Returning to civilian life is an exciting time and a complex undertaking. You should know the resources you have: Transition assistance staff, personnel office staff, relocation specialists, education counselors and many others can help you on your way. Yet at the end of the day, only you and your family can make the critical decisions that must be made. So where should you start?
Candidates who have served our country in the armed forces have a huge advantage over those who have not. It is generally believed that while military veterans may not have as many degrees as other candidates searching for government, they offer much, much more. Nobody can question the dedication and loyalty of somebody who has actively served the country for years: Most civilian government jobs are intimately connected to the military's ethical program of honor, commitment, integrity and protecting the United States.
Related: Search for government jobs
Be aware that the federal job search and resume is very different from that of the private industry. The Resume Place offers one-day "Ten Steps" classes at the Federal Career Training Institute in Catonsville, Md. Follow these 10 steps to make your government job search more manageable and ultimately land a job with Uncle Sam:
- Step 1: Network
- Step 2: Become familiar with the hiring process
- Step 3: Look for openings on USAJOBS.gov
- Step 4: Assess your soft skills (core competencies)
- Step 5: Analyze keywords in announcements
- Step 6: Create your federal resume, preferably in the outline format.
- Step 7: Write your KSAs and essays for questionnaires
- Step 8: Apply for jobs
- Step 9: Follow up on your application
- Step 10: Interview for the job
Related: Does your resume pass the 6-second test? Get a FREE assessment.
The Next Step: Find the Right Veteran Job
Whether you want to polish up your resume, find veteran job fairs in your area, or connect with employers looking to hire veterans, Military.com can help. Sign up for a free Military.com membership to have job postings, guides and advice, and more delivered directly to your inbox.
