Looking
for work 
One thing
the military likes to do is plan. Plan everything. No doubt quite a
bit of this has rubbed off on you. And that's a good thing. Because
transitioning from the military to the civilian world is a big change.
To some it might not seem like a big deal. After all, before you came
in you were a civilian. It didn't take a lot of planning to do that.
So why get worked up about going back to the civilian world? Because
even if you don't consciously believe that becoming a civilian is a
stressful experience, it is.
Recently a study was conducted that rated how stressful different changes
in a person's life were. Number one was going to prison. Number two
was the death of a parent or child. Ranked number three and four were
changing jobs and moving to different location away from family and
friends. The great majority of you will be tackling number three and
four simultaneously. You will be changing your job, your residence,
and if you're like most separating military members you will be going
from one location to another one very far away.
The best way to cope with these life changes is by having a thorough
plan ready. This is where you can bring your military experience into
play. One thing the military is about is planning and making a plan.
Remember this
There is an expression that says "looking for work is more work
than work itself." I mention this not to discourage you but to
encourage you. When looking for work, weather it is sending out resumes,
making phone calls or scanning the classifieds the task of finding a
job is a big and important job and it can seem overwhelming. Just remember
everyone gets this feeling at some point in the job hunt. When it
happens, realize its not you, it's the task at hand and it's only temporary.
Break It Down 
Identify. Network. Interview.
Identify
When you know where you're headed to, start reading a newspaper or two
from that area a few months before you separate. If you're lucky they
will have a free online version. If not, subscribe to one. Reading a
newspaper will help you find out who is hiring, expanding, upcoming
public work projects etc. It will give you a feel for the job market
in the area. When you check the classifieds also look through the paper
and see what area business are advertising.
Although answering classified ads is a good way to
job hunt
It shouldn't be the only approach you take.
The best paying jobs are often not advertised.
Many smaller
companies don't advertise open positions in the newspaper or online.
Companies use this approach for a few reasons. Some rely on their employees
for referrals. Other times it's because they don't have the resources
to sift through all the resumes and phone calls that a help wanted add
will generate. Most of the time though companies are much more interested
in hiring people who take the initiative of coming to them. This allows
them to interview a much smaller group while still maintaining a high
quality hiring pool.
Another good source for job leads is the phone book. Search for businesses
in the yellow pages. If you don't have access to a phone book for the
area that you're headed to check the online yellow pages at these sites
for leads.
http://www.superpages.com/
http://www.yellowpages.com/
http://www.smartpages.com/
http://www.bigbook.com/
Networking
Are you familiar with the expression 'it's not what you know, it's who
you know?' It's very true. Networking is very helpful when it comes
to looking for these jobs and it's not difficult to do if you how to
do it correctly. The purpose of networking is to let people know you're
looking for work. That's it. Nothing more. Asking for a job comes later.
Here's how to do it
Walk into an office smile and introduce yourself. "Hi. I'm Joe
veteran. I just got out of the Army and I'm looking for work. Do you
know if anything is available? Can you tell me who does the hiring?"
Write down their name. "Would it be okay to leave a resume for
them? Would you mind if I check back in a couple of weeks? Can I have
a business card? Do you know of any other companies in the area are
hiring?" (People like to help other people and most of the
time they know people in closely related fields. If they don't know
of anything now, they might remember to ask their friends if they see
you again.) "Thank you so much for your time."
Be enthusiastic, be friendly (maintain eye contact, smile frequently)
but most of all be brief. Networking is the small goal of letting
people know you're looking for work. That's all you should be trying
to do.
After you leave, immediately write down the persons name.
Caution
Many people get frustrated and it happens because they lose sight of
the small goal (letting people know they're looking for work) and focus
on the big goal of getting a job. Rarely is a job offered on the spot.
A job interview almost always comes at a later time. That is when you
should ask for a job. More on this later.
Don't let first refusals discourage you. It's a normal part of the job-hunting
process.
Since you're most likely moving to a new location you won't have many
contacts. If you're moving back to your hometown, start with friends
and family. Let them know you'll be coming home and looking for a job
once you get out. Have them ask around and if they hear anything to
let you know.
Start with this list
Your local Congressperson.
This is one of the best places to start. His/her office is in touch
with the business community in your area and will know which companies
is expanding/ new business etc. A few months before you get out, drop
them a short handwritten note introducing your self. Tell them the approximate
date you will be out and that you will be looking for work in the community.
Most likely you will receive a letter from one of the Congressperson's
aides. Don't feel discouraged if you don't get a personal reply or that
the note states the obvious (check the local classifieds etc). Elected
officials are some of the most overworked and understaffed people around.
If they can help you they will. It's a small public relations coup for
them if they do help steer you in the right direction.
If you get a reply
Most of the time you will, save it so that you have the aides name who
wrote it.
Stop
by their office 
When you follow up ask to speak to that person. After you have gotten
past the secretaries, tell them that you're just out of the military
and you came down to introduce yourself. (Most likely you will wind
up meeting an aide of the aide but if you get lucky and meet the person
the approach is the same.) These people are extremely busy so keep the
meeting as brief as possible. Let them know you're looking for work
and if they hear about anyone hiring would they let you know? Finish
by asking if would be okay to check back in a few weeks.
If you're not sure who your Congressperson is you can find out here:
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.html
Also
try this
With mayor/city council offices.
