• INTERNET PRESENCE: This section covers tips on setting up your own email account, website and being a part of social networking pools. There are also some frequently asked questions about how recruiters/employers use the internet.
  
  
• SECURITY CLEARANCE: This section covers the value of your security clearance to civilian employers. It covers which employers seek out candidates with security clearance as well as the steps you need to take to renew your clearance.
  
  
• JOB TIPS: This section covers steps you need to take when looking for a job. It also covers some of the things that civilian employers are looking for in an employee.
  
  
• RESUME TIPS: This section covers the different sections that should be included in a resume as well as introduces you to MilitaryResumeWriters.com, a resume writing resource to assist you.
  
  
• INTERVIEWING TIPS: This section offers preparation tips and sample questions to prepare you for interviews.
  
  
• COVER LETTER TIPS: This section covers tips on what your cover letter should include as well as provides samples for you to review when creating your own
  cover letter.
  
  
• SALARY INFORMATION: This section provides links to resources where you can do salary comparisons by region and by job/skill level. Be sure to review prior to going in for an interview and accepting an offer.

In today’s world an email address is essential. Your email address should be professional. For example, daddyslittlegirl@yahoo.com won’t convince an employer of your “leadership” or “management” capabilities. Similarly, bighunk@hotmail.com -- well, you get the picture. If you already have an inappropriate email address, get another one. They’re free. Here are some places to get a free email address:

Yahoo.com

Hotmail.com

Google.com

Create a profile on internet Niche Boards that interest you.

Create a profile on the Navy League Hiring Center. This profile automatically generates a URL and displays your own professional career information.

Create a webpage (many hosting companies will provide or offer a web site building tool that will create a website for you very easily:

www.GoDaddy.com

www.Verisign.com

Create an appropriate space focused on your career search on a social networking site.

www.MySpace.com

www.FaceBook.com

Create a profile on a more business geared social networking site.

www.LinkedIn.com

www.xing.com

www.spoke.com

Create a Blog about something you’re interested in or that you’re knowledgeable about.

Do recruiters and hiring managers look up candidates on the web? Yes, many do, and be aware that they will see positive and negative information on you if it’s out there. The only way to really know is to look up yourself. We recommend that you make sure you are aware of what people can find out about you on the web. Visit Google and Yahoo, as well as the lesser-used MSN Search, or Ask.com. Review at least the first three to five pages of results.

The job type you desire will determine the importance of your internet presence. A high tech company will research the internet to find you. Many computer savvy recruiters will also use your internet presence for additional information. When applying for roles with web savvy companies, which require influence/leadership with other web savvy people, not having a web presence could hurt you. There are a lot of companies out there (start-ups, internet based companies, community-focused technology companies, etc) that want to hire people who are already passionate about interacting with others through the internet. If you, as the job seeker, have no internet presence at all, we advise that you consider creating a profile. It's not only a great way to build an outline portfolio - but these activities can provide valuable experience and might even help you realize an untapped passion.

Not only will recruiters and hiring managers look on the sites mentioned above, they may request additional information on you via background checks and screening. If you have had any violations in the past with the law, make sure you resolve them and double check that they have been removed where applicable. Your credit reports can also be pulled to determine your financial responsibility. See the financial section for more information.

A security clearance is a valuable commodity outside of the military. Companies who do classified work for the Dept. of Defense (DoD) or a national security related contract accrue the expense of the security clearances for their employees, which can cost several thousand dollars each. Because of this, many DoD contractors prefer to hire ex-military personnel with current clearances. However, you want to do your job-hunting immediately after transitioning to maintain a valid clearance.

A security clearance may increase your salary anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, and, in some cases, even more. A current clearance will save employers time and money conducting a background check. Military personnel with security clearances are very appealing to employers because thorough background checks have already been completed. Employers also see ex-military as disciplined, dependable employees with strong leadership skills - priceless attributes.

If you leave a job, or no longer need to have access to classified national security information, your security clearance is removed.

In most cases, it is still easier to get a clearance renewed than apply for a new one, so you still have an advantage over those without a clearance in their background.

Companies working on defense-related projects often require security clearances. However, it doesn't matter if the company currently has government contracts.

The importance of a security clearance does not stop with defense contractors. The medical, telecommunications, education and financial fields have an increasing number of jobs where company information needs to be guarded, and HR managers seek out individuals with current security clearances.

Here's a top ten list of companies that require certain clearance certificates:

Boeing

General Dynamics

General Electric

General Motors

Northrop Grumman

Lockheed

Martin Marietta

McDonnel Douglas

Raytheon

United Technologies

A security clearance must be renewed every 5, 10, or 15 years, depending on the level
of clearance.

