Submitted by LanceJ on
in
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Hello everyone,
I would certainly appreciate some advice.
Here is my situation: I am planning to retire from the Air Force this October. Naturally, acquiring post-military employment is heavy on my mind. I will be retiring to a town of about 15,000 people. I realize that moving a to a small town will limit my options for employment, but I am willing to accept this potential challenge. I am a pilot in the Air Force, but if I want to work in this town, I am going to have to be ready to change career fields.
Mark and Mike, I really appreciate all the great advice you provide. I have purchased the interviewing series and it has really helped me prepare. However, most of the guidance I have heard is based on applying for a specific position. I need to begin making contact with prospective employers soon, but it is probably too far out for them to know exactly what positions will be available six to seven months from now.
Since I do not know a specific position to apply for, I have created a “generic” resume (following the MT format, of course) that highlights my 20-year Air Force career. I plan to contact and visit several area employers starting in May, so I can give them my resume and begin to establish relationships. Hopefully, one of them will see something in me that they like and will keep me in mind for a future position.
Does this strategy seem appropriate? I do not want to wait until right before I separate from the military to look for a job, so I need to do something--soon.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Best regards,
Lance.
Work with a recruiter?
Lance,
First, congratulations on completing a great career with the Air Force.
15,000 is a small town indeed. Are there any recruiters to whom you could talk? They can be very helpful in looking at a resume and helping position your skills against openings they have.
You might also try to speak directly with the recruiters at the companies.
Does the Air Force have any placement services that might help you? For example, a "career preference" test that would indicate a proclivity for sales or engineering or accounting? That might help you focus at first.
Finally, don't forget LinkedIn. It is rapidly becoming the talent marketplace.
Good luck!
John Hack
RE: Work with a recruiter?
Hi John,
I appreciate the kind words and the advice. You have given me some good ideas to consider.
You make an excellent point about using a recruiter. I hear lots of discussions about recruiters on MT, but since the town is so small, I didn’t think they would be a factor for me. Perhaps this is an incorrect assumption. I will look into to it.
The town is s a thriving community located about 80 miles from Oklahoma City. There are some large companies located there, as well as a four-year college. I believe there are opportunities, but I need to break into the local network. My brother moved to this town about five years ago and has helped me established one good contact already.
LinkedIn is a good suggestion as well. I didn’t really know anything about it until the recent Career Tools podcasts. Perfect timing for me! I just finished my resume, so I now have some content to place there.
The Air Force does offer certain separation/retirement services. I will check on these as well. Good idea.
I am thankful to have you and the rest of MT community to discuss these topics. I haven’t worked in the civilian world since before college, so this is all unfamiliar territory for me.
Thanks again.
Lance.