If you are a veteran who has recently been discharged from service, or if you are currently unemployed, there are many resources available to assist you in finding suitable employment. Many companies are looking for the skill sets you have developed as a military professional. Plus, many employers are patriotic and enjoy giving back to those who have served our country. Below is a list of resources veterans can utilize when seeking employment.

Search on Veteran Job Boards

As a veteran you have access to all of the standard job boards everyone in the country has access to, but you also have access to job boards specifically designed for veterans. Many of these job boards have postings from employers who want to employ veterans, and many job boards provide access to other resources such as assistance for preparing your resume and interview training and tips. While you are searching for employment after you have been discharged you may also be eligible for tax credits per the Vow to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.

Contact Local Veteran’s Assistance Programs

The downfall to veteran’s job boards is you may not find many positions in your local area. If you don’t have luck with job boards, try reaching out to local veteran’s assistance programs. Most states have programs designed specifically to place veterans in suitable employment. Many of these programs are also designed to assess a veteran’s skills, cultivate new job skills, and recommend suitable fields for the veteran. This is of particular importance to veterans who had minimal work experience prior to joining the armed forces.

Look for Jobs that Require Your Specialized Skills

One of the many benefits of joining the armed forces is that you develop specialized skills that can translate well into other industries. Some skills (like medical experience) are clearly helpful, however, many veterans underestimate many of the skills they have developed. For example if your military placement required you to do strategic planning, you may possess the skills to do strategic planning for safety and security protocols for large corporations. If you enjoy serving your country and are looking for ways to serve on another level, consider becoming a school security officer, firefighter, emergency rescuer, or other first responder.

Take the Time to Go Back to School

Another way you can transition from military life back into civilian life is by taking time to use the school tuition credits you have earned. Even if you aren’t sure exactly what you want to do, you can begin by taking general education courses that can be applied toward a variety of degrees. While you go to school you can work part time to re-establish working in a civilian position. Keep in mind that your tuition credits are not limited only to four-year colleges and can be used at many vocational and trade schools.

Many returning veterans are unsure of where to start when they are discharged and return home. Not only do you now have the freedom of making your own schedule on a daily basis, you have to find a new way to support yourself financially. To ease this transition, take advantage of the many resources made available to you.

Byline

Myron Hidalgo focuses on business, banking, personal finance, wealth management, commerce, international trade and other complex issues; Myron recommends that those currently on the job hunt consider the financial analyst jobs with moneyjobs.com.

Image credit goes to NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.