Military to Civilian Career Transition

Doing "more" in the military was what really got me promoted. Fitness tests, professional schools, additional duties, assignments, etc...helped me stand out from the competition So why think just applying online would get me the best jobs out here? What I learned is the best job seekers out here: 1 - #resumes They take the time to tailor the resume to the job description Use free apps like Jobscan to ensure they hit key words And do informational interviews in the field to ensure the accomplishments highlighted on the resume match what the recruiters + hiring managers are looking for 2 - #networking Make the time every day to connect with 10x people in their desired field or companies And send personal emails to the people they REALLY want to connect with - focusing on something they learned about the other person by looking at their profile Connect with people to learn, not get something (like a job) 3 - prepare for the interview Practice doing mock interviews with mentors in that field Have several key accomplishments (stories) practiced that can be delivered comfortably in STAR format answers Research the company to be able to speak to corporate values, culture, mission Look up the interviewer in advance (if possible) to get insight Do informational interviews with people in the company to understand the interview/hiring process (and secret questions) Have a list of questions specifically aligned to the role prepared for when the interviewer asks "do you have any questions for me?" 4 - send thank you notes after... Someone invests their time to mentors you or provide advice You interview for a role Or are rejected from a role (Note: sending a thank you note is a dying art. You'd be surprised how much this helps you stand out...especially if you mention something specific from the conversation you had with them) #quinnsights HireMilitary You see - the best candidates aren't always the most qualified They are typically the ones that make it a habit to DO MORE Thoughts? Questions? #militarytransition

Your MOS won’t get you hired. (But your translation will.) Let me break it down for every transitioning service member: Employers don’t speak “military.” They don’t know what an 0311, 42A, or 0369 means. They don’t know that “Platoon Sergeant” meant you managed 40+ employees, ran performance reviews, led operations, and kept people alive under pressure. They just see what you put on your resume. So if your resume looks like your fitness report... If it’s packed with acronyms, billets, and military jargon... You’re not being overlooked because you’re underqualified. You’re being overlooked because they don’t understand your value. Here’s how to fix it: Break it down ↳ Don’t say: “Oversaw training of 80 Marines” ↳ Say: “Led training operations for 80 personnel, improving readiness by 30% through performance tracking and curriculum redesign.” Speak their language ↳ Use terms like: Leadership | Project Management | Operational Oversight | Risk Mitigation | Cross-functional Teams Focus on your impact, not your rank ↳ They care less about E-7 or O-4 ↳ They care more about what you did—and what you can do for them Your MOS was your title. Your value runs deeper. Let’s get you hired (not just thanked for your service). P.S. Repost this ♻️ for your network. You never know who it might help. #MilitaryTransition #VeteranJobs #VeteranSupport

Veterans and military spouses: You don’t need to spend thousands to build new skills. Here are 10 places where you can access legitimate, high-quality training and certifications completely free: ✅ 1. ACT Now Education Comprehensive free access to certifications across industries (PMP, CompTIA, SHRM, etc), career bootcamps, job prep tools, and more. Built by and for veterans and spouses. ✅ 2. Boots to Books Quarterly scholarships of up to $1,000 to pay for a training or professional certification of your choice that aligns with your career goals, biannual textbook scholarships for full-time students whose benefits are being exceeded, and monthly scholarships for Google Career Certifications across industries. ✅ 3. The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes Grants "Military Heroes Individual Grants are awarded to veterans, active military, National Guard, and Reserve members for community leadership and successful employment expenses that they are unable to afford on their own. Examples include participation in conferences, trainings and certification expenses." Additionally, they have a scholarship with The Culinary Institute of America, view their website for more. ✅ 4. O2O – via Institute for Veterans and Military Families - IVMF Onward to Opportunity (O2O) provides free access to an entire training library and one certification attempt (PMP, Sec+). Covers IT, business, and project management pathways. ✅ 5. Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) Intensive, cohort-based training for veterans pursuing careers in cloud and software development. Zero cost. ✅ 6. Amazon AWS Educate Free cloud computing curriculum. Veterans can qualify for certification test reimbursement. ✅ 7. Oracle Veteran Academy Free Oracle Cloud training and professional certifications for veterans and military spouses. ✅ 8. LinkedIn Premium Veterans get 12 months free, which includes full LinkedIn Learning access with 10,000+ courses. ✅ 9. Splunk Work+ Free Foundations 1 and 2 training for veterans and spouses, useful for data analytics and cyber roles. ✅ 10. Fortinet Veterans Program Free cybersecurity training with certifications (NSE 1, 2, and optional 4) for qualifying military members. If you're transitioning, job hunting, or exploring a new field, don’t leave these resources on the table, and don't let your peers miss out on them - SHARE! P.S. If you want to make whatever training you do about 100x more effective, connect with several mentors in the field you're training in as you complete it - even for one-off conversations. These calls help you orient your training to the real world, build a network in your target industry, and refine your resume and interview before it really counts. Plus, you can do unlimited free mentorship calls with folks at leading companies on MilMentor which makes it EASY! Heck, you could talk to someone at Amazon, Oracle, or Microsoft on MilMentor while you did their training all while never paying a cent!

