Vets - Suggestions for finding a job after military life?

If you are a Vet looking for a job there are several websites. Let鈥檚 start here. You need to prepare a perfect resume and you need to research how to do this. Gone are the days of the one pagers. Don鈥檛 be redundant, but write about each of your jobs and your accomplishments. As you read about a job description, tailor your resume and use the buzzwords when describing your past employment.

Now, go to Military.com. They will help you research writing your resume. You can also search for jobs in the private and federal sectors. Federal jobs can also be found on USAJobs.gov. Monster.com also helps your write resumes and look for jobs.

Why are federal jobs good other than the great pay, advancement, benefits and retirement? As a Vet you are eligible for preferential hiring. State in your cover letter you are eligible under the Veteran鈥檚 Readjustment Act. (Research the VRA because you have to have served under certain conditions.) You also receive extra hiring points. If the position requires a degree, you are exempt under the VRA.

Stay in the Reserve and earn a second retirement. As a federal employee you can take time off for drills, AT, and deployments without fear of reprisals from your employer 鈥?which is unlawful, but happens.

You can also pay a percentage of your military time towards your federal retirement. Get hired as a Vet with 10 years active duty and you will have 11 years service after your first year on the job. That will really boost your retirement and cost very little. Usually 7% of your base pay per year you want credited.

I am a veterans' employment specialist. I agree with what you are saying. Here are a few more suggestions:
- Contact your city, county or state workforce center. Most will have veterans representatives on staff. These reps will find vet friendly employers in the area and give vet preference job leads.
- Join a veterans service organization. This will look good on your resume and may provide numerous contacts and leads.
- Look for volunteer opprotunities with government and non-governmental entities, often this will lead to a paying position.

Good luck Vets!