Navigating the Transition: Turning Military Experience into Civilian Career Success

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be daunting, especially when considering job security. However, veterans possess a valuable asset that sets them apart: job experience. Whether you've completed a 4-year contract or served over 20 years, the skills and expertise gained in the military can be a powerful tool in the civilian job market.

With over 800 different job specialties across various branches of the United States Armed Forces, veterans have a diverse skill set to offer potential employers. The key lies in translating military experience into language that resonates with civilian employers.


Military Skills Translator from Military.com


Not only the popular Military Skills Translator from Military.com, there are also two valuable resources for this translation: CareerOneStop, and MyNextMove. By entering your branch and MOS code into these websites, you can discover equivalent job titles in the civilian world. This step is crucial for crafting a compelling resume and showcasing your relevant skills and experience to civilian employers.


Searching for equivalent jobs using Marine Corps 3531 (Motor Transportation Operator) using CareerOneStop.

The search result and you can also find jobs are posted by employers using “See Jobs” link in their website.


Once you've identified the civilian job title you're targeting, several platforms can help you pursue opportunities:

  • USA Jobs: Explore government and federal job openings, many of which require security clearance, offering veterans a significant advantage.

  • ClearanceJobs: Specifically designed for positions requiring security clearance, this platform is ideal for veterans seeking opportunities in defense and government sectors.

  • Indeed, LinkedIn: These popular job search platforms offer a wide range of civilian job opportunities across various industries.

In my next post, I'll delve deeper into how to effectively utilize these websites to search for jobs and navigate the transition from military to civilian careers. Stay tuned for valuable tips and insights to help you successfully navigate your career transition.

Next
Next

Veteran Benefits in Hawaii's Job Market - Part 1