For veterans, there are a number of key resources to take advantage of when transitioning from a military career to a civilian career.

Veterans are one of America's most prized resources. They served without expecting much in return, and provided role models for our children. Not only do they deserve our highest praise, they deserve help landing their dream jobs. If you're one of our nation's veterans looking for jobs, here are a few online and in-person job-search tools.

1. Hiring Our Heroes

There are no shortages of online and in-person job resources for vets. However, one of the largest organizations providing career advice for Veterans and retired military service members is Hiring Our Heroes. This program is a joint effort between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Fortune 500 companies, and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Chamber and VA officials work diligently with companies to help connect vets with executives, serving as a networking solution for both sides. Hiring Our Heroes hosts job fairs and training seminars throughout the year in nearly all major states.

2. Military.com

Monster takes pride in giving retired military members career advice. The company hosts Military.com, one of the nation's largest military and veteran online news and membership organization. Military.com provides resources for all active duty personnel, reservists, guard members, retirees, veterans, family members, defense workers, and those considering military careers. While Monster founded the site primarily to help veterans with their job-search efforts, Military.com also lists support groups and other resources for its readers.

3. Military Skills Translator

If you're a veteran looking for a civilian job, this tool is a must. Lockheed Martin employs an online tool to help veterans translate their military skills into civilian positions. The tool uses titles, keywords, and occupational codes to determine where a veteran's military skills fit into a civilian work environment. Once Lockheed's online military skills translator “civilianizes” a service member's work experience, applicants can better communicate their skill sets to civilian employers and human resources professionals. The tool also helps narrow search keywords for online job boards. In addition to its military skills translator tool, Lockheed Martin lists positions it has available for retired military veterans.

Related: Jobs for Veterans: What to Consider Before Accepting the Job

4. Veteran Career Network

Another resource from Military.com, the Veteran Career Network offers a support tool for veterans looking to connect with other veterans. The online networking tool allows veterans to share information about job openings and their experiences and solutions to finding a job post-military. Mentoring and support groups is one of the most sought after tools. Veterans help each other heal, grow, and give back through networking at Military.com.

5. Veteran career fairs

Every state offers career fairs for veterans looking for civilian jobs, lining up hundreds of companies to offer jobs to veterans. Take advantage of these fairs. Businesses receive tax incentives for hiring retired military and veterans. In addition, with specialized defense training, security clearances, and leadership skills obtained through the military, applicants will find it easier to work with like-minded individuals during these events. Be sure to bring several copies of your resume and business cards to pass out to recruiters.

6. Veteran-friendly job boards

As with career fairs and Hiring Our Heroes events, some businesses prefer veterans to other applicants because of their unique skills and the tax incentives the organization can receive. Looking for veteran-friendly companies is not difficult. Most job-search sites and major corporations advertise whether or not they have a special website for veterans. Just Google it, and let your computer lead the way.

Getting ready for the job search

While there are literally thousands of job-search tools for veterans designed to help with a career search, tools only can do so much. Your resume and cover letter play a larger role in this process. Creating a civilian resume for your military transition is not as daunting as many would think. Select a design and format that is professional and accommodates your information, staying away from scripted templates and fancy fonts. Times New Roman, Calibri, Cambria and Arial are a few of the best fonts for resume. They are professional and can be easily read by resume applicant tracking system scanners. Also keep in mind to:

  • Separate information into these basic sections with headers – introduction, experience and accomplishments, and education.

  • Stay away from passive language. Use achieving language and action verbs on your resume.

  • Only include information relevant to the job, and resist the urge to include everything on your repertoire.

Don't forget to visit your local library, VA office, and community college for additional job-search tools for veterans to help you land the perfect post-military career.

Click on the following link for more job-search advice.

Ready to make the transition to the civilian workforce? Hire a TopResume writer to craft your military transition resume.

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