Military to Civilian Career Transition

"I've never seen one like this" they said at LinkedIn when handing the below network map to me about 5 months before my retirement from the Army The colors are grouped by industry, location, role, veteran status, recruiters And I was VERY #intentional about growing my network You see...I learned at a job fair that I lacked industry knowledge & relationships (being told "no" 41 times in a row does that to you 😅) And so I 1 - kind of figured out what I wanted to do 2 - did some gap analysis on where I needed relationships 3 - conducted advanced searches to find people I had something (anything) in common with from those specific groups (colors on the map) 4 - sent them connection requests with a personal note Every Single Day Some didn't answer But all the ones on the map did And tucked away in that map are the conversations that led to my first and second post-military jobs But these connections also had something in common with me, so many engaged on my content...and helped me become a 2x Top Voice And brought the relationships that enabled me to create HireMilitary #quinnsights Look #Consistency is the key to LinkedIn success (there isn't an easy button) Consistently updating your profile (including updating pictures so we recognize you) Consistently posting content (so we know who the heck you are or what you do) -and- Consistently grow your network with people that care about the 💩 you talk about or things you work on My 5-10 minute recommendation to build social capital on LinkedIn? Send 10x connection requests every day Comment on 5+ posts Post 2-3x a week Thoughts? Questions? Did you do something similar?

If you’re not confident in what you bring to the table, don’t expect others to be. Hiring managers can tell if you’re not confident. It often sets the tone of the interview. Here are 6 proven ways to boost your interview confidence (that actually work): 1. Research Like A Pro - Don't just skim the company's website. - Learn about their history, products, and values. - The more you know, the more confident you'll feel. 2. Master Nonverbal Cues - Nod your head and lean in to show engagement. - Make eye contact and smile. - Research shows 55% of our message is body language. 3. Structure Your Stories - Use the STAR Method. - Provide specific examples. - This can help make your answers compelling and memorable. 4. Use Positive Affirmations - Tell yourself you're confident and capable. - Positive self-talk is proven to work. - Pump yourself up before the interview. 5. Make it a Conversation - Don’t just think about what to say next. - Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions. - Show engagement by making thoughtful responses and asking follow-up questions. 6. Practice Makes Confident - Practice answers to common questions. - Role-play with a friend, mentor, or trusted peer. - You’ll be prepared and more relaxed on the interview day. Each of these strategies can boost your confidence. And help you create a positive, memorable impression. Reshare ♻ to help your network w/ their job hunt. And follow me for more content like this.

8 Job Search Strategies That Actually Work For Career Changers: 1. Stop Leading With Your Past Most career changers say, "I spent 10 years in sales, but..." That immediately puts you in the wrong box. Instead, leverage your past experience to show your value. For example: “I translate years of record-breaking enterprise sales into product insights that boost revenue for SaaS teams.” Your past is context, not your identity. 2. Build A Bridge With Transferable Skills List 20 skills from your current role. Then match them to your target role's requirements. Example: Project management in teaching = coordinating cross-functional teams. Show hiring managers you already speak their language. 3. Create Before You Apply Want to break into marketing? Start a newsletter. Interested in product management? Build a simple app. One tangible project beats 100 applications. Proof of work eliminates the "you have no experience" objection. 4. Network Sideways, Not Up Don't just reach out to VPs and directors. Connect with people 1–2 years ahead in your target role. They remember the transition struggle and give better tactical advice. Plus, they're more likely to actually respond to your message. 5. Rewrite Your Resume For ATS Career changers fail ATS scans because they don’t leverage the right keywords in their resume. Use ResyMatch.io to identify keyword gaps from your resume that are in the job description. Update your resume with the skills you master. Upskill for the ones you don’t. 6. Tell A Story That Makes Sense Avoid using the "I want a new challenge" angle. Instead, provide context for why you are making the change. Example: “After helping 50+ teachers modernize their classrooms, I realized my passion is making technology accessible." This connects your past wins to your future impact. 7. Target Companies, Not Job Boards Make a list of 10–15 dream companies. Start networking with people in your target department with personalized messages about their background. Example: “I noticed you transitioned from marketing to product. I’d love to hear more about your journey!” This "reverse engineering" approach leads to more referrals. 8. Practice Your Pivot Story With AI Use AI to mock interviews and practice explaining your career change. Paste your 60-second pitch into ChatGPT or Claude and ask for tough follow-ups. Revise until every filler word disappears and your answers land like bullet points. ⬇️ Want to turn these 8 career change tactics into an actual job offer? 👉 Book a free 30-min Clarity Call and we’ll map this framework to your job search: https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r