Some of the worst advice out there... not only can you smell it a mile away, but it actually sets you back more than in propels you forward. “Fake It Till You Make It." The mentality might seem harmless... or even empowering. but here’s the truth: it’s a strategy that holds you back in the long run. When we rely on posturing or “faking it,” we create temporary value... a shaky foundation that breeds uncertainty and self-doubt over time. This approach can chip away at genuine confidence, leaving you second-guessing your abilities rather than embracing your true strengths. If you’re “kind of” believing in what you can do, it will lead to “kind of” results. And let’s be honest: no one invests in that. Here’s a path that builds lasting impact and real credibility: 1. Embrace Where You Are Right Now. Actionable Step: List out the top 3 strengths you bring to the table today. Focus on where you already add value. Use this clarity as your guide when you’re in new or challenging situations. This way, you’re building on a solid, authentic foundation... not pretending to be somewhere you’re not. Starting with a clear view of your strengths gives you a confidence rooted in reality... and equips you to approach each opportunity with authenticity. 2. Get Clear on Your Unique Value. Actionable Step: Identify one specific problem you can solve that aligns with your skills and expertise. Write it down in one sentence (e.g., “I help teams bridge strategy and execution gaps to drive measurable results.”). Use this as a go-to when you’re speaking with potential clients or partners. This clarity around your value will set you apart, making it easier for others to see why they should work with you... not just anyone who fits the role. 3. Bridge Your Gaps Authentically. Actionable Step: Acknowledge a skill or area you’re actively developing. Take one concrete action toward growth each week... whether that’s: - reading - building relationships - mentoring Share this journey with trusted colleagues or clients... without underselling yourself... so they experience your commitment to excellence and your drive to evolve. Owning both your strengths and areas for growth builds long-term credibility and shows others that you’re committed to being the best version of yourself. It’s how true leaders inspire and foster trust. And trust accelerates EVERYTHING.

A Senior Enlisted Leader and a Colonel Walk Into the Same Interview… It’s not the start of a joke. It's the reality of the job market. After separation, E-9s and O-6s often find themselves applying for the same roles: 🧭 Director of Operations 🧭 Program or Project Manager 🧭 Logistics or Supply Chain Manager 🧭 Chief of Staff And here’s the truth: the job title you wore in uniform matters less than how well you translate what you did. I’ve seen Command Sergeant Majors outcompete Colonels for Director roles, not because they had more experience, but because they told a better story: ✅ They translated their impact into civilian language ✅ They focused on business-relevant outcomes ✅ They demonstrated leadership, not just rank This is where military members sometimes get stuck. They assume their seniority or title will speak for itself. It won’t. You’re not just competing against your peers, you’re competing against each other. If you’re a senior leader (officer or enlisted) and you’re stepping into the civilian world: 🔹 Strip the jargon 🔹 Lead with measurable results 🔹 Position yourself as a problem-solver, not just a decision-maker There’s room for both of you, but only if your value comes through clearly on paper and in person. Need help figuring out how to do that? Let’s talk.

