Nashville, TN is a booming job market, but what is the best strategy for a senior retired veteran?
After more than two months in a growing job market I am thinking about what part of my strategy is not working. So what works best? Functional vs. chronological resume? On-line job boards or networking (even when you don't know anyone at the event)?
The veterans events and most companies want the young guy or gal returning from service, but not the older veteran with a higher salary requirement. The best offer I have had so far is a $30K/year position waxing floors.
Answers
If Rolf had not beaten me to it, I would have written exactly what he offered. But, I am going also suggest that you think about visiting your local Small Business Development Center and enrolling in some of their courses. Learn about options to start a small business of your own, or to connect with someone who is starting their own business. As a retired military officer you have a LOT to offer to a start up business needing help setting goals and meeting them. You can find your local SBDC at this link: http://www.sba.gov/local-assistance?ms=nid11409
If I was in your position I would definitely be networking, but with an official role. The quickest way to get an official role is to identify a few different low or non profit organizations, and tell them you want to help.
Tell them you got out of the military, enjoy your retirement, and may be looking to supplement your income in the future, but for now you just want to get out and meet people and help out organizations that need it. First lend a hand, then accept anything else they want you to do - don't force it. Most non-profits are chronically understaffed and usually dump as much responsibility as quickly as they can onto anyone who is at all reliable and able to get things done.
Organizations that would happily accept your help are usually:
Local Chambers of commerce
churches
political campaigns
youth mentoring groups
amateur sporting events
Also, start a regular lunch meeting for veterans that are similar to you. Similar year group, similar experience, etc. Just get together and talk. After people get to know you they will want to help. If you divide your time between active local networking and job search, you will build contacts and find an opportunity.
Colonel Williams, this is a common issue and something that I have found to be challenging for many retirees looking to maintain a "senior" level income. A couple of questions I would ask, "Are you willing to relocate if you are looking for traditional employment?" And the other would be have you taken any comprehensive job compatibility assessments to help you focus your efforts toward your strengths vs general categories? I can relate to how you feel about being offered such a salary with your level of experience. A few years back I was in transition and left a $75k salary and during my job search the best I offered I received was for $10/hr to supervise a small staff. This was in east Texas. I have an idea about your situation.
There are many other options to look at based on your level of experience like looking at business ownership as well. I will wait for your reply.
Ben-I have to tell you straight up...Events are probably not going to work best for you. Many businesses' hiring cycles are such that they cant' effectively interview for anything but the most entry-level positions at them, so you probably need to target other avenues. Job boards can be an effective tool, but realize that the recruiters that sit behind them are more than likely overwhelmed with sheer volume of applicants.
I'd combine the job board approach (reccomend www.h2h.jobs) with networking within the businesses you're applying to (linkedin is good for this).
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