I frequently get asked by transitioning military personnel, “Any thoughts on how I can figure out a new career for myself in the civilian sector?”

That’s a great question and I often suggest this simple exercise to try and get an idea of what it is in the civilian job market that interests you.

STEP 1: Instead of searching job boards by job title, try to search by functions you like or want to perform. Start tracking what types of positions result from your search. You will eventually begin to see a pattern emerge.

STEP 2: Print several of the positions out and read them carefully a couple of times. Then read them again, but this time highlight words or phrases that appear repeatedly within job descriptions or requirements. You will be left with a list of keywords or phrases that you will need to use on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Implementing these keywords or phrases will help you market yourself effectively for the types of roles you are seeking.

STEP 3: Identify which of these skills and requirements you possess. Personalize the keyword list to match what you have to offer in relation to the position(s) of interest. As you're creating your résumé, refer to the list and do the following:

a) Make sure you are incorporating the skills and requirements sought in the positions to which you are applying AND b) Make sure you highlight certain aspects of your military career

There are other assessments and tools that exist to more formally define your skills and interests. I recommend: ”What Color Is Your Parachute? 2014: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers” by Richard N. Bolles.

I hope this simple exercise sheds some light on what you may find as your civilian career path – and how to market yourself effectively for the career change.