A Periodic Reinvestigation (PR) is required every 5 years for a TOP SECRET Clearance, 10 years for a SECRET Clearance or 15 years for a CONFIDENTIAL Clearance. However, both civilian and military personnel of DOD can be randomly reinvestigated before they are due for a Periodic Reinvestigation.

In the past three years, DoD has had a significant backlog of security clearances and reinvestigations pending, most especially for TOP SECRET level access. In general, expect a CONFIDENTIAL or SECRET clearance to take between 1 and 3 months. A TOP SECRET will probably take between 4 and 8 months. However, some individuals have been waiting for the results of their TOP SECRET investigation for more than one year. The more there is to investigate, the longer the investigation will take.

Lived or worked in several geographic locations or overseas.

Traveled outside of the United States.

Relatives who have lived outside of the United States.

Background information that is difficult to obtain or involves issues that require an expansion of your case.

Bankruptcy & unpaid bills

Criminal charges

If your technical training (AIT/Tech School/A-School) requires access to classified information, you may be assigned to do details, such as administrative work while waiting for your Security Clearance to be granted. In some cases, you may be authorized to attend non-classified portions of the training while awaiting the results of your security
clearance application.

Secret

A Secret clearance, also known as Ordinary Secret, requires a few months to a year to fully investigate depending on the individual's activities. Refer to the “Security Clearance Renewal” section for attributes that may increase the time it takes to get your security clearance. A Secret clearance requires a NAC/LAC/Credit investigation and must be reinvestigated every 10 years.

Top Secret is a more stringent clearance. A Top Secret, or "TS", clearance, is often given as the result of a Single Scope Background Investigation, or SSBI. SSBI is a type of United States security clearance and involves agents contacting employers, coworkers and other individuals. Standard elements include background checks involving checks of employment; education; organization affiliations; local agencies; where the subject has lived, worked, or gone to school; and interviews with persons who know the individual.

The investigation may include a check on the candidate’s spouse or cohabitant and any immediate family members who are U.S. citizens other than by birth or who are not U.S. citizens. The minimum investigation scope is the past ten (10) years or to age 18, whichever is less. Top Secret clearances generally afford one access to data that affects national security, counterterrorism/counterintelligence, or other highly sensitive data. There are far fewer individuals with TS clearances than Secret clearances. A TS clearance can take as little as 3-6 months to obtain, but more often takes 6-18 months, while sometimes taking up to 3 years to obtain. The SSBI must be renewed every 5 years.

Once you have a security clearance, and the need for it continues, you must undergo a reinvestigation every 5, 10, or 15 years, depending on the level of your clearance.

When you no longer need a security clearance... if you leave that job or no longer need to have access to classified national security information... your security clearance is removed.

If you are a candidate for a security clearance Electronic Personnel Security Questionnaire (EPSQ), you must provide personal details on your background. Once you complete the document, you must forward it to your security officer who will in turn submit it to DSS. Only a security officer, or another designated official in your organization, has the authority to submit security questionnaires directly to DSS. Your investigation will be opened once DSS receives your EPSQ and validates that it is completely filled out.

The NLHC Employment section is designed to provide tips that will help you with your job search.

Many people find jobs through word-of-mouth. Talk to the people you know, including relatives, friends, professors, associations, and former co-workers. Let them know that you are looking for work. Ask their advice and seek out introductions to people in the field that interests you.

Create a custom version of your resume for each job or industry that interests you. Your resume is usually an employers first impression of you, so do your best and have others review it. Make sure it highlights your skills that relate to the job that the employer is seeking to fill.

Identify your certifications and skills and work on communicating them effectively. Be sure you can explain the key items in your background that relate to the job you're seeking.

Make a list to help keep track of what jobs you have inquired about. Preparing a list also helps you to organize your priorities and keeps you focused.

Read the internet, newspaper and trade journals to remain current on developments in your field of interest. Knowing the latest trends and mergers will help set you apart from other candidates in an interview.

Preparation is the key to a successful interview. Know your skills and be ready to illustrate how they relate to the job in question. Practice with a friend to get comfortable with your responses and to formulate strong answers to questions you might not anticipate.

Follow up on all leads as soon as possible. If you don't, your competition may. And, following an interview, always send a thank you note the same day.

Looking for a job can feel like a job in itself. Don't let it get you down. With patience and hard work, you will find the right job. The Navy League Hiring Center is here to help.

While many jobs require a unique set of skills, there is a standard set of qualities that most employers want in an employee. Increase your chances of landing the job you want by highlighting your "soft" skills as well as your technical skills in the interview. Employers look for a variety of strengths, including:

You can communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing. You recognize that communication is a two-way street and are able to listen and interpret effectively, as well.

You take the lead and assume the responsibility to get things done. You don't have to be a manager to be a leader; it is a valuable skill in any job.

You can analyze and identify a problem and develop effective solutions. You explore new and innovative ideas in addition to tried-and-true solutions.

