Matt Kohler’s Post

How To Negotiate Your Civilian Job Offer: 7 Tips for Success 1. Research Market Value: Know your worth before negotiations. 2. Don't Rush: Take time to evaluate offers. 3. Consider Total Package: Benefits matter as much as salary. 4. Clear Communication: Express appreciation and needs clearly. 5. Be Flexible: Seek win-win solutions. 6. Assess Response: Company culture matters. 7. Get It in Writing: Document the agreed terms. Use these tips to navigate your job offer negotiations and set yourself up for a rewarding career! #All #ActiveDuty #TransitioningMilitary #MilitarySpouses #Reservists #Veterans #ACTNowEducation

Such valuable information is included here.

An Air Force leader asked me how many months before hanging the uniform he needed to start preparing for the corporate journey. While this was a personal question, I see it as relevant for almost every transitioning military person. One common observation I have seen often in the last 11+ years of my veteran hiring experience is that all those who start their preparation two to three years before their transition are the ones who have multiple job offers in hand. On the other hand, for those who start their journey towards the fag end of their military career, many of them take a few months even after their transition to get an offer. And if having a job offer is the barometer of a successful transition, then I would say starting a minimum of two years prior would be an ideal time. (Say the last posting of your military tenure) If I write this in military vocabulary, Time is your friend if you start preparing two to three years before transition and it would be your enemy if you start a month or two before transition. How many months prior you start your transition and what advice you would give to a military person reading this post? MilitarytoCorporate

Listen up, veterans! I want to hear about your job searches in your post-military career. What worked well? What frustrated you? When did civilian employers - of any type - just not understand what your military skills could bring to their organization? How can that process to link veterans to employers become better? Share your thoughts by commenting on this post. I plan to share all of this crowdsourced information with some of my colleagues who are working to help connect veterans to employers who want and need them. Let me give you some of my own thoughts to get your mind going. I left the U.S. Navy as a Commander after a 20+ year career as a Public Affairs Officer, or PAO as almost anyone in uniform knows us. ✔ People didn’t understand every skill a PAO can bring because we are like a mashup of communications and advisory disciplines. Heck, people still don’t get what I did. An MOS or Designator is a starting point, but it doesn't come close to covering everything. ✔ Transition programs aren’t made for senior officers who aren’t flag rank. The enlisted and junior officer programs didn't quite fit.   ✔ The recruiting firms that proclaimed to be experts in veteran placements did almost nothing for me when I got out. Share your thoughts about my questions posed up top. If you're not from the U.S., you're still welcome to contribute. Whether you just got out or have been out for a long time and choose to apply as a veteran, I can’t wait to read them! #veteranhiring

Planning is key to success, whether you're transitioning from the military to civilian life or climbing the career ladder! In the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' latest article, Darren Sherrard shares essential tips for job seekers on setting goals, managing time and leveraging resources effectively. Learn how to treat your job search like a full-time job and stay motivated to reach your dream career. Don’t miss out on this valuable advice—read the full article now! https://loom.ly/DLx1yZM #VA #VeteranSuccess #CareerPlanning #TransitionTips #MilitaryTransition

Tomorrow marks Hire A Veteran Day, but every day is an opportunity to consider veteran job seekers. According to LinkedIn's 2023 Veteran Opportunity Report, veterans are 27% less likely to leave their first job within the first 6 months compared to nonveterans. While veteran unemployment is low at 2.9% in June 2024, underemployment remains a significant issue. On average, it takes veterans 17 (!!!) years to achieve their first Director role, compared to 9 years for nonveteran new graduates. There is a noticeable gap in understanding military experience and translating skills to the corporate world. A recent conversation with a 15-year veteran highlighted the challenges veterans face during transitions. He shared his experience of interviewing for roles that pay half of what he earned in the military. This disparity underscores the need for better support in bridging the gap between military service and civilian opportunities. I encourage you to read LinkedIn's report below and start the conversation internally in your organizations on how you can better support this underutilized talent pool. And for the algorithm- a pic of my favorite veteran, my dad. #Veterans #EmploymentOpportunities #MilitaryTransition #VeteranHiring #Underemployment

“Transitioning from military to civilian life is a lifelong process” Transitioning from military life to civilian life is a profound journey that extends far beyond the initial years after service. For many veterans and their families, this transition is not merely a phase; it is a lifelong experience filled with unique challenges and opportunities for growth. Upon leaving the military, service members often find themselves navigating a complex job market. Despite years of dedicated service and leadership, many face the harsh reality that their military experience is not always recognized or valued in civilian sectors. Skills honed over decades can be overlooked or misunderstood, leading to frustration and feelings of inadequacy. This disconnect creates significant barriers, forcing veterans to start anew in building their careers, often beginning at the bottom tier in fields where they once held leadership roles. Moreover, the transition is compounded by the lack of understanding from employers, organizations, and even within some state systems regarding the value of military training and experience. Many companies may not fully appreciate how military skills translate into civilian work, leading to missed opportunities for both veterans and employers. To address these challenges, we must foster a culture of awareness and appreciation for the contributions of veterans. This includes educating employers on the transferable skills gained through military service, promoting mentorship programs that pair veterans with industry leaders, and encouraging veterans to advocate for themselves and their unique experiences. Additionally, enhancing support systems within communities and organizations to assist veterans in navigating their transitions can create a more inclusive environment. Ultimately, recognizing that the transition from military to civilian life is a lifelong journey can lead to better support and understanding, ensuring that veterans and their families not only find meaningful employment but also thrive in their new roles. By bridging the gap between military and civilian experiences, we can honor their service and empower them on their paths forward. www.vva.org #militarytransition #Veterans #careers #Jobs #VietnamVeteranMentors George W. Bush Presidential Center Vietnam Veterans U.S. Department of Labor United States Department of Defense

One of the biggest challenges regarding transitioning out of the military is deciding what you want to do next. Everyone has their own unique story and journey to talk about. For me, I had spent my last ten years in the military in the Recruiting and Talent Acquisition space. It was a logical decision to become a government contracting recruiter. That's where I started my civilian career. Please share how you made your decision and arrived at the current role you have. #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSupport #JobSearch #ResumeWriting #JobSearch #CoverLetters #LinkedInOptimization #CareerAdvice #JobHunting #ResumeTips #ProfessionalDevelopment #InterviewTips #JobSeekers #CareerCoaching #JobSearchTips #ResumeHelp #VeteranJobs #MilitaryTransition #CareerSuccess #ResumeService

44 military people have asked us to translate their current situation into relevant career paths and skills profiles. And there's still time for you to get involved. We're running the pilot for 20 randomly selected people, providing hands-on guidance to help alleviate some of the fear and ambiguity around career switching. All we need is your information, and we'll deliver a report and discuss potential options with you on a call. We close off submissions at the end of today. P.s. DM me to get involved if - You're unsure of your skills and gaps - You don't know what career to double down on - You haven't considered your risk profile and how that relates to your #veterans #military #career