So did you think it would be easy to get a job?

LTC David Stender — Fri, 08 May 2015 11:31:22 -0400

For all those preparing to transition and those already there, I will address two topics in this post. First, it is important to find out where you don't want to work and second, State applications for Texas.

Over the last month, I attended the Incident Commander Position Specific Course and the Basic Instructor Skills Course. I'm interested in continuing my education in emergency management and there are multiple free courses available through preparing Texas. The added benefit of attending these courses is the networking opportunities. I was able to network with other students from multiple agencies. My interaction with these professionals allowed me to gain an insight into the agencies where they are members. So, I would recommend you consider how you can attend a conference, training, or other event where you can meet the professionals in your desired field. I was able to eliminate an agency from consideration that I had intended to pursue. Most statistics say that your first job right after you transition will likely not be a long term position. That being said, this has allowed me to avoid accepting a job where I am not a fit.

The second topic is the dreaded State application. In my TAP training, it was emphasized not to leave blanks and to fully fill out any application forms, but the majority of the focus was on the resume. Folks, the resume is not even considered for State applications in Texas. It is all in the application. That application is then reviewed by a computer or an entry level worker with no knowledge about the job. They are looking for the specific language in the job posting. If your application does not match these key search terms, you will not be considered. We did discuss this in TAP but mainly as it related to the resume. These are clearly valid points for your resume, but you also must have this information in the application. So, if the posting says you need basic understanding of computer software, that needs to be in the application. If you have a Masters in Computer Science but your application does not include the must have terminology, you might be passed by. Working Texas provides a training session specifically for State applications that I would recommend you attend. I've been told by Texas recruiters that there is a perception that State agencies only hire within, but the reality is that they know what to put on the application.

Happy hunting and I hope you find the career you are looking for.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 8 at 2015 11:35 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 08 May 2015 11:35:55 -0400

Thanks!

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 8 at 2015 11:42 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 08 May 2015 11:42:15 -0400

Thanks for sharing your experience and providing advice!!! Best of luck to you LTC David Stender.

Response by SPC Nate Lamphier made May 8 at 2015 11:42 AM

SPC Nate Lamphier — Fri, 08 May 2015 11:42:38 -0400

Good luck to you LTC David Stender on your transition.

It has been a few years since I went through the transition but you are exactly right in terms of having a plan. For me, I was entering back into a field that was/is in high demand (teaching special education). I knew with me being a male, a coach and being in this field, I could pretty much pick where I wanted a job. However, too many people put things off until the last minute and just feel an opportunity is going to land in their lap.

Your step two is also valuable and it builds off of #1. To go with your plan you need to have all your qualifications/certifications lined up. It'll definitely make the applying step go easier and will, like you said, make you stand out.

Again, good luck in your journey!

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 8 at 2015 11:42 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 08 May 2015 11:42:00 -0400

Thanks for sharing!!

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made May 8 at 2015 9:41 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 08 May 2015 21:41:20 -0400

My transition was to a different country. I started my own business and it was tough. It took about 5 years for it to really kick off good enough to support myself and family. The thing is one has to stay in there and keep on plugging. You need to have that inner drive to get up and keep on going, even when things get tough. Don't be afraid to see advice from others. One big thing for me was getting started in the right time of the year. After moving to Denmark, I didn't work for about three months waiting for the right time of the year. Also education. You can never know too much. Many times when you change, you jump into the water without knowing how deep it is. Make sure you can swim.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 11 at 2015 5:59 AM

PO1 John Miller — Mon, 11 May 2015 05:59:05 -0400

I got a job while I was still on terminal leave. I don't work there anymore, and in fact I am on my fourth job since I retired from the Navy. The longest I was unemployed was 4 months. When I transitioned from my previous job to my current job, I was "unemployed" for about a month. I put it in quotes because I actually put in my 2 week notice to accept my current job.

You've got some great tips LTC David Stender but I will say this. If a person looks hard enough for the right job, they WILL find one. I'm living proof.