Job Search: Marketing Your Military Experience, 5Th Ed. »

David G. Henderson was a career Marine who later headed a personnel agency specializing in placement of servicemembers in civilian jobs.

Now in its fifth edition, this highly popular book offers the separating servicemember the most up-to-date information on planning a smooth transition (and translation) of military experience to well-paying civilian jobs. Includes experience assessment, job market, resume writing, interviewing tips, and benefits and salary negotiations. Includes new information on converging technologies, such as using the Internet, online job bulletin boards, and military career transition websites to make the most of your job search experience.

Acknowledgments viii

Introduction ix

1 Defining Your Occupational Interests, Skills, and Lifestyle 1

Assessment 1

Defining Goals for a Second Career 9

Key Points 18

2 The Job Market 20

Workforce Trends 25

Job Opportunities 26

Education, Training, and Skills 43

Key Points 43

3 Job Sources 45

Military Career Transition Offices 45

Military Associations 53

Networking 58

The Hidden Job Market 60

Job Fairs 61

Federal Agencies 63

State and Municipal Employment Offices 65

U.S. Employment Service 66

Newspaper and Magazine Employment Ads 67

College and University Placement Services 69

City Directories and Major City Job Books 70

Executive Search Firms 70

Employment Agencies 71

Other Media and Computerized Services 72

Key Points 73

4 Preparing for the Job Search 76

The Countdown 76

Research 78

Mentors 82

Family Service Support Centers 83

Cover Letters and Letters of Introduction 84

Resume Distribution 87

Follow-up 87

Building a Civilian Wardrobe 89

Key Points 90

5 Resume Preparation 92

Ye Olde Ground Rules 92

Information Needed 96

Resume Format Selection 97

Organization 99

Curriculum Vitae 116

The Electronic Resume 116

The Of 612 117

Field-Testing Your Resume 118

Key Points 118

6 Converging Technologies 120

The Internet and Online Services 120

Using the Internet 121

Career Transition and Job-Posting Sites 125

Computer Networking 128

The Online Job Search 129

Key Points 130

7 The Interview 131

Some Do's and Don'ts 132

Questions Often Asked at an Interview 134

Questions to Ask the Interviewer 135

Preparation for the Interview 137

What to Take to the Interview 139

The SuccessfulInterview 139

The Phone Interview 140

References 141

How Long Does It Take to Get a Job? 141

Key Points 143

8 Compensation and Benefits Programs 144

Compensation 144

Determining a Starting Salary 146

Negotiating a Salary 147

Company Benefits 149

Other Benefits 152

The Offer Letter 153

Performance Reviews and Raises 156

Key Points 157

Appendix A Resumes by Occupational Specialty and Format 159

Appendix B Sample Cover Letters and Thank-You Letters 226

Appendix C Military Service-Related Organizations 231

Appendix D Examples of Computing Salary Requirements 234

Appendix E Recommended Reading 240

Index 245

About the Author 255