The nature of work is changing. Whether it’s tech, finance, or any near enough any industry between, the ‘ideal’ skill has been evolving at pace for the last few years.
Keeping up with this change can be tough for those transitioning out of the military for the first time.
While it’s true that veterans have a highly desirable set of traits and skills that any employer would be lucky to have (integrity, versatility, resilience, honesty, the list goes on), hard skills and cultural competence can sometimes feel like a different language.
It’s almost inevitable to have some skill/experience gaps on your resumé, so don’t be put off from applying to your dream job.
That said, it’s important to try and close these gaps when you can – doing so will not only enhance your employability but also give you the means to take on the job market with confidence.
Self-Assessment
Self-assessment is a valuable tool for closing the distance between you and the next step of your career, no matter what stage you’re at.
- By taking a step back and honestly evaluating their skills, knowledge, and experiences, veterans can identify areas where they excel and areas for potential growth.
- What does it look like in practice? It can take many forms, including:
- Careers counseling from the VA or veteran-focused organizations (Candorful is a great platform for helping train your interview skills).
- Standardized tests are more accessible than ever. For example, check out some free learning platforms like HubSpot for tech skills.
- Mentorship is also a good way to uncover any hidden skill gaps that you might have, and if you’re hoping to move into a civilian job for the first time, it can be a good way to develop your awareness of corporate culture.
- Networking (a vital part of the transition process) is another way to uncover areas for improvement. Want to know what it’s like to work in Enterprise Risk firsthand? Ask someone who’s already doing it! LinkedIn is a perfect place to start
What Should You Focus On?
- It can be difficult to identify areas of improvement when you don’t know where to start. Some key areas that veterans often struggle in are:
- Translating their military language to the civilian world – Military jargon doesn't always translate seamlessly to civilian resumes. Use self-assessment to identify your transferable skills and translate your accomplishments into civilian language. For example, a veteran with logistics experience can highlight their "proven ability to manage complex supply chains" or "expertise in optimizing inventory control systems.
- Continuous learning is critical – The ever-evolving job market demands continuous learning. Use self-assessment to identify areas for upskilling and explore online courses, certifications, or bootcamps offered by veteran-focused organizations or educational institutions.
- Focus on the ‘I’ – Veterans are often taught to talk about the ‘we’ and the ‘us,’ but in the civilian workplace (especially in the job search process), you’ll need to focus on the ‘I,’ and the ‘me.’ Learning to talk about your achievements in this way is a good way to help you identify potential areas of improvement.
A Journey, not a Destination
Remember, self-assessment is a journey, not a destination. As you navigate your civilian career path, revisit these tools regularly to monitor your progress, identify new learning opportunities, and stay ahead of the curve.
If you need support from a dedicated platform, the team at Ex-Military Careers is here to help. Reach out to the team to find out more about our community-led recruitment methodology.
