THE number of women in the military is growing.
By 2020, at least 25 percent of the United States’ armed forces will be females, says John Henry Weiss, author of “Operation Job Search: A Guide for Military Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Careers” (Skyhorse Publishing, out now). But when they’re ready for a civilian career, female vets often have a harder time finding a job than their male counterparts, Weiss says, because they generally don’t have as much education.
But that won’t be a hindrance if you’ve prepared for the hunt. Follow Weiss’ top tips to get the most out of your civilian job search.
Do your homework
If you aren’t sure what you want to do, pick up the Occupational Outlook Handbook (from the Bureau of Labor Statistics), which is updated every year and lists thousands of jobs by category. For example, if you look up “pharmaceutical sales rep,” it will tell you what the median salary and outlook is like over the next five years. Check out job postings on VA.gov and FederalJobs.net, as well as Corporate America Supports You (CASY.msccn.org), a site specifically for female vets. And if all else fails, Weiss recommends looking for jobs in industries that will always be in demand, including those for food, shelter, clothing, insurance, security, health care and government.
Seek out vet-friendly companies
Many employers pride themselves on hiring veterans, and some notable businesses have even been founded by former military personnel. Weiss recommends companies such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, Johnson & Johnson, Boeing, Whole Foods, Costco, Lockheed Martin, FedEx and UPS. Often, these employers also provide opportunities for spouses of vets.
Nix military speak
After several years in the armed forces, you probably speak in jargon without realizing it. “In the military, you learn to do what you’re told, and you don’t ask questions,” says Weiss. “It’s ‘No ma’am,’ ‘Yes, sir.’ If you say that in an interview, the hiring manager will think that you aren’t ready to make the transition.” Before you go in for an interview, ask a friend to help you rehearse your answers and point out if your elevator pitch sounds stilted.
Expand your network
Join a local veterans network group on LinkedIn, suggests Weiss, to stay up-to-date about opportunities and to connect with other veterans who may aid in your search. He’s observed that female veterans tend to focus on the Internet when it comes to job searching, but suggests they also build relationships in real life. “My favorite thing is to attend conventions and job fairs,” he says. “No matter where you live, you’re near a convention center. The people manning those booths are also the ones hiring. In my recruiting career, that’s my No. 1 place to find clients.”