Training helps Soldiers prepare for new careers

By Ms. Megan Cotton (AMC)February 2, 2015

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- U.S. Army Materiel Command's Always a Soldier program offered its first-ever resume writing and navigating USAJOBS training to more than 40 Soldiers preparing for transition to life outside the Army, here Jan. 28.

Soldiers and their spouses within the headquarters attended the six hour training session. The program's topics included federal resume writing, navigating USAJOBS, vocational rehabilitation, and a brief overview on two programs, Still Serving Veterans and Soldier for Life, aimed at helping Soldiers plan their next career.

"I hosted the event because I review resumes daily," said Debra Coleman, the Always a Soldier Program manager. "Transitioning Soldiers seem to be confused with how to format a federal resume verse a corporate resume. Then they enter USAJOBS and get overwhelmed with the process. From that, I saw the need for the class and through great teamwork we were able to make it happen. My desired goal was to help to connect transitioning Soldiers to meaningful employment."

Coleman said the response to the training was positive and many are interested in future sessions.

"We've received requests for more classes in the future," said Coleman. "We will continue conduct the training as long as the demand is there."

The Director of Soldier for Life for the southeast region, Lt. Col. Steven George, said he doesn't know what he wants to do when he leaves the Army and that is ok. George said to start the decision process by narrowing down your job search based on what is important to you and your family.

"You don't have to be in the ballpark but at least be in the parking lot," said George. "Your job search starts with knowing what drives you and your decisions. Whether it is a particular location you would like to live at, money or a career field, you want to narrow down your search."

After your job search is narrowed down, George encouraged the audience to start networking and working on their resume.

"Social media sites like LinkedIn can help you get started but don't forget that you have a network that you've built through your time in the Army that can help you as well," said George. "When it comes to resume writing it is important to remember that government and private industry resumes are completely different animals."

It is important to cater your resume to the industry you are applying for, George told the audience. In particular he stressed the importance of translating military titles, responsibilities and certificates earned on civilian resumes.

"Think about the title battalion commander, the public doesn't know what that means, they are used to terms like president, CEO or manager," said George. "It is important to take what you did in the Army and translate it to private industry."