The Top 3 Things To Do BEFORE You Write Your Resume

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If you're preparing to leave the military, you’ve probably been told you need a resume.  

But not so fast!  

Resumes aren’t one-size-fits-all. They're tailored to specific jobs and designed to address the needs of hiring managers. 

So, before you start typing, do these three things… 

1. Know what you want. 

Before you put a single word on your resume, you need a crystal-clear idea of what you want to do in the civilian sector.  

Don't rush this step. Take the time to reflect on your interests, skills, and passions. What makes you excited about a career outside the military? Even if you're ‘just looking for a job,’ you probably want to find something fulfilling. 

Think about how your military experience can be translated into civilian roles. After all, the skills you've honed are incredibly valuable.  

If you’re not sure where to start, this might help -  

• Take a career assessment to identify your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. A tool like O*net or My Next Move can provide insights into potential civilian career paths that align with your skills and preferences. 
• Connect with Hire Heroes USA and the USO Transition Program for FREE career counseling and support throughout your transition.     

Once you've defined your career goal, you’ll need to get specific about the industry and geographic location you see yourself working in. Knowing this will help you narrow your focus and target your job search more effectively. 

2. Do your research.  

Now that you have a good idea of what you want to do after the military, head over to Google and start searching for information on all the different jobs, companies, industries, and locations that interest you.  

Look at company websites, job boards, and publications. Search through message threads in industry-related groups on social media. (Better yet, join the conversation!) This will help you understand the job market and what employers are looking for.    Here are a few things you should focus on – 

• Jobs: Search job boards to find the duties and responsibilities for the role you’re interested in. What are the day-to-day tasks? What skills and experience are required?    
• Salaries: Determine the typical salary range for the role you're interested in. Tools like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and Career One Stop can help.    

• Companies: Check out company websites to learn about company culture, work environment, and benefits offered. Find out who the major employers are in the areas you’re considering. What sorts of roles do they have available?    
• Industries: Analyze the job outlook, salary range, work-life balance, and career advancement opportunities in different industries. 
• Geographic locations: Assess the cost of living, job market, and quality of life in the areas you're considering. (HireMilitary’s Senior Director, Lucy Robinson isn’t going anywhere without a Target or Costco!)  

Once you’ve conducted thorough research, you should have a better understanding of what you want to do and where you want to do it. But before you start writing that resume, you need to do one more important thing…   

3. Talk to people (lots of people). 

No matter how much research you do, you won't get a clear picture of your career path until you've talked to people working in specific roles.   

People can share insights you won't find on company websites or job boards. They can tell you about their pain points, what they love about their job, and what doesn’t quite work for them. So, connect with as many people as you can in your target field. (That’s what HireMilitary's Founder and CEO, Michael Quinn did!) 

As he geared up for retirement from the U.S. Army, Michael Quinn made over 200 phone calls to gain clarity on his civilian career path. He ruled out options like project management, operations, and corporate HR. The key to his success? LinkedIn - the most powerful tool in his transition arsenal, which gave him access to professionals he wouldn't have reached otherwise. 

Network, network, network!  

• Connect with fellow Veterans on LinkedIn: Leverage the power of LinkedIn by connecting with fellow Veterans who've successfully transitioned into civilian careers. These connections can offer valuable advice and insights into various industries and job roles. > How to search for people on LinkedIn. > How to set up an effective LinkedIn profile.   
• Conduct informational interviews: Reach out to Veterans who have transitioned into roles that interest you. Ask them questions about their career journeys, the challenges they faced, and their successes. Gather information to guide your decision-making process. > How to leverage LinkedIn for informational interviews.   
• Attend industry-specific events: Conferences, job fairs, and networking events are great opportunities to dig deeper into the civilian job landscape. Engaging with professionals in these settings can help you build a network and explore potential career paths. 
• Find mentors: Seek out experienced professionals who can show you the ropes as you transition from the military. Mentors are your secret weapon, helping you navigate the new landscape and achieve your career goals. > Need help finding a mentor? We highly recommend American Corporate Partners (ACP).  
• Connect with HireMilitary’s recruiting team: They’re dedicated to helping Transitioning Service Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses find meaningful employment, so send them a friendly connection request and give your job search a boost!  -> Lucy Robinson & Amber Pitkin, MBA, PMP®

One last thing. 

You know what you want to do and where you want to do it. You’ve done your research, and you’ve talked to folks working in the roles that interest you. You’re finally ready to write that resume. There’s just one last thing… Make sure you target your resume to the job you’re applying for. This article will show you how!  

-> If you’re ready for your next career move, join the HireMilitary talent pool and let our recruiting team find opportunities just for you!