Paula P. ⋅ Gaithersburg , MD IBM ⋅ 12 years experience

Bridging careeers between technical skills and managerial skills is one that has recieved attention for quite a while. There has long been an assumption that techncial people do not have adequate leadership skills, such as business acumen or financial acumen to move into managerial positions. I don't agree and believe that the diversity of skills can only make you a better manager. To highlight your ability to lead and manage I think that John has offered some very practical recommendations about putting your contributions into "return on investment" types of statements which demontrate how you have contributed to the bottom line or revenue generation; both of whch are critical acheivements.

I'd also point you to some research: IBM 2010 Global CEO Study: Creativity Selected as Most Crucial Factor for Future Success. The study revealed that fewer than half of CEOs are successfully handling growing complexity in the workplace; By using key words mentioned in this study to describe your capabilities in your resume, may help highlight your leadership and managerial skills.

John Underwood ⋅ Greer , SC General Electric ⋅ 7 years experience

Translate all of you military experience to civilian equivalents. Give examples of where you have improved processes and where you have saved the government money. Examples of how you are a go getter are better than a stack of military certifications. This shows a potential employer that you can apply this same can do attitude to their business. When I retired from active duty I searched on the internet for examples of veterans resumes to get ideas of what looks the best. Then post these on all the big career boards. Search out the head hunters on the sites and send your resume directly to them.
Thanks,
John Underwood
Lead Electrical Engineer, USN Retired

Olya Schaefer ⋅ Saint Petersburg , FL ⋅ 9 years experience

Have you considered IT project management?

Sandra Shelton ⋅ Fort Worth , TX StrengthBank Inc. ⋅ 20 years experience

You, my friend, received excellent advice in the answers here given! Can't think if a thing to add except don't be discouraged!

michael convey ⋅ Camp Hill , PA jh williams Oil company ⋅ 45 years experience

It is important to demonstrate the skills you have, and equally important to illustrate successes you have enjoyed resolving complex issues. Furthermore, it is incumbent upon you to demonstrate how these successes are indicative of your ability to solve difficult problems, and how you will utilze your education, skills and experience in handling management problems. Some of the complexities you have handled could not have been handled successful without proper planning, organization, and goal setting. Skills that are essential in any managerial position.

Karthik Sampath ⋅ Pittsburgh , PA Alcoa ⋅ 1 years experience

If still viable, you could consider a degree in business administration (MBA) or any leadership course certification. Being in a technical field already demonstrates your analytical & quanitative skills, much needed skills in any management type role. A degree or certification, and an eagerness to perform in that role is typically all that is needed especially when you stay within the industry.

Norine Castle ⋅ Carrboro , NC IBM ⋅ 28 years experience

Building upon what John had written, "Translate all of you military experience to civilian equivalents. Give examples..."This is exactly what needs to be done. A proven appraoch to align yourself with the civilian recruiting process is know what you have, understand what is needed and create the bridge by articulating it through the recruitment process. Remember, not all companies are the right fit. You are screening as much as they are.

From a technology side, often job descriptions are written from HR related verbiage and extra job related details are added by the Hiring Manager and Recruiter. To see how a company often 'thinks', go to: http://www.onetonline.org/.
Use this to review your resume. Remember to adjust your resume to align with the job you are apply for. When you apply on line, your resume is put into a database and the words you choose must align with the words they use. Mat sound impersonal and it is the way that recruiters work.

Since budgets are tight, many companies have cut back on posting all of their jobs to the big career sites (Monster, CareerBuilder and so on). The main corporate site is where they all are! Also, most companies attempt to comply with posting to diversity and other EEO types of sites.

So, go to: http://www.onetonline.org/, then use this site to update your resume and search for companies you are interested in. Read their main corporate websites and if they represent what you are interested in then apply directly on line or search for their postings on the career sites.

To Paula's point, the market place may not be as it appears. You may be more qualified in some aspects. Please do not assume but be confident. We are glad to have you home and look forward to supporting you as you continue to serve.

Andrew Fairfax ⋅ Corona , CA U.S. Army Reserve, Chief Warrant Officer ⋅ 26 years served

John, Thanks a bunch for the speady response! I'm looking forward to entering the civilian workforce again, and need all the guidance I can get!

Thank Again,

Andy