Military-To-Civilian Success for Veterans and Their Families by Krannich, Ronald L. -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Preface 1 Pursue a Passionate Life With Purpose and Meaning

The Cure for Transition Anxiety On a Serendipitous Road Without a Map Exit Into the Unknown More Transition Issues New Attitude for a Re-Imagined Life Plan for the Big Transition The Pursuit of Civilian Money Do What You Love With Passion and Purpose But Do You Know What You Want to Do? Everyone Loves a Leader, But Maybe No More Crappy Jobs! What Comes Next Achieve Concrete Results Yes, We’re All in Transition 24/7 You Can Make It Happen

Part I – Understanding the Path Ahead

2 Re-Imagining the Civilian Work World

Do You Understand Today’s Job Market? You’re New Again Face an Uncertain Future 40 Myths and Realities Additional Realities

3 Develop a Proactive Mindset for Success

Looking for a Job It’s Hard Ego-Bruising Work Lessons Learned You’re Under Scrutiny 21 Mistakes You Should Avoid Finding Jobs and Changing Careers Seven Steps to Job Search Success Organize and Sequence Your Job Search Test Your Careering Competencies When in Doubt, Take Purposeful Action Use Time Wisely Plan to Take Action 21 Principles for Job Search Success Take Risks and Handle Rejections Consider Forming a Support Group Professional Assistance and Honesty Risk Implementation Get Motivated and Work Hard Find Time Commit Yourself in Writing Feel Free to Change Jobs and Careers

4 Changing Trends, Jobs, Careers, and Employers

Re-Imagine Your Future Getting Organized A New and Challenging Work World Where to Live and Work Where in the World do You Want to Work? Changing Economic and Employment Trends Changing Transition Realities for Veterans

5 Best Job and Career Alternatives for Transitioning Military

Beware of Changing Occupational Profiles Expect Job Growth for Most Occupations Examine Growing and Declining Occupations Identify the “Best” Jobs for You Best Jobs for People Re-Entering the Workforce Look for Exciting New Occupations Prepare for the Cheap Flat World Implications of Future Trends for You

6 Create and Nurture a Big Net for Success

Communicating With Friends On Your Own and With Others Beware of Pitfalls in Hiring a Professional Seeking Professional Assistance Finding Certified Career Professionals Working With the Best Useful Job Clubs and Support Groups Online Networking Resources Disappointing “In the Moment” Networking

7 Select the Most Effective Job Search Approaches

Become a Self-Reliant Job Seeker The Best Job Search Methods Respond to Job Postings Use the Internet Contact Employers Directly Register With Employment Agencies and Placement Services Contact Military Associations Visit Military-Friendly Employment Websites Attend Job Fairs Network With Family, Friends, and Others

Part II – Develop Powerful Career Transition Skills

8 Discover the Truth About You

What Skills Do You Offer? Two Types of Skills Translating Military Skills Into Civilian Terms Six-Step Translation Process Know Your Strengths Ask the Right Questions Your Strengths and Weaknesses Functional/Transferable Skills Identify Your Skills Checklist Method Skills Map Autobiography of Accomplishments The Magical World of Tests and Inventories Computerized Assessment Programs

9 Identify Your Interests and Values

Work, Leisure, and Home-Based Interests Key Work Values Alternative Programs and Services Project Your Values Into the Future

10 Analyze Your Motivated Abilities and Skills (MAS)

Don’t Become Another Super-Sized Joe Recognize Your Pattern What’s Your MAS? Behavioral Versus Personality Approaches The Skills Map Autobiography of Accomplishments Motivated Skills Exercise Other Alternatives Benefit From Redundancy Bridging Your Past and Future

11 Craft a Powerful Employer-Centered Objective

Mission Statements, Goals, and Objectives Your MAS and Vision of the Future A Work- and Employer-Centered Focus A Purposeful and Realistic Objective Incorporate Dreams, Project Into the Future State a Functional Objective

12 Write Powerful Applications, Resumes, and Letters

Communicating Positive Images Completing Applications Writing Resumes Ineffective Resumes Common Resume Errors Types of Resumes Structuring Resume Content Producing Drafts Final Production Produce Both a Paper and an Electronic Resume Prepare to Email, Fax, and Mail Your Resume Evaluate the Final Product Post Your Resume Online Job Search Letters Basic Preparation Rules Types of Letters Distribution and Management Responding to Job Postings Self-Initiated Distribution Methods Effective Record Keeping Resume and Letter Examples When It’s Time to Use a Professional You Are What You Write

13 Research Alternative Jobs, Employers, and Communities

Research Purposes Investigate Alternative Jobs and Careers Target Organizations Identify Today’s Top Employers Survey Military-Friendly Employers Contact Individuals Ask the Right Questions Identify the Right Community Know What’s Really Important

14 Network Your Way Through the Hidden Job Market

Focus on Getting Interviews Prospecting and Networking Clearly Communicate Your Qualifications Develop Networks Develop a Prospecting Campaign for Information Learn to Handle and Minimize Rejections Be Honest and Sincere Practice the 5R’s of Informational Interviewing Approach Key People Conduct the Interview Well Telephone for Job Leads Explore Online Networks and Networking Recommended Networking Resources

15 Interview Like a Pro

Hire Slow, Fire Fast New Behavioral and Internet Trends Prepare for Stressful Interviews A Special Communication Focus Avoid 45 Common Interview Errors Observe 43 Interview “Do’s” Interview Sequence Answer Questions Seven Most Frequently Asked Questions Handle Objections and Negatives With Ease Encounter Behavior-Based Questions Develop Strong Storytelling Skills Face Situational Interviews Respond to Illegal Questions Appropriate Dress, Appearance, and Grooming Ask Questions Appear Likable Close the Interview Remember to Follow Up Useful Interview Resources

16 Negotiate Salary, Benefits, and Your Future

Are You a Savvy Salary Negotiator? 21 Salary Errors to Avoid Seven Behaviors of Savvy Negotiators Most Salaries Are Negotiable Today’s Salary Influences Your Future Income Always Know What You’re Worth Review Various Compensation Options Keep Salary Issues to the Very End Handle Salary Tactfully Reach Common Ground and Agreement Carefully Examine Benefits Offer a Renegotiation Option Take Time Before Accepting Know Your Value, Emphasize Your Productivity

Part III – Make Smart Decisions the Rest of Your Life

17 Survive and Thrive in Your Career

Take More Positive Actions Be Alert to Changing Job Requirements Avoid the Pitfalls of Office Politics Conduct an Annual Career Check-Up 25 Job-Keeping and Personal Qualities Remember 10 Job Survival Strategies Assess and Change When Necessary Revitalize and Transform Your Job Prepare for Change

18 Find Your Ideal Place to Live, Work, and Play

Decide to Relocate Relocate for New Opportunities Target Communities Know the Growing States and Communities Consider the Best Places to Work Find the Best Place to Live Select a Location Properly Consider Your Financial Costs A Web of Relocation Resources Conduct a Long-Distance Job Search Penetrate the Local Job Market Understand the Structure of Communities Identify Opportunity Structures Map Your Community

19 Start Your Own Business

The Military Entrepreneur Consider Your Alternatives Examine Risks and Motivations Possess the Right Strengths for Success Know Yourself Look for New Opportunities Prepare the Basics Get Useful Advice Acquire Veterans’ Assistance Continue Your Success

Career and Transition Resources