Veteran’s Job Search Strategies

Before You Begin the Job Search: Assessment will help you focus your job search: Learning their story Patience Skill preferences Transferable military skills / Skill set Work and Personal Values Self-care strategies Strengths MOS/NAC/AFSC Coding

Learn Their Story.

Career Possibilities Government: City, County, State, Federal (Veteran’s Preference) Ask your veteran if they prefer working with veterans or civilians. Non-governmental Organizations Small and Medium Private Companies Start-up Companies Entrepreneurs

Job Search: Checklist Have a professional email & voice mail message Assemble a portfolio (optional) Practice interview skills Practice your 30-second commercial Consider transition experiences while still searching Assess and identify transferable skills from past experiences Professional e-mail address Internet trail

Professional Dress

“Elevator Pitch” 30-second of skills, passions, and application to a company What makes you unique “Branding” yourself Volunteer opportunities Tailor your pitch to the industry Example: “Hello, my name is Jeff. I have 8 years experience working with veterans in a college setting. I am excited to speak with you about career opportunities for veterans in the Sacramento area.”

Once You Have Identified Your Targets Identify professional associations related to career opportunity Research the industry Research current challenges Research the company Research job description Identify competitors Ask yourself what you can bring to their company

Effective Job Search Strategies Use Professional Networking Sites like LinkedIn Over 43 million professionals Roughly 1 new sign-up per second 150 industries 5.1 million students 37,000 college and university alumni groups

Effective Job Search Strategies www.indeed.com www.usajobs.gov www.careerbuilder.com www.military.com www.glassdoor.com www.linkedin.com

Effective Job Search Resources Military.com Go to the Military.com Click: Veteran Jobs Enter field information Click: Search Jobs Now You are ready to apply for jobs with an uploaded resume! Ebenefits Go to ebenefits.va.gov Click: Employment Center Enter keywords (location, military job title/code) You will receive featured jobs related to military service skills

During and After Client’s Job Search Debrief your interviews with an itemized list Evaluate your strategies Stay connected Take time for yourself: reenergize Get feedback on resume and interview techniques Encourage a positive attitude Create personal goals to keep the veteran connected to the resource station

Thank you Monica Daniel md2867@csus.edu Career Counseling Program Coordinator Veterans Success Center California State University, Sacramento   Jacquie Brinkley jacquiebrinkley@infopeople.org Infopeople Consultant Next webinar is on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 12:00 noon.

Our Funding Source This project was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.