CAREER COUNSELING BY LEORA

Limited Time Sale & Exclusive Discounts On Online Consulting

Virtual career counseling and coaching services in California by CAREER COUNSELING BY LEORA for professionals and job seekers.
Menu
Book Consultation

Your Military Skills Will Transfer to a Civilian Role

By /
People in uniform and people in suits.

Your Military Skills Will Transfer to a Civilian Role

What you’ll find in this blog:

One of my specialties is helping veterans find a place within the civilian workforce. Coming out of the military is a big transition, and often service members find it difficult to draft a resume and complete a job search, feeling like the experience they gained in the military doesn’t really transfer to private sector jobs.

Here’s the thing… it totally does.

There are so many soft skills that are needed and desired by companies that the military does an excellent job cultivating.

A quick look at veteran employment after service

While it’s true that it can be hard to find your place after service, the overall outlook is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shared in a 2024 survey that veterans had a lower unemployment rate than nonveterans (3% compared to 3.9%). So, as a group, veterans are more employable and more successful at finding and holding jobs.

Additionally, RAND found that veterans might experience and initial dip in earnings when first out of the service (likely due to the loss of housing and food allowances), however they ultimately end up earning more over their civilian careers than nonveteran counterparts.

Skills you learn in the military that transfer to civilian roles

Time management – The military runs on a strict and tight schedule. These valuable time management skills can help you balance demands on your time and tasks. Do you think anyone shows up late to PT? Heck no! You can apply that time management to your new role.

Working under stress – Being able to work under different stresses is a highly desirable skill. A difficult boss, client, or the need for flexibility in a project can be daunting for some. However, I find that those who served in the military are excellent at easily and calmly navigating workplace stresses.

Leadership – Leadership is an incredible soft skill and does not come naturally to many. Because of the way the military is structured, most veterans come out with some sort of leadership experience. Simply being able to be a leader is very valuable.

Working with people – The military also has a huge people force. People from varied backgrounds and experiences come together to work toward common goals. Especially as it relates to being a good team member or leader, working with people—well—is a great skill.

Attention to detail – Impeccable attention to detail is taught in the military. Even something as basic as getting dressed and putting on your uniform properly requires strong attention to detail. This strength easily transfers to other tasks and jobs.

Navigating workplace dynamics – An offshoot of working with people, being able to navigate workplace dynamics is practically ingrained in veterans. The structure of the military teaches this from the beginning and applying it to the private sector almost becomes second nature.

You’ve got skills

It might look different how the skill is utilized, but these are all talents learned in the military that are transferable to the private sector. The key is to be able to show these abilities on your resume, and how they will help you be the right fit for the job you want.

Need help showcasing your transferable military skills on your resume? Connect with me for a free initial consultation. I can help you create a strong resume and find your place in the private sector.

Scroll to Top