Although many excel during their time in the armed forces, it can be difficult to make the adjustment to civilian life. Seemingly insignificant responsibilities like finding a job can be a tough process if you've just returned from a tour of duty. While there was a time when resources were limited for veterans, the Internet has made it easier than ever before to find the assistance you need.
1. LinkedIn
Social media has already proven to be a valuable tool in the modern job hunt. Certain sites, like LinkedIn, even offer specialized services that cater to military veterans who are looking to transition into the civilian workforce. Employers from nearly every industry, including construction, frequently use sites like this to locate and secure new talent.
2. Veterans Build America
Veterans Build America works with Orion International job placement services to help transitioning military personnel begin their professional careers in construction. By registering for an account to their site, which is available to veterans at absolutely no cost, you can take advantage of career guidance, resume preparation and a comprehensive support group consisting of thousands of other military veterans.
3. Military.com
Originally launched in 1999, Military.com serves as a dedicated resource to all things military. Apart from helpful tips and advice on transitioning to the everyday civilian life, the site provides a job portal that provides myriad resources. Whether you're looking for a job in construction or a similar field, you'll likely find some great prospects on Military.com.
4. America's Veteran
Those who would rather work with government-sponsored resources might consider America's Veteran. Not only does this site provide easy access to construction jobs in your area, but it also provides resources aimed at smoothing your transition into the civilian life as a whole. They've even established a dedicated support group, called Vet to Vet, that connects former military personnel with one another.
5. Build Your Future
Build Your Future specializes in matching jobseekers with employment in the construction industry. This puts them in an excellent position to provide assistance to former military personnel who are interested in joining the profession.
Apart from helpful videos that are meant to provide motivation and guidance regarding your transition, Build Your Future also works with Hard Hat Heroes to provide free e-learning services to qualified individuals.
6. The Wounded Warrior Project
Veterans who have been wounded in the line of duty may be eligible for assistance through the Wounded Warrior Project. They have a number of specialized programs, including their Warriors to Work initiative, which provides guidance throughout the entire job seeking process.
7. G.I. Jobs
G.I. Jobs is one of the most comprehensive and versatile sites that are meant specifically for military veterans who are seeking employment. Not only do they provide helpful resources such as a military-to-civilian pay calculator, lists of popular jobs and informative articles for transitioning service members, but their online job board can be used to search specific job titles, responsibilities or locations.
8. Helmets to Hardhats
Operated with assistance from the Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment and Veterans' Employment, Helmets to Hardhats provides apprenticeship opportunities, training and additional resources specifically for military veterans entering the field of construction. Veterans will also benefit from access to a number of online resources, including detailed guides and videos to help you transition into civilian life.
9. Veterans Employment Center
The Veterans Employment Center, or VEC, is a government-backed service that was specifically designed with former military personnel in mind. By partnering with the United States Department of Labor, the VEC provides veterans with career guidance, assistance with writing and distributing resumes and direct access to employers in the construction industry who are known for hiring former soldiers.
10. Classified Ads & Job Boards
Apart from the specialized sites and resources that focus specifically on military veterans, you might do well to expand your search to general websites, too. By plugging in keywords that pertain to veterans and construction, it's easy to locate
thousands of job opportunities around the nation.
Advanced search filters let you narrow down the results even further, thereby providing you with local openings or specific responsibilities in the field of construction.
11. Local Employer Job Page
It's fairly well known that the construction industry is in the midst of a severe labor shortage. Chances are, your local firms are hiring. Even if you don't have experience in construction, many have training programs that can get you started in your career, such as CAT's ThinkBig and Diesel Tech programs. Ask your local employer if they have similar apprenticeship programs that can help you get your footing after leaving the military.
Making the Most of Modern Resources
Modern job resources, including the prevalence of the online classified ads and postings, have a lot to offer today's military veterans. For many, the skills are already there. It's just a matter of locating the help in the first place, capitalizing on your newfound resources and getting your foot in the door. —CEG Blog
This is the second installation in a 3-part series about veteran education resources.
Click Here for Part 1
Click Here for Part 3
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