VaCareers.Va.Gov – In spite of the recent economic downturn, the outlook for veteran jobs is improving. Tax incentives for companies hiring veterans plus a slightly more optimistic economic outlook suggests that with a little homework, persistence and a can-do attitude, there’s a job out there with your name on it. VaCareers.Va.Gov

The key is not to limit yourself to those jobs that are similar to what you did in the military, which, in the private sector, may be next to impossible anyway. This is your chance to redefine what you offer in terms of your current career aspirations.

Companies Known for Posting Veteran Jobs

Many companies take a special interest in job applicants with a service background. Many of these companies do business with the various branches as suppliers or defense-related manufacturers. Others provide security services in high-risk areas. Many main line businesses, however, with no military connections nevertheless appreciate the values, discipline and results-orientation found in the armed services. VaCareers.Va.Gov

Here’s a short list of companies in various the financial and manufacturing sectors which have a solid track record of hiring veterans.

Financial

• Bank of America plans to double available veteran jobs within its ranks, seeking individuals who match its core values of “doing the right thing” and seeking a “commitment to excellence.”
• Wells Fargo has several thousand openings across all sectors within its company.
• Allianz Insurance Company, which is listed as a leading veteran employer, offers compensation and incentive programs, stock purchase options, benefits and tuition reimbursement.VaCareers.Va.Gov

Manufacturing

There are a large number of diverse companies, many of them with an international presence, offering jobs to veterans.

• Rerhrig Pacific, a world manufacturer of rubber containers and products, is seeking talented designers, plant engineers and sales representatives.
• Oshkosh, a specialty truck designer, is an affirmative, equal opportunity employer which believes in investing in training and education for its employees.
• Cintas, the Ohio-based uniform manufacturer, has a strong tradition of hiring from the military. It looks for the maturity and “can-do” attitude that’s part of the military background.VaCareers.Va.Gov
• Waste Management, the ubiquitous environmental company, has both front line jobs requiring drivers, equipment operators and mechanics and professional and management positions in client services, logistics and technical support, plant operations.
• Schneider National, a transportation logistics company has a long record of hiring veterans whose in-service logistics management makes them especially valuable.

Here are a few useful online resources to help you look for veteran jobs:

• http://www.hireveterans.com which lists companies opening that have a stated policy of hiring veterans.
• Department of Labor, Vets Web Page, currently under construction/expansion but still offering helpful information and resources.VaCareers.Va.Gov
• hireahero.com, the name says it all. Both a job site and an advocate.
• miltaryexits.com, a helpful and targeted website that organizes job opportunities by professional classification (healthcare, engineering, education, etc.)

You Have Reason to be Optimistic

As you’re dusting off the resume and before you rush headlong into seeking suitable veteran jobs, take a little time for some soul-searching to figure out what kind of work inspires you most. Don’t feel guilty about changing jobs – in this fast changing world where reinventing oneself is applauded, you’re more likely than not to have several different careers in a lifetime, and many jobs within those careers.

Figure out your strengths, weaknesses, think about enrolling in classes or extra training–online or otherwise–to equip yourself for the civilian career of your dreams. If you’re still in uniform, start early: enroll in courses or training up to a year before your retirement or separation date. VaCareers.Va.Gov

Remember, when you’re looking at veteran jobs, you’re not only a military veteran, you’re a person with exceptional assets and skills and unusual experience not shared by many in the workforce. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished and look forward to the opportunities that are coming your way. VaCareers.Va.Gov

Jean Muller is the co-owner and expert behind Career Search America, a consulting service dedicated to helping America’s leaders transition from the military to civil careers. Jean is an experienced Human Resource professional with proven success in consulting to high technology, health care, professional services, non-profits, and insurance industries. VaCareers.Va.Gov

Jean works with individual leaders to maximize transitional situations and with organizations to build expandable, results oriented HR and management practices. Currently, Jean’s business finds her traveling to VA to work with Military personnel in transition. The focus is to enhance their understanding of what today’s employers expect candidates to know and to do in all aspects of the employment cycle. Workshops that provide the tools and techniques to accomplish this are held at the Marine Corps base at Quantico, Virginia. VaCareers.Va.Gov

Career Search America has one mission: to help military personnel and veterans navigate the transition from military to civilian life. Whether you’re looking for career coaching services or are simply casually researching the career change process, you’ll find the Career Search America site invaluable. VaCareers.Va.Gov