Military Experience into Civilian Jobs Melodie Cameron MA

Military Experience into Civilian Jobs Melodie Cameron, MA Adapted and Presented by Dr. Elena Klaw

Work of the Career Center (Cameron, 2014) �Strengths Based Approach helps veterans to identify and understand their strengths �Can help a veteran when choosing a major, looking for a job, or starting a career �Identify strengths utilized in the military and how to use similar strengths in civilian culture

Effects �What happens when veterans draw on their talents? �Help transition back into civilian culture �Can improve school performance, work performance, and even relationships

Military Resume �Uses military language/jargon to explain duties �Contains all military work history �Describes team work �Can be multiple pages long

Civilian Resume �Purpose of resume is to get an interview �Develop accomplishment statements related to your military experience that are listed in layperson's terms �List relevant information for the specific position �Targeted resume should be 1 -2 pgs. long

Parts of Civilian Resume �Contact Information �Objective �Education �Academic Coursework �Classroom projects �Work Experience �Skills Trainings/Awards/Recognitions

Contact Info �Have a professional email address �Have a professional voice mail

Class Projects �Title of Position, Dates �Did you work individually or in a group and what was the purpose of the project �More detail about the project or your individual role �What was the result of the project?

Work Experience & Awards � Work Experience: � Name of the Company, City, State Title of Position, Dates � • 3 -5 statements that highlight what you accomplished in this position. Focus on what YOU did and not on the duties and tasks performed � Training/Awards/ Recognitions: � Highlight your awards and recognitions � Translate what military specific awards mean/significance in civilian terms

What do Employers Want? � Ability to: � Work in a team structure – 4. 6 � Verbally communicate with persons inside and outside the organization – 4. 59 � Make decisions and solve problems – 4. 49 obtain and process information – 4. 46 plan, organize, and prioritize work- 4. 45 *Source: Job Outlook 2012, National Association of Colleges and Employers *5 -point scale, where 1=Not important; 2=Not very important; 3=Somewhat important; 4=Very important; and 5=Extremely important

Skills wanted � Ability to analyze quantitative data- 4. 23 � Technical knowledge related to the job- 4. 23 � Proficiency with computer software programs 4. 04 � Ability create and/or edit written reports – 3. 65 � Ability to sell or influence others – 3. 51 �Source: Job Outlook 2012, National Association of Colleges and Employers

Key Points �Focus on what you individually accomplished �Quantify the information you are presenting

� What Strengths Do Veterans Bring to the Workforce?

Veterans Bring Unique Skills �Leadership �Work with teams �Work with diverse individuals and cultures �Solve problems rapidly �Follow through �Responsible �Mission driven �Work within complex organizations

Military Summary of Accomplishments �Member of the Engineering Training Team which specialized in creative training for personnel on how to control engineering casualties to prevent equipment damage or injury to personnel.

After �Simulated system casualty scenarios to teams of junior staff to observe how staff followed procedural policies under high pressure situations preventing equipment damage or injury to personnel. �Strengths showed: Solve Problems Process Information Communication