After nearly 15 years in government, I’ve seen dysfunction. I’ve seen bureaucracy at its slowest. But I’ve never seen this: colleagues being let go without notice, badges deactivated while they’re out to lunch, entire teams gutted under the guise of “efficiency.” This isn’t just workforce reduction. It’s displacement with a smile. It’s “nothing personal” emails at 10pm on a Saturday. It’s morale by demolition. And here’s the thing—we didn’t come here for the paycheck. We came to serve. To help people. To make systems more human, more accessible, more just. And we’ve done it. Through budget freezes, shutdowns, and shifting political winds, we’ve shown up. Every day. But now? Every time I mistype my password, I wonder if I’ve been locked out for real. Every time a colleague hangs up the phone, we say “See you tomorrow,” with the full knowledge that we might not. And still—we stay. Not because we’re naïve, but because we believe. We believe in what public service can be, even when it’s breaking. But belief alone doesn’t translate on a civilian resume. So this is where you—our friends, colleagues, allies in the private sector—come in. 👉 If a federal employee reaches out for help transitioning into a civilian role, please understand: • Our resumes are long—because they have to be. We’re trained to write for compliance, not for recruiters. • Our job titles? Don’t map neatly to civilian roles. “Public Affairs Specialist” can mean ten different things. • Our language is bureaucratic—but our skills are real. Communications, crisis response, policy analysis, program leadership. It’s all there. We just speak a different dialect. So we need help translating. Not because we’re unqualified—but because the systems are different. And if you’re still in the private sector wondering how to help? Start here: ✅ Offer to review a federal friend’s resume ✅ Translate a job description or two ✅ Be a referral, a mentor, a second set of eyes ✅ Most of all: offer us grace This isn’t just about finding new jobs. It’s about finding our footing after watching institutions we served disassemble from the inside. Federal employees are not okay. We’re working under stress that is systemic and, frankly, strategic. But we’re still here. Still trying to make a difference. So if we reach out, we’re not looking for pity. We’re asking you to help us cross the bridge. We helped you navigate government once. We could use a hand now. #FederalWorkforce #JobTransitions #CareerChange #Disability #FederalGovernment

Job searching can feel like gloom and doom—but I want you to focus on a different rhyming word instead: BLOOM. Yesterday, I attended the North Carolina Museum of Art's Annual Art in Bloom opening day. I was inspired by the stunning floral arrangements on display, and I left feeling hopeful—reminded that growth happens when you nurture what’s already there. That got me thinking about how career growth works the same way. Here’s a framework you can use to keep momentum during a challenging job search along with some free job search resources: B.L.O.O.M. B – Brainpower your career Before you dive into a job search, the thought work comes first. Jumping straight into applications without a plan is like trying to navigate a new city without a map—you might get somewhere, but it won’t be efficient or strategic. 1. Build your target company list Use tools like Crunchbase and LinkedIn to identify companies that align with your career goals, values, and desired growth trajectory. Look beyond obvious names—consider companies that are scaling, have strong leadership, or are in industries where your expertise is in high demand. 2. Identify decision-makers Once you have your list, use platforms like Hunter and TheOrg to find the right contacts—executives, hiring managers, or functional leaders—so you know exactly who to connect with. 3. Leverage your centers of influence Think about mentors, colleagues, and past collaborators who can help open doors. Share your target company list with them and ask for introductions or guidance. Strategic referrals often get you further than cold outreach alone. L – Leverage your strengths Focus on what you do best. Make sure your resume, LinkedIn, and interviews highlight your unique value—not just a laundry list of responsibilities. See comment section for a resource on how to build out result rich resume bullet points. O – Optimize your brand Your personal brand is more than your resume. Share thought leadership, highlight achievements, and make it clear why you’re the right person for the roles you want. See comments for a white paper on how to write a LinkedIn profile. O – Organized strategy Treat your search like a project. Track applications, follow-ups, and networking opportunities. Small, consistent actions add up faster than sporadic bursts of activity. M – Move forward with confidence Job searches can be slow and unpredictable. Keep taking action, stay visible, and don’t let setbacks shake your belief in your skills and potential. Make daily and weekly outreach goals. **You should not be measuring how many jobs you are applying to each day. Instead, focus on decision-maker conversations.*** When you approach your career like this, you’re not just surviving the search—you’re planting seeds for growth and opportunity, and eventually, you bloom. 🌸

