Job Search Timeline

Military people are planners by nature. We were taught from day one in boot camp to plan ahead and be prepared. This is an excellent attribute to have when you are facing a job search. It is never too early to start preparing.

No matter how much time you have left in the military, the one thing you can always do is NETWORK. Networking is all about meeting people and building relationships. Maintain relationships with buddies who have entered the corporate world and build relationships with contractor and government personnel you may come in contact with. Join professional organizations and social organizations.

For those of you coming to the end of your time in the military, the first step in your job search is to determine when you will be available to begin working and do you plan to work on terminal leave. Once you have an availability date, you can follow the general timeline below to conduct your job search.

1 Year to 6 Months Before Availability

• Determine the locations you are considering to live and work in.


• Research the companies and job opportunities in those locations.


• Attend job fairs and network with recruiters. (It’s too early to hand out resumes)

6 Months to 3 Months Before Availability

• Attend your base’s Transition Assistance classes.


• Write your resume. (Most bases have a resume writing workshop)


• Obtain documentation of your security clearance.


• Invest in a professional suit for interviewing.


• Practice interviewing with someone who will give you constructive criticism. (Some bases provide practice interview sessions)

Your Interview Window, 3 Months or Less

• Send your resume to prospective employers


• Post your resume on multiple websites


• Tell everyone in your network, including family and friends, that you are looking for a job and share your resume with them.


• Contact military recruiting firms to assist you with your job search.

Right now you’re probably thinking that 3 months is not enough time to find a job. Don’t worry, it is plenty of time, especially if you planned ahead and prepared. Also, most recruiters will tell you they don’t even consider a resume unless the person is within 60 to 90 days of their availability date.

Good luck with your job search preparations. Keep in mind, the only people who don’t find jobs are the ones who aren’t looking. Feel free to send me any questions or comments.