With rising fuel prices and a teetering housing and financial market, the companies who are hiring are being cautious and selective. Candidates seeking employment need to stand out amongst the competition.
So how can you stand out?
First, consider your military experience as a great differentiator. You have attained great skills and qualities that translate well into the civilian world, such as being a team player and having leadership experience. Be sure to include examples of what you have done in your cover letter and be prepared to discuss in your interview. Employers like seeing confidence in your own abilities.
Second, as mentioned in another NLHC article, if you have a security clearance, include it in your profile. This is a highly sought after certification amongst civilian employers, primarily DOD contractors. Your clearance, whether active or inactive, is an important differentiator for you to include in your profile and to state in an interview. Even employers not specifically seeking candidates with a clearance should learn about some of qualities or aspects required for you to achieve a clearance.
Third, consider brushing up on training or seeking a degree or certification. For those of you who managed projects, you might want to consider learning more about certifications through the Project Management Institute (www.pmi.org). Interested in a new career field? Consider using your GI Bill to go back to school. There are a lot of opportunities to add additional credentials to support your professional background and many can be funded through a variety of veteran programs.
Fourth, experience, experience, experience! Employers are losing some of their most experienced workers to retirement and they are looking to fill that knowledge and experience gap. Your skills and experience in the military are valuable to employers. Be sure to include your years of experience for each skill you include in your profile.
The job market is competitive. Take advantage of the skills and experience you obtained in the military as well as the tools you have available through veteran programs to stand out amongst the crowd.