Going back to a civilian lifestyle can be a tough experience for military veterans. But, one of the ways you can improve your chances of a successful and quick transition is to find a job. It is not an easy task though, as vets tend to have a higher unemployment rate than regular citizens – but it isn’t impossible by any stretch of the imagination.

So, if you are a military vet, what can you do to improve your chances of finding a new career?  I’m going to provide you with some handy tips. Read on to find out more.

Go back to school

Going back to college to study is a logical step for many military vets. Look here for more info – http://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/higher-education-for-military-veterans/. It gives you the opportunity to learn new skills and also gives you the time to assimilate into civilian life. Your best bet is to seek out military career counselors, who will help you establish what you want and need from your life. They will talk with you and make suggestions about how your skills can be put to good use, and show you courses that might be of interest.

Polish up your resume

You will need an updated resume if you want to get a good job, so make sure yours is up to date and looking fantastic. Don’t forget, your prospective employers will want to see the skills you have acquired, rather than the duties you performed in service. So, talk about your leadership qualities if you had people serving under you, or your ability to work in a team, and abilities to solve problems. It’s fine to emphasize your military experience but the emphasis should focus on what you can do to help solve a potential employer’s current needs and problems. Make it very clear how your skills are transferrable.

Finding work opportunities

There are plenty of places that list job opportunities, either online with job websites, or in your local paper. There are also placement opportunities for ex-service . For example, Dollar General stores are renowned for taking on military vets. Head over here to find out more http://www.jobapplicationcenter.com/department-store-job-applications/dollar-general-application/. You might be surprised by the amount of work you can pick up through word of mouth, too. Ask your family and friends and see if they can point you in the right direction.

Address any issues

Unless you are very fortunate, there is a good chance that being in a combat situation has had an effect on you. And, even if you haven’t seen any combat, the transition from the military lifestyle to the professional workplace can be a shock to the system. So, it’s important that you seek help with anything that may be troubling you and maybe even consider ing a group. It isn’t necessary that every issue be resolved before you start work, but it is vital that you have an understanding of what you are dealing with, and how it affects you. Whether it is a program or a therapist, both can help you start to appreciate the differences of leading a civilian lifestyle.

Adjusting to  a civilian life can be tough as a military vet. Hopefully this advice will be the first steps on the path to success. Good luck out there – and why not let me know how you get on?

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