This is Part 2 of a three part article expressing the feelings and situations I experienced during my retirement from the military.

While some of you may still be on active duty or some of you may have already crossed the threshold to retirement, there are some invaluable insights in my own journey that I believe will be helpful in the transition.

Dress for Success
This paragraph may initially seem out of place considering that I had just figured out what I wanted to be when I grow up (from Part 1). You will never get a second chance to make a first impression. I decided to address my appearance to prospective employers earlier rather than later.

When I first joined the Air Force, one of my first tasks was to purchase the required uniforms. This was relatively easy because the colors, materials, and patterns are already selected in advance. How is the civilian world any different? It surely isn't! I determined a need to invest in the clothing required for the profession I had chosen. My selection was a suit and tie, but others may have different clothing requirements for their profession. I recommend talking to someone that knows how to match skin tones, clothing textures, colors and patterns, and can help you create an overall professional appearance.

A phenomenal piece of advice I received from my transition class was the requirement to look like you are worth the money you are requesting from your prospective employer. Why would anyone want to appear to be worth less than what they are asking for in a salary? The relative importance of the investment will be recognized when someone identifies the unique look you have created. I received a handful of unsolicited comments after interviews which reinforced dressing for success.

Apply, Apply, and Apply Some More
My resume was primed, I prepared answers for interview questions from my transition class, and I was ready to look for jobs. I received mixed reviews on when to start applying for jobs from veterans, transitioning officers, and experts in career transition on applying for positions. I decided to test the waters on my own.

I began applying in earnest about a year out from my retirement. Initially, my application pace was slow. But as I refined my searches and speed in filling out applications, I was able to push out many, many applications. I lost track around 50 applications because I was trying use a time intensive spreadsheet to follow-up. I caught up by using an online job application tracking tool allowing me to send application acknowledgement e-mails from the companies. I ended up with well over 200 applications over a seven month period.

Online applications for jobs cost nothing for the job seeker except time. Almost all corporate positions are offered and have applications processed online. I went out to the major job posting sites and refined searches and alerts to find jobs I qualified for in the locations I was interested. I applied for some jobs within my area of expertise, but below the pay or grade I considered appropriate for my skills in order to determine interest and create opportunities to practice (see below). My results were not earth-shattering, only resulting in 10 - 15 interviews over the same time period.

The learning point for me was the opportunities to interview were driven by my application submissions. So, I kept on applying for positions and I recommend everyone apply, apply, and apply some more.

Rehearse for Success
The military trains everyone to prepare for execution of any operation, project, program, etc. The job search was no different. One of the major items in the preparation was practicing or rehearsing what I planned to accomplish.

The 10 - 15 interviews were my initial rehearsal. I had a list of answered interview questions from my transition class and was able to expand upon them from a recruiting agency I was involved with. Each interview regardless of my overall interest in the position was a chance to practice my interview techniques. Answering potential interview questions well before going on the interviews turned out to be invaluable.

Phone interviews were the easiest. I had my resume and pre-answered interview questions electronically or in hard copy. I never recited and do not recommend delivering your remarks by reading directly from the prepared answers. Having the answered questions in front of you for the phone interview helps to kick-off your response by providing the topic you want to cover. Finish using your own thoughts and tie back to discussions from the interview.

Face-to-face interviews were definitely more challenging. I wore my best suit to the interviews and had to create habits for storing items in my pockets for easy access or not to cause bulges. Sitting in front of one to four recruiters and/or hiring authorities who are determining your potential for future employment can be unnerving. Again, answering the questions prior to the interview proved indispensable by preparing me mentally to be ready for the inevitable curve balls the interviewers presented.

The questions I was asked during the interviews are irrelevant. What is important is the rehearsal (answering sample questions, wearing the clothing, conduct and pacing, etc.) prior to the interviews for the jobs you really want.

Make sure to read the final installment of this series: Part 3 - Terminus

-- Don't Look Back
-- Don't Give Up, Don't Ever Give Up, and Network
-- You’re Not in Kansas Anymore

Philip Hicks retired from the Air Force 1 October 2014. He served as a Civil Engineer for 21 years prior to his transition. He was recently hired by Jacobs Technology Region and works in sales and business development.