There’s a lot that goes into a job search, and a lot to worry about. Applying online, resume creation, interviewing, follow up, attending career fairs, submitting yourself as a candidate through recruiting firms like Bradley-Morris/RecruitMilitary, and networking are just a few. Save yourself some time and heartache by avoiding these pitfalls:

###A Generic Resume###

Naturally, your resume is the first thing an employer will see, so therefore it must effectively communicate your “brand” (who you are as evidenced by your skills and experience). There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to resumes; you must tailor it each time to match the opportunity you’re seeking.

Michelle DeLauder is a recruiting partner at Bradley-Morris, Inc. and sources veteran candidates for contingency placement with employers. “It’s challenging when a candidate just puts basic information or short one-liners on their resume, because I can’t tell if they have the experience client needs.”
Because DeLauder often places candidates in technical roles, including relevant experience related to the job description is key. “I may need to know if they have programmable logic controller PLC experience, for example,” she added.

A lot of people think that once their resume is made, they’re good to go,” she said. However, failing to tailor it to certain roles can result in being overlooked. “You may need to emphasize your leadership experience or your technical experience, depending on the position. But if your resume only shows your hands-on experience, then you won’t signal to an employer that you’d be a good fit for a production supervisor role.”

###Going in Blind###

“Good fortune often happens when opportunity meets with preparation.” – Thomas Edison
Think your work in the military has little civilian value? You’re wrong. You’ve got both the technical training and the soft skills that employers crave.

When you know your worth and you’ve prepared, you are in the best position to convey your value. That means displaying your knowledge of the company, asking intelligent questions, skillfully negotiating compensation, and following through.

Lots of companies now have their own YouTube channels. Spend some time surfing their videos and website to get a feel for the company culture. Bradley-Morris hosts weekly interactive webinars designed for military-experienced job seekers, with a Q&A session at the end.

The phrase “It’s what you make of it” is often heard in connection with military service, and it can easily apply to a job search. Although searching for a job is rarely a fun process, putting time and careful consideration into your brand, your resume, and where you want to put your talents to use will pay off in the long run.