position, compensation, benefits and growth potential in terms of your career and personal goals.
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Step 2
Negotiate if the job offer is perfect except for one or two things. Typically, negotiable issues include pay, benefits, work conditions and growth opportunities. You should only negotiate after the job offer has been made, not before. Negotiate based on your qualifications and experience.
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Step 3
Accept a job offer that meets your objectives and launch your new civilian career.
