How to Apply Military Skills to Civilian Jobs

The military provides invaluable training and experience that can help you throughout life. Some employers prefer to hire military members due to their exceptional discipline. When you create a resume or fill out job applications, it is important to showcase your military skills and experience. This way, you can let a possible employer know how these things can benefit them and their organization. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Discipline

Self-direction and drive are important qualities that employers look for in job candidates. For this reason, many local employers in Illinois look to hire military members when given the option. Most military members and veterans tend to:

• Show up on time or even early.
• Work hard and smart.
• Observe lunch and break times and don't go over.
• Have been known to out-perform their civilian counterparts.

Just having military service under your belt can give you a leg up on the competition when it's time to look for another job.

Trades and Skills

The military provides free access to useful training. This training can take a huge investment of time and money to get outside the military. If you are assigned to a position in the military that deals heavily with computers, you may be offered the chance to receive an A+ or Security+ certification through your military unit. These courses come at a large price for civilians. You might volunteer to become a Sexual Assault Victim's Advocate for your unit. The training for this duty is rigorous. However, it may land you a good job in the civilian sector. If you are assigned to an intelligence career field, your training might help you land an entry-level job in a field that pays very well.

Security Clearance

A security clearance can be hard to obtain outside the military. Many employers avoid getting government clearances for employees due to excessive costs. Also, it can take six months to a year to even get a security clearance, due to the backlog of applications and the depth of the investigative work that needs to be done for each application. In today's military, most military careers require at least a Secret clearance. Also, if you work in intelligence or a job that deals heavily in computers, you likely have a Top Secret or higher clearance. You may find that employers prefer to hire military members and veterans who already have their clearance. It will save the employer time and money. Make sure you add this information to your resume or application.

Educational Benefits

Your military service also provides educational benefits to you that may help you outshine your competition. Use your GI Bill, tuition assistance and other benefits to fund your education. Look into all possible routes to make yourself more marketable to employers.
No matter what job you held in the military, or what job you are looking to land in the civilian sector, the key is to play up your military service. Show your potential employer what skills you have and how they can benefit the company you wish to work for. An employer is more likely to hire a person with previous experience in a particular career field. This will save them time and money, as they don't have to start your training from the ground up. Likewise, if you are a member of the Guard or Reserve now, make sure you let your employer know. After all, more and more companies are becoming military-friendly. They are proud to hire Citizen Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors. Let your military service work for you.

Additional Resource

• Veteran Assistance Guide ​

Author Bio:

Monica Gomez is a freelance career writer. She is passionate about helping people find jobs and advance their careers.​