Posted on Apr 26, 2015
Retirement preparation and networking: Any insight or recommendations?
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I'm about 1 year out from signing out on Terminal Leave/PDY. Here are my questions.
I have already been looking at employment opportunities where I'm moving to. Am I leaning to far forward and trying to lock down a job this far out? I have tentatively set a 1 July 15 date to start working.
I am also looking to start some networking in the area Im moving to (Midwest-Omaha NE/Council Bluffs,IA area). I was born and raised there so I'm not so much moving to an area that I'm not familiar with. I do have family and friends there.
Any insight or recommendations?
I have already been looking at employment opportunities where I'm moving to. Am I leaning to far forward and trying to lock down a job this far out? I have tentatively set a 1 July 15 date to start working.
I am also looking to start some networking in the area Im moving to (Midwest-Omaha NE/Council Bluffs,IA area). I was born and raised there so I'm not so much moving to an area that I'm not familiar with. I do have family and friends there.
Any insight or recommendations?
Retirement
Transition
Employment
Networking
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
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SFC (Join to see) use the Chamber of Commerce link as a good starting point.
https://www.omahachamber.org/
https://www.omahachamber.org/
Greater Omaha Chamber
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Yes.
1. Make sure all injuries, ailments, and afflictions are properly documented in your medical records now, as this will matter when it comes to your retirement physical, and VA disability decision for BDD (Benefits Delivery at Discharge).
2. Make a good civilian resume and GS if you are looking at Government Jobs, and have those who are out, and hire, or were hired take a look at them. Get them right now.
3. Let everyone know you are leaving who is already out, as many jobs are located via your connections based on your reputation. It is never too early to start floating your name, resume, plans, but most companies are in the 30-90 range for hiring.
4. Take advantage of ACAP.
5. Start checking job boards and sites for that area, and consider what you want to do.
6. Get on "Linked-In" and start connecting there.
In most cases, your connections matter, and many find jobs through connections.
1. Make sure all injuries, ailments, and afflictions are properly documented in your medical records now, as this will matter when it comes to your retirement physical, and VA disability decision for BDD (Benefits Delivery at Discharge).
2. Make a good civilian resume and GS if you are looking at Government Jobs, and have those who are out, and hire, or were hired take a look at them. Get them right now.
3. Let everyone know you are leaving who is already out, as many jobs are located via your connections based on your reputation. It is never too early to start floating your name, resume, plans, but most companies are in the 30-90 range for hiring.
4. Take advantage of ACAP.
5. Start checking job boards and sites for that area, and consider what you want to do.
6. Get on "Linked-In" and start connecting there.
In most cases, your connections matter, and many find jobs through connections.
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SFC (Join to see)
Very good pints Sir. I'm actually pretty fortunate. My current CDR (NG M-Day) works at the VA. I have been picking his brain on making sure I've got all I need for the VA(since we all know how friendly and helpful they are..)
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Lt Col Fred Marheine, PMP
Congrats on reaching the next transition - I know for me it was a pretty intense time.
COL Charles Williams offers a number of great points that I'll piggy-back on a bit.
1. Expectation Management: Is it too soon to lock down a job? Probably, unless you happen to find "that" job/employer we all hear bed-time stories about. That said, the suggestions about networking are critical to execute to best position yourself for when you get closer and employers are ready to commit to a hiring decision. You can (and likely will) submit your resume to dozens and dozens of jobs - the reality is very few of these will result in anything - which is sometimes tough to stomach, but realize it just is what it is. With electronic screening, it's difficult to guess what it will take to get through to a human. Use your network to identify somebody inside the company and have them forward your resume/application as an internal referral. Many companies offer incentives to employees who refer candidates and most regard referrals more favorably: a win-win.
2. Suggest seeking current hiring managers in your network who hire for positions like that you would be seeking. Ask them for their insights on what successful applicants do to separate themselves from the pack, feedback on your resume in terms of what they look for to screen for interviews, etc (lots about this online). Basically, get them talking about themselves and their perspectives - you'll likely get some great intel. In the best of all worlds, they become your advocate and start looking for jobs since you've already separated yourself from the pack.
3. Mental Transition can be critical, depending on the industry/company you are joining. The only "right" answer here is whatever it takes to be recognized as somebody who "fits" the employer's culture. It is possible to be "too military," "too conservative," "too casual," etc, etc. Again, networking and simple observation are your guide for finding the right balance.
4. Good to hear your spouse is engaged in the process - critical for you to recognize she is transitioning with you and likely has an entirely different set of concerns, worries, challenges, etc.. I recommend dedicating an hour in bed discussing progress/activity with a glass of wine at least once a week - thank me later :)
Best of Luck!
COL Charles Williams offers a number of great points that I'll piggy-back on a bit.
1. Expectation Management: Is it too soon to lock down a job? Probably, unless you happen to find "that" job/employer we all hear bed-time stories about. That said, the suggestions about networking are critical to execute to best position yourself for when you get closer and employers are ready to commit to a hiring decision. You can (and likely will) submit your resume to dozens and dozens of jobs - the reality is very few of these will result in anything - which is sometimes tough to stomach, but realize it just is what it is. With electronic screening, it's difficult to guess what it will take to get through to a human. Use your network to identify somebody inside the company and have them forward your resume/application as an internal referral. Many companies offer incentives to employees who refer candidates and most regard referrals more favorably: a win-win.
2. Suggest seeking current hiring managers in your network who hire for positions like that you would be seeking. Ask them for their insights on what successful applicants do to separate themselves from the pack, feedback on your resume in terms of what they look for to screen for interviews, etc (lots about this online). Basically, get them talking about themselves and their perspectives - you'll likely get some great intel. In the best of all worlds, they become your advocate and start looking for jobs since you've already separated yourself from the pack.
3. Mental Transition can be critical, depending on the industry/company you are joining. The only "right" answer here is whatever it takes to be recognized as somebody who "fits" the employer's culture. It is possible to be "too military," "too conservative," "too casual," etc, etc. Again, networking and simple observation are your guide for finding the right balance.
4. Good to hear your spouse is engaged in the process - critical for you to recognize she is transitioning with you and likely has an entirely different set of concerns, worries, challenges, etc.. I recommend dedicating an hour in bed discussing progress/activity with a glass of wine at least once a week - thank me later :)
Best of Luck!
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Expand your search my friend. There are lot of opportunities all over the United States and some really great places to see and live. Check out all the great cities and states that will allow you retirement dollars to go further. Make sure you have access to a good installation, so you can continue to use the benefits of the PX and Commissary. You need to prepare a solid resume, get your resume posted on the Internet Online Job Boards: Indeed.com, CareerBuilder, CollegeRecruiter, Monster, Simple Hired, Link Up, US.Jobs, Jobing.com, Net-Temps.com, and Job Central.com. These are the top (10) Best Job Hunting Boards on the Internet. Don't wait, no hesitate, sooner is better than later! It is a competitive market out there and former military personnel have unique skills and experiences! On the civilian side of the house I can tell you most companies now are dependent on these Job Boards in order to weed through thousands of resumes. Have a good Cover Letter and Solid Resume (Updated) and ready to go all the time. I'm sure there are many other suggestions, so I hope this helps! Now go out and get that job SFC!
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