After spending time serving their country, many veterans are eager to return to civilian life, which often means re-entering the workforce. However, many get stuck when it comes to where they want to focus their talent. With experience working in a team environment, diverse points-of-view, plus leadership, respect, and discipline, veteran talent is a desirable talent pool for many businesses.

On the flip side, veterans often feel overwhelmed when it comes to deciding just how they want to re-enter—the industry in which they work and the type of work they want to do. After spending time in a demanding field, veterans can often feel unsure about where to take their career next so it’s important to consider the following tips when planning your next step:

Play to Your Strengths

Serving in the military develops a lot of qualities many other candidates don’t have—or haven’t been able to fine tune. Once you start to consider where your strengths play, maybe it’s in a certain skill or trade or maybe it’s a variety of soft skills that align you to a leadership position, consider calling those out in the application and interview process. Consider soft skills like unwavering ethics and integrity, strong discipline, leadership during stressful and demanding times, and organization, among other traits.

Find the Right Partner in Your Job Search

Evaluating your skills and determining a career path can be overwhelming and confusing, so it makes sense that many veterans turn to staffing companies to help them sharpen their resume and provide a clear path forward. A staffing agency can connect you with a variety of jobs well-suited for veterans including manufacturing, logistics, technology, or engineering, among other industries. They can also point you to companies that use skills-based hiring versus focusing only on a degree or career history.

Translate Your Military Career to Post-Military Terms

As you consider new ventures, understanding which training and duties can be applied to your new post-military role is critical. Any licenses, certifications, or other credentials may need to be refreshed or recertified in order to maximize the use of them. Similarly, examine your past experiences and be sure to understand and know how to translate them into civilian positions.

Many of today’s employers are placing a focus on hiring veterans because of their vast experience and superior talents, recognizing they bring a unique and much needed skill set to the company. Venturing into a civilian role after serving your country can be an anxious time, if you aren’t sure where to start, schedule some time to speak with one of our recruiters.