You know and like yourself. You recognize your strengths and know what you
can accomplish.

You can "roll with the punches." You adapt easily to new situations and are open to
new ideas.

You are a hard worker. You are willing to put the time and effort into accomplishing your objectives.

The purpose of a resume is to highlight your qualifications and get you an interview. Your resume, along with your cover letter, introduces you to an employer. It lets him/her know who you are and what you have to offer.

The perfect resume is targeted to the specifics of the job description. Tailoring your resume shows that you've done your homework and highlights the skills you possess that are relevant to the job.

Resumes can follow a variety of styles and formats, but most contain the same
basic information:

This section includes basic contact information, including your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address. If you have a Web site that is relevant to the job for which you’re applying, include that here, too.

This is really just a brief description of your immediate career goals. The key is to keep it short and concise and to make it relevant to the job for which you are applying. If your objective is vague, leave it out.

This section details your past and current educational endeavors. List degrees, diplomas, or certificates you have earned or are working toward. Start with the most recent and work your way back. Include the name of the school, degree, major, date of graduation, and honors or academic accomplishments.

This is a summary of your work experience. List your most recent or current job first and work your way back. Include your job title, the name and location of the organization, and the dates you worked. Describe your job duties and accomplishments briefly using strong action verbs. Military, intern, and volunteer experiences may be included here or detailed in another section.

If you have done a lot of volunteer work, list it in its own section. Include where you volunteered and briefly describe what you did and when you did it.

This section can be used to highlight skills that were not gained through work or education, but are relevant to the job for which you are applying. These may include leadership or teamwork skills you picked up through professional clubs, academic teams, or
organized sports.

Use this to highlight special skills you possess that are directly related to the job for which you are applying. This is a good place to detail your computer experience and list the programs you are familiar with.

This is always the last section of your resume, but references need not actually be included in the resume itself. Your best bet is to say "References Available upon Request" and to keep a separate sheet with your references detailed handy.

Resources

MilitaryResumeWriters.com has partnered with the Navy League Hiring Center. Military Resume Writers encapsulates over 35 years of writing talent coupled with in depth knowledge of our military's infrastructure. They offer specialized expertise in Federal Government job search and resume development, government contractor resume development and private sector
resume development.

Their team of Certified Professional Federal Writers, including retired and disabled vets, as well as top corporate, human resource, technical and business professionals are the best in the industry and have earned the trust and respect of our veterans for the past 20 years. They remain ready to use their expertise to translate your achievements into a job-winning career marketing campaign.

If the idea of going to a job interview make you feel a little queasy, then you may need to practice interviewing with family or friends. Many people find that the interview is the hardest part of the hiring process. But it doesn’t have to be. The more you prepare and practice, the more comfortable you will feel. Increase your odds of landing the job you want by brushing up on your interview skills.

Print out your NLHC profile to help identify your skills and certifications.

That is usually one of the first things that an employer will say in an interview. What he/she is really asking is what qualifies you for this position. Your response will set the tone for the rest of the interview, so your best bet is to prepare your answer in advance.

Think of your answer as a 60-second commercial in which you sell yourself. Know the job description for the position you are going for and tailor your comments to match. Your script may vary slightly depending on the position, but the foundation will always be based on
your skills.

The first step in composing your commercial is self-assessment. To get started, it may help to review your resume. Look at the jobs that you have held and decide what skills you used for each.

Make a list of at least ten of your strengths and skills. Use active words that reflect what you have done. Include both job specific skills, such as your ability to use a computer, and your "soft" skills, such as your ability to organize or your attention to detail.

Evaluate how each of your skills will be useful to the position you are seeking. Decide which seem most relevant. Write them down. These will be the basis of your commercial.

Now, you are ready to put your commercial together. It will help to write down exactly what you want to say, so that you can practice and be sure not to miss any major points.

Start with a brief introduction of yourself. Include your name and your usual line of work. Then, state what position you are seeking. This part may vary depending on the interview. Next, you will get into your skills. Start with your job skills and work into your "soft" skills.

Employers are interested in what you have done. Use action words to tell them. They are clear, concise and direct – all strengths that impress employers in an interview. Strong words include:

achieved, composed, drafted, interpreted, obtained, produced, administered, constructed, established, launched, operated, provided, analyzed, coordinated, expanded, maintained, organized, reorganized, assembled, created, generated, managed, originated, reported, budgeted, demonstrated, implemented, motivated, oversaw, researched, collaborated, developed, improved, negotiated, performed, resolved

Salary negotiation usually won't be an issue until a job offer has been made. However, it is important that you know the standard pay range for the position you are seeking. Consider where you fit in that range based on your skills. When the time comes to discuss salary, present your case. You may say something like "With the education and experience I bring, I would expect to start at the higher end of that scale."