It doesn't have to be all work
Whatever hobby or sport you like to do, chances are there is a corresponding
club in your area. Car clubs, soccer clubs, computers, softball or bowling
league, there is usually something for everybody. I highly recommend
joining one or two as soon as you get to your new home. While it sounds
like fun and recreation (which it is) it's also a terrific way to network
into a job working with people who do things you like to do. It won't
take too much legwork to find one. They usually take place on the weekends
so pack yourself a lunch and spend a Saturday or Sunday to drive around
and find some. For example: Bowling leagues are often looking to replace
people who drop out for one reason or another.
While it might seem like fun and games do not underestimate this
networking tactic.
Other excellent sources
VFW halls
The veterans of foreign wars have at least one chapter in every county
in the United States. Their membership is comprised of mostly former
military members. Here you will find lots of sympathetic eyes and ears
as many have gone through the same thing you are facing.
Stop by the one closest to you and ask if you can post a flyer.
http://www.vfw.org/
AMVETS
American veterans. Smaller than the VFW but still a good resource to
check out. http://www.amvets.org/
Your
local Veterans Administration office
Be sure to check in with them. Not only will they know companies that
are hiring they will also have up to date information about job training.
They have lots of experience placing vets. (More on this later)
Here are a few other sites that specialize in companies looking to hire
Veterans.
http://www.military.com
http://www.taonline.com
http://www.vetjobs.com/
Following
up
When you check back re introduce your self. Greet the person by their
name if at all possible. "Hi, Miss Jackson. My name is Joe Veteran.
I stopped by a few weeks ago. I'm just wanted to let you I'm still available
if anything becomes available." If nothing is available, "Would
it be okay to check back in a week or two?"
You should start getting a feel towards how receptive they are. If you
back third time and nothing is available ask your self if it is worth
going back a fourth time. If you feel that this is a company you would
like to work for then keep trying. Companies like a persistent but friendly
attitude in their employees.
To be the most successful
Make a schedule. Get a large oversized desk calendar with plenty of
room to write on each date. Mark down each day where you went and whom
you spoke with. An example entry:
Tues July 3, 2002
1) Whamo Frisbee Compnay. Spoke with Mrs. Jones.
2) Bartlett Construction Company. Spoke with Mr. Kelly
Then go down the calendar and mark down when you plan to go back. This
lays your schedule out for you and makes it easy to keep track of where
you went and with whom you spoke.
I recommend networking about four hours a day. Depending on transportation
and traffic and the job your hoping to get it's usually best to start
around 10:00 am. This gives the people who you will be speaking with
an hour or two to settle into their job. People are usually the most
tired their last hour of work. Finish around three. After three many
are anxious to leave and won't want to possibly be delayed. This lets
you avoid that and helps you to avoid traffic jams.
The interview
Regardless of the type of job you're interviewing for, there are three
questions that need to be answered.
1) Can you do the job ?
Do you have the right level and type of skills and experience?
2) Are you going to fit in ?
What are your personality, chemistry, and general work style like?
3) Will you do the job?
What's your availability? How motivated are you?
A lot
of people will be looking for work right alongside you.
But you have several advantages coming out of the military.
Emphasize
1) You've worked for the same employer for several years.
This demonstrates commitment and loyalty.
2) You can work alongside anyone.
The American military is one of the most diverse "work forces"
in the world. Every racial and economic group under the sun is represented.
People from the farms, inner cities, and suburbs all serve in the military.
3) You've worked well under deadlines to meet goals.
You know what it takes to get the job done and you're willing to go
the extra mile.
4) Reliability.
On time, all the time. Otherwise you would not have been in as long
as you were.
These may seem like nothing more than habits to you but they are the
most sought after qualities in potential employees.
5) Planning
An integral part of the military
6) Following directions
You know all about command structure and how to take directions.
7) You're a quick learner and very willing to do so.
How many times in you career have you been tasked with doing something
completely unfamiliar?
Helpful hints
1) Treat it like a uniform inspection. Clothes cleaned and pressed.
2) Stay focused on the interviewer but try to relax.
3) Find out some information about the company before you go for the
actual interview. Search the Internet for their web site or get some
sales brochure a few days prior. This way you can ask a few intelligent
questions about the company. (Even though you already know the answer!)
4) Ask for a business card when leaving.
If you don't have much experience
Don't worry. Assure them you're a quick learner and during your service
in the military you had to learn many new things. Quickly and under
pressure.
Always, always, always 
Send a handwritten thank you card or an email to the person you interviewed
with. If a company is going to interview ten people for a job a thank
you note makes you memorable.
Something like this:
Dear Mr./Ms interviewer,
Thank you so much for your time. I wanted to let you know that I'm very
interested in the job and I'm ready, willing, and able to fill it. I
really appreciate the consideration you afforded me.
Sincerely,
Joe Veteran
Include your contact information at the very bottom.
Special Note
If you are moving to a city you may want to consider a restaurant job.
In many states these jobs pay minimum wage plus tips, which even for
a busboy will mean fifty dollars or more per shift. When you multiply
this by four or five shifts a week it adds up. Generally you will be
working at night. This leaves you with plenty of free time during the
day to go to school or look for another job. This kind of work is also
great for networking.
Beware
Some states have a special minimum wage for tipped workers. This will
amount to two or three dollars per hour. If you're moving to a state
where this is the practice, a restaurant job may not be a good idea.
For the most part fast food establishments should be avoided. Their
business model is set up to pay the least while exacting the most possible
labor (doing the work of 1.5-2 people). They expect the average employee
to quit after two or three months. They usually offer a carrot, the
offer of a management position. Realize that few people ever achieve
the position and its better salary. While not all fast food establishments
are like this, enough are that it would pay to do some research before
accepting a job at one.