Thomas Hoffman ⋅ Lugoff, SC Konecranes ⋅ 1 years experience

Neil - My first advice to you is figure out what you LIKE and WANT to do - not what you're capable of doing, because you're capable of doing a lot. Once you figure out that piece you can start focusing your job search. Don't forget to consider the environment in which you like to work! That is just as key as what you like to do. This is not the Army. You actually get to choose your next job. It might as well be one you enjoy, right?

Life is too short to be stuck in a job you hate and make yourself miserable!

TR

Sharyn Abbott ⋅ San Leandro, CA Elite Leads Business Development ⋅ 22 years experience

You can download my book BEYOUROWNBOSSGUIDE.COM/BYOBebook.pdf to find matches for your personality, learned and innate skills. It includes marketing concepts for each type of interest.

jeff bronchick ⋅ Hermosa Beach, CA Cove Street Capital ⋅ 30 years experience

I would add to this fine body of work by saying - interview widely, but when you are in there, you should come off strongly as "this is what I want to do." I think that employers are more willing to accept a varied background IF the applicant seems to want the job. What i think doesn't come off well is going into an interview and wandering around the "commitment" with maybes and I am not sure this is what I want etc. The point of a resume is to get an interview, the point of the interview is to get an offer. When you have an offer, then you can go home and think deep thoughts about is this really what you want to do. Show up prepared as to the job, the company and who is interviewing you. Use LinkedIn and the company website. And good luck!

Charles Tatel ⋅ Seattle, WA Boeing ⋅ 26 years experience

Hello Neil, First of all, thank you for your years of service. I've had a varied career life: K-12 teacher, QA Inspector (food service), EMT, Finance Rep, Reliability Analyst, and Database Admin. All this following a degree in Zoology. Point is - Keep your options OPEN (even after you get a job – you never know how long that will last). Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life. Keep a positive attitude and enjoy your work. Best of luck in your search and career.

Tina Wohlford ⋅ Macon, GA Boeing ⋅ 28 years experience

Hello Neil, First of all, thank you for your years in the military and for all you have sacrificed. I agree with similar posts you have a lot of experience, and lI would suggest to look back on what you liked should help point you in forward-looking direction. Then once you narrow the search to what you want to continue or possibily continue to do then I would start looking in those areas of expertise first. Remember, whatever direction you go be sure that when you apply for a specific job that you pay close attention to the skills required for the job you are applying and then ensure you tailor your resume to the job posting. I would also invite you to research the company you are interested in and maybe this may also help you decide what direction you want to pursue. The internet is a valuable source and has a wealth of information that hopefully can help you determine where and what you want to pursue. I wish you the best of luck in your job search, and feel confident that with someone like yourself and your years and breath of experience that you will the right job for you.

Anna monaco ⋅ Huntington Beach, CA Boeing ⋅ 16 years experience

Neil, I think you have a great panel of people providing excellent advice and I concur with all of them. Researching jobs that align with your natural interests coupled with your qualifications is a great way to start.
Your resume is your entry to consideration so it is critically important to ensure it demonstrates that your skills support that needs of the job posting. You may find that with each job posting you may need to modify your resume. Prior to modifying and submitting your resume to any company, I suggest visiting their website to become familiar with their product, visors and values.
When I am applying for a position I closely and carefully review the company and the job requirements. I then build my resume highlighting my expertise and experience in a given area. Be sure to include delivered results and process improvements such as lean, days saved, cost avoidance etc... these details can give the reviewers a greater appreciation for your achievements.

Eddie Negron ⋅ Ladson, SC Boeing ⋅ 5 years experience

Neil,

Another thing to consider is while you might be "qualified" as far as the Army is concerned you might not be "qualified" in the civilian market. Many times the Army will qualify you based on a course you complete. It's different in the civilian market. Many times they will require a degree, certification or license in order to be "qualified." Like others have said, find out what you like to do, then research some jobs in your area of interest and see what they are requiring that you have (degree, certs, license, etc). With your experience you might be able to test immediately for certs or licenses if required.

Eddie

Damin Kirk ⋅ North Charleston, SC Boeing ⋅ 21 years experience

Hi Neil,

To add one more thing to what everyone has posted. Know what you DON'T want to do, in addition to what you want to do. This will be important in making your decision. Good Luck!

Damin

Bill Nobles ⋅ Basking Ridge, NJ Exxon ⋅ 30 years experience

Neil, thank you for your service. The advice from Katrina, Thomas, and Charles is right on. In addition to the tool Boeing offers, there are several other free/low cost tools available on the Internet that other veterans have used to identify the type work likely to make them happy. Check out my posting on this website several months ago for a list: What are best tools for veterans to self-assess their aptitude, capabilities, and interests?
Best wishes, Bill Nobles

Charles Ferree ⋅ Charleston, SC Boeing ⋅ 6 years experience

Neil

Thank you for your service. Both Thomas and Katrina are on point. You should find a job that makes you happy. It is your choice. You have a wide variety of skills and I am sure any employer would be lucky to have you on their team.

Once you do find that job that really interests you, you will need to translate all of your accomplishments and skills from military jargon into qualifications that employers can understand.

Good luck to you

Katrina Grooms ⋅ Pearland, TX U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 8 years served

Hello Neil,
You can go to www.boeing.com and use the Military Skills Translators for transitioning millitary personnel. The translator is located at: http://jobs-boeing.com/transitioning-military/