Retiring or getting out? Here's some critical advice...

Well, it's been two weeks since I officially retired. This is what I've learned:

1) Preparation is critical, and no matter how much you prepare, there are things that you're going to overlook or forget. Regardless, prepare as much as you can. This includes getting any training you can get, searching for a job (most of us will require a job even though we'll be drawing that retirement check!), and making sure your family knows what is going on.

Start your job search EARLY! Like, at least two-three months before you start terminal leave! Most places aren't going to hire you until you're about two weeks out from starting your leave, but you need to start this early so you can see what jobs are out there! You might want to really go into "Underwater Basket Weaving", but if you search for it and can't find any jobs in that field, you need to have a "Plan B" job in mind (and a "Plan C", "D", and "E"!)

Also, retirement from active duty, after any long period of service (I did a total of 28-1/2 years both active and guard), IS somewhat scary! Lean on your friends and family!

2) Get your resume looked at by a PROFESSIONAL! Use the free services at the ACAP center, but also, hook into a veteran's organization (for me, it was the Wounded Warrior Project). In fact, don't just get it looked at by one professional, have at least two look at it! READ what you wrote in your resume OUT LOUD - does it sound good? Have someone else read it out loud. If you read or hear something that doesn't sound the way you thought it should, circle it right then, and continue reading. Once you're done, fix anything that's circled.

TAILOR your resume to SPECIFIC JOBS - create a master resume with everything you can think of that you've ever done that might be applicable in your job search, but also, create resumes that are specific to the job you're about to apply for. Do this for each job you apply to. Use the master as your template, delete the stuff that doesn't SPECIFICALLY apply to the job you're applying to, and then save it under a new name (I used a naming scheme: IT job - Ver 1.3 for example - this way I knew it was for an IT job, and that I had the latest version I had worked on). Make SURE you get rid of any and all fluff not related to the job you are applying for - I can't stress this enough! Also scan for Military acronyms and terms that civilians won't understand (use: "organization" instead of "Unit", "BN", "Company", etc; "Personnel" instead of "Soldiers", "Sailors", etc.; "Team Lead", "Section Lead", "Manager", instead of "Detachment Sergeant' or "Platoon Sergeant", and so on!)

3) Use the job search boards and job placement services! USAJobs.gov, ClearanceJobs.com, Monster, etc. You should upload the most relevant resume to each of them. When you find a possible job, look at the job description. Make SURE your resume has the key words of THAT job description in it, then when you apply to a job you find on the boards, make sure you send the company the TAILORED resume specific for that job!

4) Don't get discouraged. IF you find yourself becoming depressed, because it's not going the way you want (and it won't!), talk to your family and friends, take another look at your resume, and tighten it up. Talk to any recruiters that contacted you back and if they rejected your application, ASK THEM why they rejected it - what stood out? They may not reply, because they are busy, but try to get them to tell you the ONE or TWO biggest things that made them say "Nope". This works best when they call you to tell you "No", but regardless, be VERY nice and professional - tell them that you're retiring from the military, and that you're having a little trouble getting your resume exactly right - most people love to be able to help others - and if they have a moment, they will tell you why your resume sucks... :)

5) once you find a job, don't stop looking right off the bat! It will take one to three weeks to get onboarded with the company. If another company makes an offer, it's ok to tell the first company "I got a better offer". In fact, you SHOULD tell them that - they may come back with a better offer!

Also, if you're in the process of onboarding, getting everything set to start working for a company, use this as your opportunity to see if there are any issues. If the boss is a jerk, or perhaps they're completely disorganized, or people seem to hate it there - you might want to reconsider and see if you can find a job elsewhere!

Remember, if you prepared right, you'll be able to search while you're on terminal leave - don't be afraid to say "Nope, this job is NOT a good fit for me!" and walk away. If you're in a real crunch, you can take the job and work there while you continue to find that perfect job!

I hope this helps anyone who is finishing up their careers in the military.