by Tom on September 2, 2010
If you go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on you. If you go to work on your plan, your plan will go to work on you. Whatever good things we build end up building us.
-Jim Rohn
Most people begin the whole process of transitioning to the business world all wrong. They are focused on the external parts of the job search – write a resume, contact the recruiter, write a cover letter and attend the military career fair. These tactics are all important but aren’t very useful as you prepare for the journey. Focusing on the external part of the journey misses the most fundamental part of any change – beginning on the inside. I call this mastering mindset shifts.
Here is the first mindset shift on your military transition journey – realizing that your military transition is the ultimate vehicle for your personal growth.
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by Tom on August 25, 2010
“If I’m selling to you, then I speak your language. If I’m buying, dann müssen Sie Deutsch sprechen [then you have to speak German].
Willy Brandt, former German Chancellor
At the recent Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) annual conference in June a unique two day program called “Military Veterans: Transitioning Skills to the New Economy” was held. One of the key take a ways was the importance of translating your military skills to the business world. The title of the summary article says it all: Translating Talent from Military to Civilian Jobs.
This is a brutal fact that’s really difficult for military service members and veterans to deal with. In the military there wasn’t a need to translate your skill set. Each soldier, sailor, airman and marine wore their resume on their uniform. Your rank, military specialty, unit and awards were all on display for your fellow service members to see.
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by Tom on August 13, 2010
If you have been busy for any time on your military transition you’ve come across the concept of networking. Networking is simply making connections and building mutually beneficial relationships. We’ve all heard the saying “it’s not about who you know but who knows you,’’ and “people do business with those they like and trust.”
For the military veteran networking is undoubtedly a crucial weapon in your transition arsenal. Personal relationships help you stand out. And if you are reading this via LinkedIn you’ve already made the first step by using a great online networking tool.
But how do you effectively network? And what do you say?
In my experience most veterans get this part wrong. It may sound counter-intuitive but the *secret* of effective networking is not asking for a job but asking for advice.
Let me explain.
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