To learn more about the job services Randstad offers to veterans, go to http://randstad-veterans.jobs.

The transition from active

duty to civilian life can be challenging for many

veterans. In addition to reuniting with family and the community, veterans have

the added stress of finding steady employment. Military members often have some of the essential skills

employers need, they just need to make themselves stand out in the crowded job market. Ready to advance into the civilian sector?

Use these simple tips to get started.

Military honors are important, but employers are really looking for the essential day-to-day skills that ensure you will make a good employee. Leadership, teamwork and initiative are some of the qualities you should highlight in your cover letter, resume and interviews.

show off your character

Military language is very different from civilian language, and you should assume a hiring manager isn’t familiar with the jargon. Write your resume and answer your interview questions the way you would talk to a nonmilitary member of your family. However, be sure to include any specific certifications you received that might be relevant to the position for which you are applying.

talk like a civilian

use friends and family to network

seize the opportunity

The hiring process can be slow. While conducting your job search, continue looking for opportunities to learn new skills and make the effort to network. Just like in the military, you should always have a backup plan in case your main objective doesn’t turn out the way you hoped. Even if you have to take a less desirable position, use it as a way to gain the additional skills and job experience that will help move your career in the direction you want.

be patient

http://vets.syr.edu/education/employment-programs/

Hiring managers and supervisors love to see candidates who take initiative. Take an offensive mindset if you need to learn new skills. Classes, webinars and other training sessions are a great way to get the tools that will help advance your career. A great place to start is Syracuse University’s Veterans Career Transition Program, a free program for veterans and their spouses. Don’t be afraid to consider a job in a different field if it will give you the skills you need to be successful in the future.

https://www.rallypoint.com/

Sometimes it really comes down to who you know. Ask friends, family and other veterans if they have contacts with people at the places where you want to work. Reach out and get to know these new contacts. Even if they aren’t currently hiring, these potential employers might be able to connect you to someone else in the company or industry who knows of an opening. Social media is also a valuable asset for networking and job searching. Sign up for a free account on RallyPoint, a social networking site for the military community.

in2012

there are more than

2.5million

companies owned by veterans

source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates

8.0%

source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2012 Survey of Business Owners

veteran owned companies made

$1.4 trillion

veteran unemployment rate

7.4%

6.2%

5.3%

2015

2012

2014

2013

more than 30% of that population

are post 9/11 veterans

there are nearly

11.6 million

working-age veterans (18-64)

source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

that’s nearly

the population of Ohio

source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2015Population Estimates

source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

working-age veterans

TAKE CHARGE

OF YOUR CAREER

job search tips for veterans

© Randstad North America, Inc 2016