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Finding a Job

A good way to get a job is to know someone who already works at your target company or organization. This means that one of the most important things you can do in your job search is to network. Find ways to meet people who know when jobs are available and who can help you have a better shot at success.

If you want a government job, find out the exact requirements for resumes and applications. Different agencies have different requirements. You can search for jobs at federal, state, county, city, and local government levels.

If you prefer private employment, start preparing your resume. Search online for "military resume" or "military to civilian resume," and you’ll find many sample resumes that can give you an idea of how to get started. There are also hundreds of sites to help you; some are free and some charge a fee. Be sure you understand what you’re getting before you pay any money. Your resume is an important tool and you’ll be revising it when needed for years to come.

Crafting Your Resume

Your resume needs to clearly show how well your military experience transfers to a civilian job. Here are some tips:

• Have a clear goal: Define your target civilian job. Because many service members have done many different things in the military, their resumes can be too general to be effective.
• Show how you can meet the employer’s needs. A resume needs to answer the employer's question, "What can this person do for me?" Find out exactly what’s needed to do your target job, and make sure those skills and traits are highlighted in your resume.
• Don’t assume the reader knows anything about the military: Avoid acronyms and military jargon. Before sending out your resume, show it to friends who do not have a military background. Demilitarize your job titles, duties, accomplishments, training, and awards:
  • Military.com offers a Military Skills Translator to match your military experience to civilian jobs.
  • CareerOneStop.org shows how to translate military job terms and acronyms into civilian language.
• Highlight your accomplishments. Your military career gave you excellent training, practical experience, and advancement. Emphasize these on your resume so the average civilian can understand the importance of what you did and the skills you learned.
• Feature your military background. Your military experience is an asset, and your resume needs to show that. Detail the traits you developed in the military, like dedication, leadership, teamwork, a positive work ethic, and cross-functional skills.

Job Boards

Here are a few of the many online resources that can help you look for work

• VetJobs.org: Anyone can search for a job on this website, but to post a resume you must have been a military service member or a military spouse or dependent.
• USAJobs.gov: The official job board for the U.S. government, this site lists federal jobs across the U.S. and around the world.
• FedsHireVets.gov: Operated by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, this site explains veterans’ preference (the special hiring authorities that veterans can use to get hired) and how federal jobs are filled. It also offers resources related to your job search.
• VACareers.va.gov: Learn about jobs available with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the nation’s largest health care system.
• VAforVets.va.gov: This site lists jobs with the VA, in programs designed to help your fellow veterans. The VA gives hiring preference to veterans, especially veterans with disabilities.
• Veterans’ Employment and Training Services (VETS): The Department of Labor lists a variety of resources for veterans and their families who are looking for work.
• Veteran and Military Transition Center at CareerOneStop.org: A one-stop website for employment, training, and financial help for veterans.

Getting Help

It can be difficult looking for and finding a job if you think you have to do it all on your own. There are several state and national resources that can guide you.

Veteran Services

The Arizona Department of Economic Security's Veteran Services program helps veterans and their eligible spouses get jobs and job training. The Job for Veterans State Grants (JVSG) program provides individualized career and training-related services to veterans and eligible people with significant barriers to employment. Special assistance is available for veterans with disabilities. You can schedule an online appointment or find an office near you.

BeConnected Career Navigation

The Career Navigation program by BeConnected provides free career services to service members, veterans, spouses, partners, caregivers, and family members of military members of all eras and statuses. Services can include resume coaching, LinkedIn optimization, mock interview prep, and more. Get more details about the Career Navigation program.

BeConnected SkillBridge

The SkillBridge program lets service members, including Guard and Reserve, gain civilian experience by working at a civilian employer for up to 180 days during the last six months of their military service (with command approval). Learn more about SkillBridge.

Arizona One-Stop Job Centers

One-Stop Job Centers offer free services, including job placement, skills assessments, job training, career counseling, and resume development. Specialized services are available for veterans and job seekers with disabilities. You can schedule an online appointment or visit your local Centro de Trabajo de ARIZONA@WORK.

Also available through the job centers, ARIZONA@WORK is a statewide public and private partnership with a network of 47 local offices in 12 regional areas that helps employers and job seekers connect. Its free services and resources can help you find work. Eligible veterans get priority services.

Arizona Apprenticeship Office

The Registered Apprenticeship program by ARIZONA@WORK lets you earn money while you train, and often earning a certificate at the same time. Apprenticeships are available in many industries, including manufacturing, construction, cyber and information technology (IT), healthcare, sales, professional services, and more. View the list of registered apprenticeship programs and learn more about registered apprenticeships.

Arizona Rehabilitation Services

Arizona Rehabilitation Services helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, start, and keep employment. Contact a oficina de Rehabilitación Vocacional in your area to sign up for an orientation to learn about the eligibility requirements and available services.

REACH

The VA's REACH program links to resources on a wide variety of challenges facing veterans, including career challenges.

Ticket to Work

The Ticket to Work Program helps people with disabilities find and keep work. If you are 18 – 64 years old and are getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you can use your Ticket to Work from the Social Security Administration. The Ticket to Work Program offers free employment-related services, such as training, transportation, and vocational rehabilitation. Call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY).