Category: Job Seeker Insights

Tips for Transitioning to your First Civilian Role

If you’ve recently left the military, transitioning to your first civilian role may be difficult. Below are some tips for transitioning to your first civilian role. Even if you’ve found a job, it may not be the right fit for you; many veterans leave their first civilian job within the first year.

Thankfully, there are plenty of resources available to help veterans navigate their post-military careers. In this blog, we’ll break down some of the tips for veterans transitioning to civilian life and finding the right job.

Reach Out to Fellow Vets

Just as civilians plan for retirement and prepare to leave in advance, it may be beneficial for you to start preparing for transition out of the military as much as two years before retiring. Reach out to fellow veterans who have been on this road to retirement before you and get their advice on what to do and not to do.

Learn About Local Resources

When it comes to finding transition resources, the Department of Veterans Affairs is the best place to start. They offer a Transition Assistance Program. Other state and local agencies provide resources and options, too. Schools and churches are also good sources of information and guidance.

Research the Job Market

Finding a job you like starts with what you’re interested in and qualified for. It is good to learn about a specific industry and the career fields within it that interest you. This can help you decide what kind of job you want and whether you need further education to pursue that career. You may need to go back to school to finish your degree or start a new one. There are many programs are designed to help veterans succeed in pursuing their degrees and certification.

Working with a Staffing Agency

If trying to do everything yourself sounds overwhelming, consider working with a staffing agency like ABBTECH®. ABBTECH® helps Vets get back to work by finding the right jobs that match their education, experience, and skills. They also guide you through the entire process of onboarding and orientation.

ABBTECH® has helped hundreds of veterans find new jobs and transition to civilian life. There is resume writing assistance, interview prep, a wide range of available job opportunities, and plenty of information on their weekly blog. ABBTECH® is your strategic IT partner ready to help you transition into a new life out of uniform.

For tips for transitioning to your first civilian role, get in touch with the ABBTECH® team!

5 Must Ask Questions to Consider Before Accepting a Job Offer

You’ve been searching for the right job for a while and finally received an offer. Congratulations! Before you accept that offer, though, there are some things to consider. Here are five questions you should consider asking before accepting a job offer.

1. What is the exact start date of the Job?

Two weeks’ notice is the standard when notifying your current employer that you’re leaving your position. So, if a potential employer wants you to begin immediately without sufficient time to provide notice, it might be a red flag regarding the company’s culture and flexibility. On the other hand, reluctance to give a start date may also signal internal problems in the company. Be sure to get verbal and written confirmation of the agreed start date.

2. What should I expect with the onboarding process?

Onboarding varies from company to company, so ask your prospective employer about their process and what you can expect. Training, tools, materials, and personal guidance or mentoring should all be explained thoroughly.

3. Who will be reaching out to me on the first day?

The first day can be anxious, but knowing who will reach out to you first gives you an idea of what to expect. It also allows you to look up the HR or management person on a professional platform such as LinkedIn and better understand their role within the company.

4. Can we explore a slightly higher starting salary?

Most companies are open to negotiating the starting salary for a position, so this is an essential question to ask. Come prepared with research regarding the pay range for the job, including factors such as geographic area and experience.

5. Will I receive benefits immediately?

Ask when required and optional benefits go into effect. While required benefits, such as Social Security and workers’ compensation, go into effect on the first day, other benefits, such as health insurance, may not. Find out when they go into effect and information about premiums and deductibles so that your coverage doesn’t lapse.

Benefits comprise nearly half of a position’s compensation package, so it is essential to understand your benefits and when you can access them.

Conclusion

Accepting a job offer is a serious and important decision. With these questions to consider before accepting a job offer, things should go more smoothly. Asking the right questions, starting with the ones listed above, ensures that the position is the right job for you.

If this job doesn’t work out, don’t worry! Explore our open positions down below.