If you’re not ready to leave military service, DON’T! #MilitaryTransition is an exciting time, but If you fail to plan the basics… You’re making life harder than it has to be. Here are my Top 10 Transition Basics (started anytime): 🟢 Pay down / off debt • Financial freedom is 🔑 ⚫️ Network, network, and network some more! • Your network can lead to jobs! TRUST ME! 🔵 Get active on LinkedIn • Great for #personalbranding & research ⚫️ Find a mentor (or three) • They know, because they’ve been there! 🔴 Earn at least a bachelors degree • Especially if you want a manager role 🔴 Create a translated master resume • Hire a #resumewriter if needed 🔴 Earn a certification (or three) • The military pays for ‘em! Maximize your benefits. 🔵 Get a #DoDSkillbridge opportunity • Talk with your leadership and make your intentions known at least 18-months out! 🟢 File your DAMN VA Claim! • Whether you’ve served 3 year or 30, you’ve earned this! ⚫️ Know WHAT you want to do (generally) • You can figure this out through informational interviews. #ProjectManagement remains hot and growing! What would you add or change? Look— EVERYONE can succeed in their post-military lives! It’s up to us whether success is immediate or takes months. It’s up to US to follow through! #QuickNote #careers #jobs

Here is some advice I wish I had implemented about a year before I retired from the United States Marine Corps. I know you think you have plenty of time before you transition. You have told yourself; I will deal with that when the time comes. I know, we have all been there and felt that exact same way before. Unfortunately, it's not until you find yourself on the other side that you wish you could have done a few things differently. These things are easy, and some you may already be doing. I personally believe it will only make you more effective in your current role. 1. Join a professional civilian organization in your military occupation specialty (MOS) or the specific industry sector you want to enter after the military. You will learn the language, create connections, and build rapport with people outside DOD. 2. Support a Nonprofit. I'm not saying to drop off a check. That would be nice, but show up and support the mission personally. Please make a point to attend the events and help them carry the message. Again, you will connect with like-minded people who support causes you believe in and build relationships with people outside DOD. (If you really want to donate, USMC MEMORIAL FOUNDATION is a good one to donate too. 😀) 3. Make intentional connections within the community you want to work. If you are a year from transition, try to set an obtainable goal of once a week to have coffee or go to dinner with someone new. You can always start with Veterans in the roles you want to be in. They will always say yes and they will have great advice about things you should be doing or certificates you need (and, more importantly, the ones you don't need). Listen, we (Veterans) are decades behind on building a civilian network that we can tap into for help. These three actions will help you grow your network so it is in place when you transition out of the military. These connections will help you build credibility and trust. It takes time to build the rapport you need to get a job. You can not hold up your retirement certificate and think you will get the job. Genuine connections are how people get jobs, from the referrals of people they know. It is not by uploading your resume into a portal and hoping you hear back. It's from relationships and authentic interactions. These are only a few of the ways you can expand your network into the civilian world before Retirement +1 day. I hope this helps. What are other ways transitioning service members can expand their professional network? What practices did you use to grow your network when you left the military? #marinecorps #navy #army #airforce #coastguard Concierge on Call (COC)  

