7 Job Search Tips for Military Veterans

7 Job Search Tips for Military Veterans7 Job Search Tips for Military VeteransTo be sure, the challenges can be daunting. Veterans, including those transitioning into the civilian job market, continue to face high unemployment rates and unique challenges. Still, job opportunities, including flexible work, can be found, and a range of public and private organizations offer support (see below).For those with military service, a good starting point is toupdate the skillsyou may have acquired in the military to suit the current job market. Beyond that, if youre a veteran, there are additional ways to get in prime position for success in the job market.Here are seven job search tips for military veteransHighlight your military service on your resume.Deciding whether to highlight your military background on your resume can bea topic for debate. But it may be worthwhile to make your military service a focal point of your resume, particularly if youre targeting positions or industry sectors where a military background is advantageous. However, if you suspect your military background is being held against you, make sure you know your rights under the Uniformed Service Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.Research local job opportunities.Youre probably well aware that the skills you learned in your military service can translate to job markets around the globe. But make sure you dont forget to check out whats available in your own backyard As a member, you can use our search options to target your job search by geographic location.Show how military skills translate into civilian skills.As a veteran, or the spouse of a veteran, its imperative to build and market skills that can transfer to the current job market. Do your best to take advantage of skill-boosting opportunities that present themselves during deployments, especially if the opportunity offers a chance to learn something completely new.Know the civilian counterparts to your military positions.Seek out militar y skills translator services that can help you gain an understanding of the kinds of civilian sector jobs that are on par with your military experience. Services like those available onMilitary.com can offer great resources for veterans across all of the nations military branches.Get involved in civilian life.Adjusting to civilian life can offer significant challenges for veterans who may have become accustomed to the comfort zone of military structure. While easing into family life as a civilian can be a major priority, making a career transition can present its own hurdles. In some cases, usingpart-time and temporaryjobs as a career bridge can make the transition easier.Showcase your military awards, honors, andprofessional certifications.By shining a bright spotlight on everything youve accomplished in your military career, you can demonstrate all the great talents youll bring to the table as a civilian employee. Any specialized expertise or certifications youve earned while in t he service can be a springboard for continuing that same line of work in civilian life.Rely on your network to find military-friendly employers.Figuring out how to find jobs that are military friendly, as well as veteran friendly, can be a big step in propelling your job hunt to the next level. Understanding how to capitalize on your networkis a great accomplish for anyone in the job market. Veterans and military spouses alike can get ahead of the game by making the most of the networking resourcesthat may be available to them.These organizations can help in the military-to-civilian transitionBonds of Courage targets both active military and veterans, offering post-service employment support that includes interview preparation, skills translation, and networking advice and support.Veterans Green Jobsfocuses on job opportunities in the environmental and green industries, with an emphasis on helping former military members translate their skills in ways that help the environment.Wound ed Warrior Careers Programis an initiative of the National Organization on Disability that works to help veterans with severe military-related disabilities find meaningful civilian careers.Feds Hire Vetsprovides information and resources to help veterans and their families transition from military to civilian life.Readers, do you have job search tips for military veterans or resources that can help them find rewarding careers? Share your suggestions with us