Your Post-Military Job: What You Can’t (And Can) Take With You

Knowing what you can’t, and can, take with you to your next job is incredibly important, especially when it comes to the military. Whether you realize it or not (I know it’s hard to stay awake through all of those preseparation counseling sessions) there may be restrictions concerning where you can work post military and what kinds of jobs you can take.

Employment restrictions, just like any other provided guidelines, can be open to interpretation. If you have any questions or concerns, consult with a military staff judge advocate officer. And while there’s a lot you can’t take with you, there’s so much more you can. Keep these thoughts in mind when applying for your next position:

1. Your security clearance. One of the biggest employment perks out there, your security clearance can be the ticket to landing your next job. Try to find a job that requires the high-level of clearance you have. Keep tabs on your clearance status and be sure to find our when your last reinvestigation was before you separate from service.
2. Your veteran’s preference. Be sure to list your veteran’s preference on your resume. Government contractors and agencies are looking to hire service-disabled veterans and those with military experience. Listing your veteran’s preference shows you have it.
3. Your training. Highlight your military training. Be sure to put it into laymen’s terms where necessary, but don’t exclude it just because it didn’t come from a university. That practical experience may be the critical factor that helps you land your next job.
4. Your contacts. While there are restrictions against jumping directly into certain contract positions (especially if you were a program manager or oversaw certain contracts), the network of contacts you built during your military career is absolutely something you take with you into the civilian workplace. You probably already have an idea for the companies, offices, or areas you’re most interested in. Reach out to individuals working within those organizations or similar ones and let them know you’re on the market. Start building your career network before you separate from service, and reenergize your efforts once you’re officially out.

Read the full article here, and drop a comment with your top post-military career takeaways!