FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Do you have tunnel vision when it comes to thinking about what jobs you could do when you transition out of the military? If you do, you're not alone.
Most people have trouble seeing themselves doing anything other than what they have spent their military career doing. For most people, continuing to do what they have the most experience doing pays the most money. However, the exception could be transitioning service members.
Soldiers have unique experience, attributes and training that their civilian counterparts most likely don't. Therefore, you should be open minded and think about what career opportunities your skills would be transferrable to. For instance, a Soldier in a combat arms career field could do a lot of things just based on leadership and management skills. Sometimes it takes a talent manager to help you see what you can become.
I recently had a conversation with a company recruiter who just happened to be a veteran. He has a multitude of years in recruiting for the military, as well as corporate America. He spends a lot of his time on the road talking with and selling other employers on the skills and attributes of the men and women in the military.
His goal is lofty, but he wants to help every soon-to-be-veteran get a job when they transition out of the military. He works with every rank, from enlisted to general officer, to help find them great employment.
Most employers say they want to hire veterans. However, most don't know how to go about it, so their words and actions don't quite match up. However, the companies that this talent manager talks with understand what veterans can bring to their companies.
He is the tip of the spear for selling you to the employers. Some of the biggest companies are listening to his selling points and are using him to help them connect with you.
Like many recruiters, he has agreed to partner with the SFL-TAP Centers across the country to help put veterans to work. Please be flexible on where you can live after you transition. After all, you don't want to lock yourself into an area of the country with no good paying jobs.
Lastly, please be opened minded when looking for a job -- even if it is in a new industry. Think outside the box. Let a recruiter help you get that new job that you deserve when you transition.
For more job advice, call 255-2558.
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