Each year, 180,000 servicemen and women transition from military life to civilian life. For many soldiers the adjustment can be overwhelming and stressful. Some soldiers have never had to go through the job searching process, nor have they had to write a resume or go to a job interview.
Were you recently discharged from the Armed Forces? Are you uncertain about what to do next? There are many options for you to choose from, whether you wish to continue your education or enter directly into the workforce. Don’t let this transition overwhelm or stress you out! There are many ways in which your time in the military has prepared you for a smooth transition to a civilian lifestyle.
Your Competitive Advantage
Many employers understand the value of hiring veterans. Soldiers are known for possessing attributes such as;
- Dedication
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- A strong work ethic
- Cross-functional skills
Above and beyond the aforementioned attributes, soldiers are also known for:
- Thriving in situations of diversity
- Working under pressure
- Respecting procedures
- Having a strong understanding of technology and globalization
- Being conscious of both health and safety standards
- Triumphing over adversity
Additionally, many soldiers leave the service having gained a great education about many topics.
Valuable Skills
In general, corporate recruiters are looking for the following skills and attributes in their candidates:
- Self confidence
- The maturity to accept responsibility
- Demonstrated leadership skills
- Ability to take initiative
- Flexible as well as adaptable
- Positive attitude – a “can do” approach to the job
- Sense of humor in the workplace can help with day-to-day changes
- Ability to balance life and work
Sound familiar? Of course it does! That is because the military molded you into a person who embodies all of these skills and personal attributes.