I've been retired from the military for just about a year now, here are my observations (you may or may not already know): - Skillbridge is not guaranteed job placement. If you're able to make it work, awesome! If not, it's a tremendous learning experience. Use it as an opportunity to acclimatize yourself to the civilian world. - Your resume is probably the most important thing about you. Starting on it a month or two before separating or retiring won't do you any favors. Start early and share it! Get as many eyes on it as possible. Don't forget to complete a federal resume, too. You may not be looking for that type of work, but it's not a bad idea to have it in your back pocket. Brock Young is your go-to for any questions regarding federal resumes. - You don't have to keep doing what you were doing while you served. If you want to pursue something new, do it! You don't have to ask permission anymore! - Using LinkedIn, even if you don't understand it at first, is paramount. Network with fellow servicemembers and compare notes. - Your service equivalent transition program (TAPS, TGPS, ABCD, whatever the acronym at your installation is) does not even come close to answering all your questions. Write them down and ask any recently separated veteran what they did. Chances are, they had a completely different experience, but ask those questions! - Attend as many virtual networking events as possible. You'll run into people transitioning at the same time as you and those who have been out for a while. Don't be afraid to make new friends. Network, network, network! Events like 50strong, American Corporate Partners (ACP), and VETS2INDUSTRY are just a few. There's also Veterati, where you can schedule a call with someone who has separated or is in a particular field you're interested in. These are FREE resources. USE THEM! - Your VA claim will likely take a little while to process. Make sure you have a rep you can talk to about the process if you have any questions. Don't rely on hearsay. - The job market will likely be a little hectic at first. Start at the shallow end and gradually work your way into the deeper water. - Certifications trump education in most cases but understand that a lot of jobs are looking for an educational level of at least a bachelor's degree. If you have time to complete your degree, do it. If you have time to complete some certifications or your degree on the military's dime, do it. - Not everyone needs to be a project manager. If that's your thing and you want to do it, cool. PMP and Agile certifications are where it's at. Again, if you can get them completed on the military's dime, do it! Connect with Matt Quick 🏆PM Champion🏆if you have questions. Don't stress over anything. If anything, feel free and connect with me and if I can't help you, I can for sure connect you with someone that can grab the baton and keep you moving forward. #transitioningmilitary #veteranshelpingveterans #veteransupport

10 Hard Truths About Transitioning Out of the Military (That I Wish I Knew Before I Took Off the Uniform) It took me years of: ✔️ Pivoting so many times, I lost track. ✔️ Facing rejection so brutal, I questioned everything. ✔️ Trusting the wrong people—and paying the price. Through it all, I rebuilt. I figured out who I was without the uniform. I learned how to navigate a world that doesn’t come with orders. Here’s what I wish someone told me sooner: 👇 1. Your Military Experience Is Valuable—But You Have to Translate It ➡️ Leadership, discipline, and resilience matter—but only if people understand how they apply. ➡️ Drop the acronyms. Lose the jargon. ➡️ Bridge the gap between military and civilian speak—because they won’t do it for you. 2. Hard Work Alone Won’t Get You There ➡️ You can be brilliant and invisible at the same time. ➡️ If no one knows about your work, it doesn’t matter. ➡️ Speak up. Build relationships. Silence is a career killer. 3. Thick Skin Is a Requirement ➡️ You will get rejected—repeatedly. ➡️ You will get ghosted after interviews. ➡️ It stings, but rejection isn’t a reflection of your worth—it’s proof you’re in the game. 4. The Civilian World Runs on Relationships ➡️ The best person doesn’t always get promoted. ➡️ Decisions aren’t always logical or merit-based. ➡️ Play the game—but never compromise your integrity. 5. Your Military Network Won’t Be Enough ➡️ You need a civilian network, too. ➡️ Find mentors who have done this before. ➡️ Build relationships before you need them. 6. Your First Job Won’t Be Your Forever Job ➡️ The first offer isn’t always the right one. ➡️ If you land somewhere that doesn’t fit—pivot. ➡️ You didn’t serve to stay stagnant. 7. Not Everyone Wants You to Succeed ➡️ Some people will doubt you. ➡️ Some will see you as a threat. ➡️ Some will pretend to help while holding you back. Move anyway. 8. Rank Doesn’t Convert—Your Impact Does ➡️ Civilian organizations don’t care about rank—they care about results. ➡️ You can’t lead by authority alone—influence is your new currency. ➡️ Show up, deliver, and make yourself indispensable. 9. Your Growth Is Your Responsibility ➡️ No one will send you to leadership school. ➡️ No one will track your career development. ➡️ Invest in yourself—read, learn, and level up constantly. 10. This Transition Is Hard—But You Were Built for Hard Things ➡️ It’s frustrating. It’s humbling. ➡️ Some days, it’ll feel like you’re starting from scratch. ➡️ But remember—you’ve adapted before, and you’ll do it again. ✔️ Which one hit home the most? ♻️ Repost to help another veteran in transition. ➕ Follow for more hard-won lessons.