Jim Williams ⋅ Fpo, AE Navy Facilities Command - Public Works Department - Naples, Italy ⋅ 4 years experience

joseph,

I had this problem too when I was approaching my retirement from the Navy. I had done so many different jobs in the Navy that I felt I was able to do anything. Unfortunately that does not translate well to finding a job. In addition to the recommendations of the other advisors, I also suggest you spend some time attending job fairs. This helped me significantly in really seeing what companies were hiring, what types of jobs are out there and then what some of the skills sets employers were looking for.

Good luck in your transition.

/
Jim

Henry ("Dr. Hank") Stevens ⋅ Fort Lauderdale, FL Human Resources Quality Assurance, LLC (Now Retired) ⋅ 50 years experience

Very short story: IDENTIFY YOUR TALENTS AND PURSUE CAREERS THAT CONFORM. Here's where to begin . . . . . go to this website (free) and do a talent assessment:

http://www.humanmetrics.com/hr/jtypesresult.aspx

Associated with this site is some light duty information about careers that conform to your personal set of talents. If you get stuck or would like some (also free) guidance, please feel free to contact me directly. This web site will provide you with a 4-letter score and percentage. IF you would like my help, please provide me with both the assigned letter and percentage associated with each. hlstevens@att.net

Regards,

Hank

Robert Rahni ⋅ White Plains, NY Fordham University ⋅ 13 years experience

Joseph,

To tag on what my colleague shared below, noticed you indicated your current major - if you're presently attending an institution of higher learning, or even as an alumnus, I suggest scheduling an appointment with a career counselor/advisor at your college/university if you haven't done so already.

I recommend inquiring whether there is a specific POC within your school's Career Services Dept. that specializes working with ideally exclusively or with veterans AND your major/fields of interest - if not, then striving to have one of those variables locked in may be helpful. Having career counseling sessions may prove to be helpful in putting your career aspirations in further focus and hearing about industry trends for your academic major.

Hope this helps!
--Robert

Cleve Arrington ⋅ Stafford, VA U.S. Marine Corps, Chief Warrant Officer ⋅ 22 years served

Joseph,

Congrats are taking the time to assess your situation.

I like the earlier suggestions - they are all great suggestions. One additional suggestion I would recommend is for you to do a 'personal SWOT analysis'. SWOT stands for: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats.

Simply Google on "personal SWOT".

If you have any questions or need any help, contact me at Mr.Cleve.Arrington@gmail.com

Merry Vickers ⋅ Richardson, TX Dallas Police Department - City of Dallas prior to starting with Raytheon 2017 ⋅ 18 years experience

Thank you for your service. Give your resume a format change and lead with a summary that outlines your skills and qualifications. Share generalities from past positions to translate how it will be beneficial in new roles, like skills, duties, projects or management. Use clear civilian language to describe your career objectives, but highlight key wording from job descriptions and any accomplishments you have achieved. Keep the verbiage in present tense and have others read through it for feedback. If you can pursue any volunteer opportunities, contract jobs, certifications or even CEU (Continuing Education Units) courses will show how interested you are and make recruiters take notice.

Large companies have numerous professional development opportunities of all kinds, like Raytheon. Look at all the positions offered, not just specific jobs and you will be amazed at the possibilities. Once you find any position, take advantage of in-house professional development and training programs which always shows management that you are willing to do and learn more.

Kindest regards,
Merry Vickers

ACP AdvisorNet Staff ⋅ New York, NY ⋅ 10 years experience

Hi Joseph,

Thank you for your 18 years of service!

I would encourage you to Review the Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook to learn more about various civilian careers. You can sort careers by salary, education requirements, number of new jobs or growth rate.

Additionally, you may also find it helpful to try connecting with HR Managers. They typically have a good sense of many different departments and the inner-workings of the corporate ladder and may be able to provide you with some general knowledge in specific fields and how to go about approaching them.

Below please find three additional articles that maybe helpful.

The Surprising Key to Finding the Right Job for You from Forbes

Transition Field Guide for Veterans from jobsmission.com

The Best Jobs For Every Personality Type from Business Insider

I hope you will find this information helpful.

Best,
ACP Staff

Dave Richert ⋅ Aurora, IL Dave Richert Homes - eXp Realty ⋅ 14 years experience

Maybe you can make your own career happen and not rely on "getting a job".

I started a real estate career from scratch in mid-life and have seen many other do the same thing.

I really believe military service lends itself nicely to the job requirements in real estate.

If you would like to discuss anytime, I would enjoy talking to you and see if that may be a fit.

-Dave

Steven Mathews ⋅ Spring, TX The Boeing Company ⋅ 40 years experience

onetonline.org is a free website where you can input your MOS and find corresponding commercial job opportunities.