To all the job seekers diligently searching for a new job right now, I see you. I want to share my family's story, which includes a relevant strategy for today's job search that could help. My husband lost his job during the pandemic. At the time, layoffs and job searches were at a peak, similar to today's market. With a concentrated effort, my husband landed a new role in just 2 months. He did it without applying for hundreds of jobs or relying solely on job boards. In fact, he applied for just 3 jobs. He also convinced an organization in another province to hire him remotely (when the role was not originally a remote position). Here's how he did it: ✔️ Nailed down a clear and defined job target. He resisted the temptation to cast a wide net and focused on what he was good at and what he wanted to do. ✔️ Built a tailored and results-rich resume for his job target (yes, of course, I helped, but I also taught him how to own the customization process). ✔️ Created a job search plan with a daily schedule – and executed it. This included time for job search activities, plus personal and family time. The schedule kept him focused and moving forward, but not burning out. ✔️ Conducted lots of research and searched out decision-makers, mainly here on LinkedIn (we also ensured his profile was fully optimized). ✔️ Identified a well-suited opportunity that was not in our city, so he dug into the organization, found a person in his network who worked there, and reached out to that person. ✔️ Developed an internal champion for himself inside the target company. This person vouched for him, gave him inside intel, and helped him shine during the hiring process. ✔️ Ensured that his resume was given directly to the hiring manager (care of the internal contact) in addition to applying for the role online. ✔️ Prepared diligently for multiple interviews, including a well-thought-out pitch on how he could manage the role remotely (remember, this was at the start of the pandemic and not as popular as it is today). ✔️ Secured the offer! Job seekers today can benefit from a similar strategy, remembering to lean on your network. Relationships matter a lot during a job search! Tell everyone you know what you need and what you are good at. Seek out decision-makers. Foster your network. People hire people. #jobsearch #layoffs #laidoff

I was recently asked what I would do today if I were in the military and made the decision—or had the decision made for me—to transition out before retirement. Whether you’re in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard, my advice is the same. Here’s what I’d focus on to set myself up for success: 1️⃣ Eliminate Debt: I’d make getting out of debt a priority—everything except a mortgage. If possible, I’d pay that off too. Debt limits your options and can force you to compromise on critical decisions. Freedom from financial burdens creates flexibility. 2️⃣ Max Out My TSP Contributions: I’m a fan of Roth, but whether you choose Traditional, Roth, or a combination, the key is to save aggressively. Your future self will thank you. 3️⃣ Leverage Tuition Assistance (TA): If you don’t have a degree, get one. If you have a bachelor’s, pursue a master’s, and focus on something value-added to your goals. For those in tech, chase certifications with the same determination. TA covered 100% of my BA and MS when I was in the Marine Corps—take full advantage of it! 4️⃣ Network Relentlessly: Create a strong LinkedIn profile. Post 3+ times weekly about the field you want to enter—cybersecurity, business, defense contracting, etc. Attend seminars, trade shows, and any networking opportunities available. Respond when people reach out, and always follow up with a thank-you note. Networking isn’t just online; it’s face-to-face too. Build a large, strong network to maximize opportunities. 5️⃣ Document Everything: Complete and document your medical, dental, vision, and hearing appointments. Keep a copy too. 6️⃣ Protect Your Reputation: Finish strong. Nothing is more important than your last name and professional reputation. Stay 100% committed to your assignment. Dropping your pack in uniform will hurt your endorsements and recommendations. Excellence until the end sends a message: you’re someone worth investing in. 7️⃣ Weigh SkillBridge Thoughtfully: This is personal. I wouldn’t choose SkillBridge because I’m not interested in working for free. Instead, I’d save my leave and use those 60+ days to focus on my transition. PTAD/PTDY can also provide valuable time to reset. 8️⃣ Learn from Fellow Veterans: Reach out to those who’ve transitioned successfully. Ask questions, seek advice on resumes, interviews, starting a business, consulting, contracting, or government roles. Follow up and implement what you learn. 9️⃣ Plan Time Off: Whether you served 4 years or 20+, you’ve earned a break. Take time to decompress, reflect, and think clearly about your future. Be proud of your service—it’s a foundation for what comes next. What Did I Miss? This list reflects what I’d do, but I’d love to hear your thoughts. What would you add? Where do you disagree? To all of you who have served: thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Most veterans are switching careers arse about face. They're polishing CVs and firing them into the void. Then wondering why nobody calls back. Here's the reality: your CV is the last thing that matters. The most successful career switchers I know didn't get their breakthrough job from a job board. They got it because someone vouched for them. The game-changing approach: Research first. Really bloody research. Know the industry, the role, the company. Know what problems they're solving and how you can help solve them. Then find people who work there. LinkedIn, industry events, mutual connections. Have conversations. Not pitches. Ask questions. Show genuine interest. Learn. Most people are happy to help if you're not trying to sell them something. Only then do you think about applications. By this point, you're not a random CV in a pile. You're the person Sarah from the leadership team met at that event who asked smart questions about their digital transformation. You're the one who followed up with a thoughtful message about that article they shared. You're not a stranger anymore. And when that role comes up, guess whose name gets mentioned? Stop spraying and praying. Start building relationships. #veterans #careers #military

