NEW CAREER PATHS
Organizations to assist veterans transitioning into the workforce
Transitioning into the workforce after military service is about having a plan and connections.
Various organizations are ready to assist every step of the way.
Whether you’re looking for details how to redo your resume, finding spouse support groups and veteran benefits or a networking group in your branch of service, there’s a website for that. Also, many of these groups offer a variety of services, not just job searching. Combined Arms (www.
combinedarms.us) is a collaborative impact organization that uses a comprehensive support model for military and their families transitioning to civilian life. They serve National Guard, reservists, active duty and veterans from all service eras and their families. They bring together more than 56 top-tier groups with 395plus resources that empower veterans to lead successful civilian lives.
Linda Morales, MS, is the community manager with Combined Arms and an Air Force veteran. She said they help with careers, transitions, referrals, networking and more. They’re also on all social media platforms for easy access to information.
“We connect those folks with veterans who share experiences as well as assist with integration,” Morales said.
Veterans will fill out a profile page to best meet their needs with a wide variety of topics from mental health, housing, financial, career planning and wellness. Resume assistance is also available from their resources.
“I attended job fairs, and the language didn’t translate. I highly recommend transitional services. We get you to the place you need to be. There’s a lot of networking. We have the second largest vet population. We provide the opportunity to meet and engage in the community,” said Morales.
Military Hire (www.militaryhire.com) is managed by both military veterans and corporate hiring entities. Their network of former military personnel is able to seek careers to put their professional skills in motion. Their mission, “Serve Those Who Served,” connects veterans with employers that value their skills and experience.
U.S. Vets Inc. (www.usvetsinc.org) has 20 residential sites and nine service centers in 13 cities across five states, the District of Columbia and Guam. This private nonprofit provides employment, housing, and counseling services veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces from World War II to the current Afghanistan conflict. They offer housing and employment assistance, access to veteran benefits, and treatment for mental and physical health problems and substance abuse.
Next Op Vets (www.
nextopvets.org) links industry and military talent with resume tailoring, professional networking, connecting with mentors, and interview preparation. They work directly with employers desiring to recruit and retain veterans as well as partner with 100 corporations creating internal veteran resource groups, hosting workshops, and bridging the gap between veterans and full employment.
Recruit Military (www.
recruitmilitary.com) connects employers with veterans with the nation’s single-source veteran database. They have more than 1.4 million members and they publish the veterans hiring publication, Search &
Employ Magazine, which has a digital version. Their VetTen digital newsletter is available on their website. They’ve produced more than 1,200 job fairs in more than 66 cities.
Acing the interview
1. Translate military skills on resume into words a civilian hiring official will understand.
2. Share information on training, education, and service experience.
3. Connect skills such as leadership, respect, teamwork, loyalty, and the ability to produce results under pressure to current job prospect.
4. Share the path that led to achievements. Q