M2C
military2civilian
Transition to Success
Transition Tools@M2C
You have the in-demand technical skills that any employer would love to hire. You know it.
When you find yourself knee deep in job search mode, however, it’s easy to overlook those other skills
you may possess, compliments of a life in uniform. Click here for more skills translator resources.
Skills Translator Resource
Select your branch and define your military experience by adding your Military Job Title (for example, your MOS, MOSC, Rating, Designator).
Military to Civilian Skills Translator
Network, Network, Network!
Applying for jobs online may seem like an efficiency way to get jobs, but the reality is it doesn’t work well. For any given job opening, recruiters are bombarded with hundreds, possibly thousands of openings. To rise above the noise, you’ll have to network.
Transition to Success with a Transition Plan
1. Think about transferrable skills
How can you describe your military experiences for a corporate role? Take for example:
If you trained over 200 people on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, think how your training preparation, delivery, and results could apply in a corporate classroom setting.
If you helped the Navy save $3 million dollars by administering 37 government travel accounts, think how this experience could apply to a financial controller position.
2. Adjust from military to corporate language
A key to getting the job is fitting in -- not only do you have to demonstrate the right skills, but you also need to adopt the right body language and speech. Here are a few examples:
Be wary of military jargon. Rather than say you were the “black swan” expert, explain that you developed contingency plans for rare events.
Rather than use military time, use civilian time. That is, instead of confirming an interview for 15-hundred hours, use 3 pm.
No need to address your professional contacts as Sir or Ma’am. You can typically address them by their first name.
3. Connect with recruiters and headhunters who focus on military to civilian transitions.
Two of the key leaders in the field include Lucas Group and Bradley Morris. Lucas Group has helped 25,000 officers and technicians to transition from military service into civilian careers, usually matching more junior personnel with technical and sales roles, and senior personnel with director of business development roles.
4. Play up your strengths as an ex-military candidate.
Military veterans are known for precise communication, individual accountability, impeccable execution and natural leadership. Don’t forget to showcase this during the interview.