Please upgrade your web browser

These pages are built with modern web browsers in mind, and are not optimized for Internet Explorer 8 or below. Please try using another web browser, such as Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 10, Internet Explorer 11, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari.

Retirement - when to send resume out?

Veteran

GUILLERMO YBARRA III Killeen, TX

I'm about 1 year out from retirement from active duty, should I start sending my resume out?

3 August 2017 9 replies Military to Civilian Transition

Answers

Advisor

Diane Riemer Andover, MA

Good morning
Yes - it is too early to start posting/sending resumes, since posted positions indicate a short term need that is to be filled within 4 - 6 weeks or so. Generally speaking, plan one month of searching for every 10K$ in salary. Therefore, do get your resume into job board databases as suggested. so when recruiters are searching databases for a candidate in the future, your resume is there. Also work on an outstanding Linked In profile, since recruiters favor sourcing candidates from Linked In. This "passive" job search technique should be about 20% of your effort. Devote 80% to networking and informational interviews. This will create visibility for you and potentially access to opportunities before they are posted publically. Many, many positions are filled this way with "known" candidates, i.e. referrals.

So starting to build your network now is important. Remember that while building relationships face to face is best, informational phone or Skype interviews are also effective.

Diane

5 August 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Joe Pierce Jonesboro, AR

yes send it now
It will take several months depending on a lot of factors to land the right job

Advisor

Jerry Welsh Middleville, MI

I work in TAP classes so hear this question a lot. Depending upon the sector, government when you can-keep in mind the 180 day situation for GS-does not apply State, County, or other government sectors. Unless you have a network contact that asks for a resume, knowing your time line, typically 30-90 days. I have heard far more stories about "too early can not wait" than I have heard, we will hold the job.

Advisor

Tim Feemster Dallas, TX

Thank you for your service. There are many resources available for you right in your location. I know that the military operations in Killeen, TX have outplacement services and I can introduce to Phyllis Gogue, the person in charge of the economic development organization there. They work closely with the local bases on outplacement as well. Contact me at tim@feemsters.com.

Veteran

Jay Kissinger Auburn, WA

My military transitioning experiences say Yes and probably. Since my retirement seven years ago, I have applied for countless jobs, been through countless interviews adding up to one fact... experience pays off. In answer to your question with the short answer, it depends on who you're applying with. But before you do, you need to know about how certain companies reply. The first thing you need to ask is are you a casual job hunter or active? This early out from retirement may mean you are a wee bit casual but definitely don't remain in this state for too long. Networking with companies, going to job fairs and learning from those people always helps. Time could be running out depending on what you are looking for and with who are looking at.
Certain companies such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, SAIC, Northrup Grumman, and Boeing, etc. will take anywhere from 60 to 90 days from the moment you hit the submit button to reply just to discuss interviews, "if" they reply. If they don't reply, don't get frustrated, just keep applying. Give long expected wait times for larger types of companies but don't get frustrated. Other smaller companies will respond in about two weeks to a month to talk about interviews.
The other thing is, keep your foot on the gas with sending out resumes. Once you have sent out one resume, don't stop there. Keep applying. Job hunting is a full time job. Always remember, the basics that the resume ONLY works toward an interview but the interview ONLY works toward the actual employment. Stay in touch if you have questions or concerns.

Veteran

Grant Lewis Virginia Beach, VA

I sent mine out nine months in advance but probably could have shortened that by four. Unlike the housing market where you can become stale, I can think of no reason not to get your resume out early. If a company likes what they see, they will interview you and find a way to hold the job for you.

Advisor

Christine Cox Chatham, MA

Hi Guillermo,

Thank you for your service. It takes time to find the right job, and you are not just job hunting, you are transitioning into the business community. You won't be applying to current job openings, but you will want to get out there and speaking to people who can help with your transition. Start crafting your resume, and start reaching out to folks in the sectors you are interested in. Ask them to meet with you over coffee if possible, and have some questions prepared for them. Get feedback on your draft resume. Ask them to connect you to other people as well. They will be able to give you insight into your intended career path, and help you develop your plan. In one year you can build a respectable business network that is aware of your pending availability and knows you personally, and you will have a better sense of what you are looking for and where best to start once you are ready. By the time you are ready to conduct your search in earnest, you will be well-armed with knowledge of the position you want and the best channels to obtain it.

Best of luck!
Christine

Advisor

John Green Cary, NC

Hello MSgt Ybarra - thanks for your service. I was Elec Warfare 435x1 based in Omaha and Osan.

In the 21st Century, we don't "send" resumes usually. We "post" them. So in answer to your question, YES - post your resume as soon as possible. (Monster, Indeed, ZipRecruiter). download the ZipRecruiter app to your phone, from the App Store.

Write your resume like an airman's APR : start sentences with an action verb, conclude sentences with a measurable impact statement.

But it takes more than just a resume these days : you need marketable skills. The most marketable are in the STEM wheelhouse.

You may need to go to school for a while before you get your desired compensation range.

Check Robert Half salary guides.

https://www.roberthalf.com/workplace-research/salary-guides

What is your AFSC ? What kinds of careers are you interested in ?

Advisor

Drew Schildwächter Wilmington, NC

Guillermo: I would begin to get some professional feedback on your résumé now, but not begin submitting it until you are nearer to your actual separation date. Spend as much time as possible networking and reviewing your strategy now.

Conventional wisdom varies, but I don't think you'd be wrong to start talking to companies about specific positions and submitting your résumé when you're about six months or less from separation. Any earlier than that is not typically practical (unless some job has a really long hiring process).

Best,
Drew

Your Answer

Please log in to answer this question.

Sign Up

You can join as either a Veteran or an Advisor.

An Advisor already has a career, with or without military experience, and is willing to engage with and help veterans.
Sign Up as an Advisor.

A Veteran has military experience and is seeking a new career, or assistance with life after service.
Sign Up as a Veteran.