Remember, your skills and experience are the basis of your negotiations. The employer is not interested in your personal finances or the number of children you are trying to support. It’s not about what you "need", but about what your skills are worth and why.

Find out all you can about the company before you go to the interview. Understand the products and/or the services that they provide. It’s also good to know who the customers are and who the major competitors are. Ask prepared questions about the company to show your interest level is high.

The more you practice, the more you will feel confident and relaxed. So, practice your answers to common questions. Almost all interviewers will ask if you have questions. This is a great opportunity for you to show that you have done your homework and have put some thought into your questions.

Here are some example questions to ask the employer:

What are the primary duties of this position?

What do you consider the most important skills or traits for someone in this position?

How would you describe a typical day in this position?

What is the standard schedule for this position?

Why are you looking to fill this position?

How would you describe your management style?

What are the short and long-term goals for this position?

Do you expect significant organizational changes in the near future?

What are the prospects for advancement in this position?

What are the next steps in the hiring process?

What do you consider to be your major strengths?

What do you consider to be your major weaknesses?

Why do you want to work for this company?

What are your short-term goals?

Where do you see yourself in five years?

What did you like most about your last job?

What did you like least about your last job?

How would your coworkers describe you?

How do you manage multiple tasks/projects? Please give an example.

How do you deal with stress and/or deadlines? Please give an example.

Do you prefer to work independently or within a team?

Why should I hire you? - This is often the last question you will be asked in an interview. Prepare for it. This is your chance to restate the skills you possess that are most relevant to the position and to summarize your other qualities that make you the perfect person for the job. Outline your answer before you go in, so that you can answer clearly, concisely, and with confidence.

1. This should come up during your research into the company and into the position. If possible, talk to others who work for the company. If you are unclear on this point, include it in the questions you ask at the interview itself and be prepared to incorporate it into
your answer.

2. Show you have the skills needed for the job. Based on the goals you have identified in step one, determine how your skills and experience support those goals. If necessary, refer back to your "60-second commercial" (sometimes called the elevator speech) for a list of skills you possess.

3. Again, this should come up in your research. Look at the company’s mission statement and regular business practices. Explain why these are in line with your own values
and goals.

4. Be enthusiastic about the opportunity to work for this company and/or within a certain team. Be sure that the interviewer is clear about the fact that you want this job.

The interview is your chance to show that you are the best person for the job. Your application or resume has already exhibited that you are qualified. Now it ’s up to you to show how your skills and experience match this position and this company.

The employer will be looking and listening to determine if you are a good fit. He/she will be looking for a number of different qualities, in addition to the skills that you possess. To make the best impression, (click button to see - dress appropriately); sell your strengths; arrive early, by about 10-15 minutes; be enthusiastic; shake hands firmly; be an active listener; sit up straight and maintain eye contact; ask questions.

After the interview, follow up with a thank-you note. This is a chance for you to restate your interest and how you can benefit the company. Your best bet is to try to time it so that the note gets there before the hiring decision is made. You should also follow up with a phone call if you don’t hear back from the employer within the specified time.

Your cover letter tells an employer a lot about you, good or bad. Think of it as a sales pitch. It’s primary purpose is to show why your skills and background are a perfect match for the position for which you're applying. It is not the place to present all of your experience, that should already be showcased in your resume.

As your first opportunity to make a great impression, a well-written letter shows that you are serious about your job search. Highlight one or two of your skills or accomplishments that show that you are the right person for this position.

While there is no set format or template, here are some more tips for creating a letter that employers will read:

Cover letters rarely need to be longer than one page. You can usually sum it up in about four paragraphs:

1. Introduce yourself and explain why you’re writing.

2. Lay out your key skills and accomplishments.

3. Explain why you want to work for the company.

4. Thank the reader, invite him/her to contact you and lay out your follow-up plans.

Personalize

Avoid generic greetings such as "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam". Address your letter to a specific person, and make sure the spelling is correct.

Don’t just rehash your resume. Highlight the skills that are most relevant. Illustrate how they relate to the position.

Be very direct; write clearly and concisely. Don’t make the reader have to work to figure out why you’re writing or speculate at how your skills match the position.

State how you can be reached and give specific information about your plans for follow-up. Once you've said it, do it; follow through.

Always take the time to review your letter. Double-check for typos; don’t rely on spell-check. If you have time, ask a friend or colleague to look it over as well. Make your changes and review again.

Take a look at some samples to help you get started:

Sample 1 (PDF File)

Sample 2 (PDF File)

Sample 3 (PDF File)

Wherever you are headed next, it is important to learn how much you will earn in order to budget for housing, transportation and general expenses. Use these websites to find out salary information for your area or to do a comparison of salaries in different areas:

Salary Expert

Salary Comparison

Salary.com