Phil C. ⋅ Fort Worth , TX ⋅ 3 years experience

I would agree that your resume is more of a way of marketing yourself rather than giving your professional/educational background and timeline. I separated from the Army in 2008 and have since transitioned into college and then a successful career. However, I had many challenges along the way. Here are a couple of things I learned about the whole process:

- Linkedin is a must and should be referenced on your resume
- Have a list of professional references to backup the resume
- Do not hand out your DD214 unless specifically asked to do so
- Upload all resumes and supporting documents as PDF files
- Get involved with military veteran organizations
- Be perfectly clear as to what your VA benefits are
- Each state has a veterans affairs department, so touch base with them
- When at job fairs, try to talk to more than just HR folks
* Interviews sometimes start at the job/career fair, so just be prepared for one
- Every professional interaction should be followed by an email or phone call thanking that person for their time and a reiteration
- Have business professional attire
- Make sure all documents you use to get a job have strict parity with one another

I speak "warrior" pretty well, so if you want to hear the blunt, honest truth about transition topics, send me a PM. Furthermore, I promise not to sugar-coat things and will give you opinions based on personal experience.

Daniel Robb ⋅ Houston , TX US Dept of Homeland Security ⋅ 25 years experience

You can contact me through my web site, which should establish my bona fides as retiree and educator: www.investigative-insight.com

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco , CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Michael - Any thoughts or feedback?

William Temple ⋅ Trenton , MI U.S. Army Reserve, Major ⋅ 24 years served

Michael - I would be willing to advise you, I am a current federal law enforcement officer (26 years) and retired US Army Reserves officer. Feel free to contact me through a private message..

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco , CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Michael -
* Craft a plan to find mentors and advisors who are working or have worked in law enforcement. Share the draft of your plan with us so we can advise and assist.

* Also, you will gain more here and elsewhere the more you proactively interact and provide feedback.

Susanne Scholz ⋅ Conway , AR Hewlett Packard ⋅ 8 years experience

I have a good friend who is a detective. send me your resume and I will have him review it.
susanne.scholz@hp.com also add any questions you may have.

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco , CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Do you have a preferred or required geographic location?

Wayne Heuett ⋅ East Wenatchee , WA Alcoa ⋅ 28 years experience

Hi Michael,
My son is in law enforcement. I remember him complaining when he was applying for a position that former military had an advantage. I jokingly told him that is because they know how to follow orders. He had no military background so he got a bachelors in criminal law and psychiatry. He also contacted the local police department and did ride along with the officers. I don't think that helped him get a job but it let him know if he would like being a policeman. I would like to review your resume and will contact my son for his input.

Wayne