Even though you are re-entering the workforce after prison, there are still a number of jobs available to you. The key to finding the right jobs after jail is to make a great first impression. We are sharing how to do exactly that
After serving your country, you have shown your ability to be committed and honorable in any situation. The qualities of those that serve are very much the same qualities that hiring managers look for in potential candidates. Your military experience is an advantage when entering back into the workforce. The question is how do you use your military resume to attract civilian employers? The answer…we’re sharing below.
Find the Right Role
The first thing about attracting civilian employers is to ensure you are applying for the best-suited role. By identifying your core skills, you are in turn locating the factors for your success. There are many online resources (Career One Stop and Military.com) for veterans to use to find the right civilian job. Use a ‘Military Skills Translator’, to easily input your past experience in service to apply towards your future career. Military One Source also recommends verifying yourself through their online tool. VMET or Verification of Military Experience and Training summarizes your skills, knowledge, and experience. It also suggests civilian equivalent job titles. Tools like the VMET work to take your prior skills and accolades by describing your service occupations in civilian terms. Knowing where you can succeed will help to make your resume stand-out when it comes to applying for a job.
Structure Your Military Resume for Success
How your resume looks is of course another important factor in making it stand out. The way that an accountant or graphic designer displays their skills and experience will be different from that of a Veteran. And that’s a good thing! You’ll want the roles you have held and the awards you have received to have their own spotlight. This goes back to what we said at the beginning of this piece, in that your time in the military is a benefit for civilian employers. Recruiters want a candidate that shows responsibility, commitment, and honor because they want every employee to possess these skills. Websites like Military.com have examples of how to structure your military resume for civilian employment.
Put Yourself Out There With a Pitch
Consider your referral email as the starting point before creating your cover letter. If you have a direct contact that can connect you with a potential employer, utilize it! Ask your connections individually if they are able to provide you with a referral by personalized each request. While there is no guarantee that they will be able to, not doing so is a missed opportunity for your shot at success.
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