I’ve worked with so many students who are brilliant, but might not sound like it. They often ramble and stumble (if someone didn’t know them personally, they might label them as “not bright”). Here’s how I have trained 10,000+ students to sound smart (without faking it): 1. Speak in short, structured sentences Using big words and long sentences is the fastest way to lose credibility. People can see that you’re hiding behind jargon. So, instead: • Use short, declarative sentences • Pick simple, specific words • Structure your thoughts (“First... Second... Third...”) And here’s a bonus: pair your points with gestures (like holding up fingers). It increases your clarity, both verbally and nonverbally. — 2. Clarity = Competence Get to the point fast. Explain: • The problem • The solution • What you don’t know, and how you’ll figure it out That last one is underrated. Being able to say “Here’s what I don’t know (yet)” shows confidence, not weakness. — 3. Pay attention to your body gestures Avoid touching your face, fidgeting, or rubbing your neck during a conversation. These subconscious gestures signal “I’m nervous and unsure,” which erodes trust and credibility. . – 4. Want a confidence boost? Try this mindset: “I’m lucky.” Before a big meeting, pitch, or interview, try this: “I’m the perfect person for this. I’m lucky to be here, and they’re lucky to have me.” This mindset instantly upgrades your posture, tone, and energy. People trust those who believe in themselves. We trust people who feel lucky and capable. — 5. Know your story. Own your role. People with strong narrative identity—who know how their story fits into the moment—radiate confidence. Go in knowing: • What you bring • What do you want • How does this opportunity fit your bigger story — 6. One last tip: Nail the first impression. Before any big interaction, ask: “How can I be of service?” It instantly reorients your focus away from nerves, and toward connection. Whether you're in sales, therapy, leadership, or interviewing, that simple question builds warmth and trust. You don’t have to act smart. Speak clearly. Know what you know, own what you don’t, and bring presence and purpose into the room. That’s how you sound like the smart, capable person you already are.

The room decides in the first four minutes. Everything after that is confirmation. Most Directors and VPs know this and still walk in underprepared. Not because they did not try. Because they prepared the wrong things. I have watched Directors and VPs lose offers they were the right fit for because their preparation stopped at reviewing their resume and rehearsing answers in their head. Here is what actually moves the needle: 𝟭. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Most candidates research the company. Fewer research the specific problem the role was created to solve. Find out what is broken, what is missing, or what is being built. Walk in knowing what they need before they tell you. That is what separates a candidate from a solution. 𝟮. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 Most professionals prepare answers to expected questions. The stronger approach is to prepare five to seven stories that demonstrate leadership, impact, and judgment. A strong story adapts to almost any question. A prepared answer only works if they ask the right one. 𝟯. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 Thinking through your answers feels like preparation. It is not. How you sound in your head and how you sound in a room are two different things. Practice speaking out loud with someone who will give you honest feedback on delivery, not just content. 𝟰. 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝗸 The questions you ask communicate more about your seniority than most of your answers. Candidates ask about the role. Senior professionals ask about the challenge and what success looks like at the level above. Prepare questions that show you are already thinking there. 𝟱. 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 Most professionals end an interview by waiting to hear what happens next. The strongest end it by making clear they want the role and why they are the right fit right now. Those final two minutes are almost always what the panel remembers. Confidence is not something you feel before the interview. It is something you build before you walk in. Preparation is the only strategy that has ever reliably produced it. If something in this post felt timely, comment "CONFIDENCE". Together we will work through it.