Anthony J. Munafo ⋅ Hawthorne, NY ISM (Integrated Systems Management) ⋅ 35 years experience

Dan, first of all, if you haven't already done so, become proficient in the use of a computer. pardon, but I assume nothing. When I say proficient, beyond turning it on. You would be surprised how many still do not know the basics. That aside, develop a short list of goals you need to reach in the next 2 to 3 years. With 28 years gone already, you have to think in the here and now not 30 years from now. A 2 to 3 year plan is management oriented and shows good sense. Compile a list of your accomplishments, then limit the to 3 to 5 very strong ones. Build your resume around them being mindful to show how they progress you into a Management mindset. Why? After 28 years, if you do not have such a mindset developed... you have been asleep! Keep in touch Tony Munafo

Beverley Curl ⋅ Hillside, NJ Coca-Cola ⋅ 20 years experience

Dan have you started to transition your Military skills to civilian skills yet? That woud help a lot. If you go on AKO, you can do it there.

Ray Martinelli ⋅ Flanders, NJ U.S. Marine Corps, Sergeant ⋅ 8 years served

Dan,

I agree with a lot of the above comments; get on LinkedIn (free), apply for a mentor, and go back to school for Masters & Cert's.

Make sure you contact your State VA Rep and discuss both VA Disability Eval & Vocational Rehab & Education (VR&E) program. If accepted to the VR&E they pay for your schooling &/or Certificates to help you transition into civilian life.

As for the resume yes to above also, but would suggest going to your Transition Assistance Program (not sure what Army calls it, but was called that in USMC many years ago) and see what free advice/templates/suggestions/etc. are available. Reoccurring theme is "free" so carefully evaluate anything that is a paid site/service.

Also on the resume take a look at the American Council on Education (ACE) guide: http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Military-Guide-Online.aspx

You can look up your MOS, resident & non-resident courses for translation of "Related Competencies". For example follow that link and under the "Search Occupation" button for ACE ID type in MCE-0491-002 (a USMC Logistics Chief).

When you get a LinkedIn profile I suggest using it as an intro to your resume & not a resume.

Hope this helps.

Semper Fi

Ray Martinelli
If you like send me a connection request.
www.linkedin.com/in/rmartinelli1/

Dan Dove ⋅ Hampton, VA U.S. Army, Sergeant First Class ⋅ 28 years served

Phil,

I completed my BA in '92, and am currently working on the Teaching Certificate and Masters in Education, which I should finish the summer of 2015. I'll keep working to get the LinkedIn account up and running as well. Thanks!

Phil C. ⋅ Fort Worth, TX ⋅ 3 years experience

Dan,

Now is a good time to start networking. I would recommend a Linkedin account. It's free and is not like Facebook or Twitter. How much college have you completed so far?

Dan Dove ⋅ Hampton, VA U.S. Army, Sergeant First Class ⋅ 28 years served

Thanks all! Am I thinking correctly that I should find a mentor in each field, to get more specific guidance? I'm sure all of you can provide outstanding general counsel, but would having 3 be beneficial?

FRANCIS TEPEDINO, ESQ. ⋅ San Diego, CA THE CONDOR GROUP ⋅ 30 years experience

Buck-up. Get a positive attitude. After all your training and all the responsibilities you had in the military, you can offer an employer a goodly amount of talent and energy. Tell the potential employer that you are willing to start at the bottom and work hard to advance. Once in a company it is easy to snoop around to find out what seems best for you. Good luck.

Casey Neff ⋅ Glastonbury, CT Travelers ⋅ 7 years experience

Dan, if you have time until your retirement, I strongly recommend applying to this program and getting a mentor. They'll help you work through the questions you're asking yourself, and help you figure out what you want to do and how to then find it. If this doesn't work out, try another site like e-mentor, or find someone you know who successfully made the transition and ask their assistance. This is a long-term process that should not be handled in a few phone calls. Good luck.

Patrick Gray ⋅ Fort Mill, SC IBM ⋅ 14 years experience

Dan,

Thanks for your long service. On resume and cover letter writing, I'd suggest you "work backwards." Find a few jobs that you're interested in. Put yourself in the employer's shoes, and consider what skills and assets they'd want in a potential employee. Highlight those types of skills on your resume. If you're interested in Project Management, presumably in the military you've had to align large groups of people and resources around a complex objective, distill it into manageable tasks, and you've done it all successfully under extreme time pressure (and potentially the pressure of loss of human life). That's the foundation of project management right there!

A lot of great and qualified people get shy when they write resumes. Remember you're effectively selling a product (yourself) so you need to highlight your assets and craft something that leaves the reader saying "I CAN'T WAIT TO TALK TO THIS PERSON!" Obviously don't lie or present something that's simply not true, but do remember this is a marketing exercise and you need some sizzle as well as the steak. Use powerful language and focus on where you've made a measurable impact. Tie in your favorite accomplishments and stories, since you'll be asked about these items in an interview.

If you have any specific questions let me know. I've worked in IT management (where there are piles of PMs) for about 15 years and am happy to try and help.

Warm Regards,

Pat

Marc Tesler ⋅ Boca Raton, FL TCV ⋅ 20 years experience

Suggest writing covers and resumes for each of the 3 alternatives and,as u do,u will likely see that one is best matched to your experience and will likely help u focus. I will be happy to critique if u would like. Recognize that the task and thought of transitioning can be daunting,but don't sell yourself short and highlight what u believe are your 3 most important characteristics