Military Careers, Second Careers - Marine Corps Times

Read to succeed

Your transition is approaching, and you’re lagging a little in getting that post-military job hunt off the ground. Or maybe you’re not entirely convinced life as a civilian is right for you.

One of the following guides could provide just the charge you need to decide — and to start down the path to a great new career.

‘Military to Federal Career Guide: Ten Steps to Transforming Your Military Experience into a Competitive Federal Résumé’

Kathryn Kraemer Troutman has done her homework when it comes to getting a job with the federal government. She’s also written “Ten Steps to a Federal Job” and “The Federal Résumé Guidebook.” In “Military to Federal Career Guide,” she teaches you to look to your network — figuring out who you already know who works in government. You analyze where you’ll fit within the system, read sample vacancy announcements, focus your résumé and, finally, prepare for the interview. A CD-ROM includes sample federal résumés.

(2006, The Résumé Place, $38.95, paperback)

‘Excuse Me, Your Job is Waiting: Attract the Work You Want’

The problem with a lot of job seekers is that they job-hunt backward, writes hiring expert Laura George. Instead, you need a “value-driven approach” to broaden your opportunities. George emphasizes ways of showing your versatility and determines that a positive attitude is one of your best attributes.

(2007, Hampton Roads Publishing Co.; $16.95, paperback)

‘One Person/Multiple Careers: A New Model for Work/Life Success’

The “slash effect” — that’s what author Marci Alboher calls Americans’ growing tendency to change gears midcareer. She offers profiles of people who’ve succeeded in multiple roles and tips for creating marketing materials, honing new skills while still doing an old job and managing your time in order to make a smooth switch.

(2007, Warner Business Books; $14.99, paperback)

‘From Army Green to Corporate Gray: A Career Transition Guide for Army Personnel’

The authors are Retired Army Reserve Major Carl S. Savino and Ronald L. Krannich, and their classic transition guide may look familiar. It dispels job-search myths and teaches you to get organized, identify your skills, create great résumés and use your personal network. It’s also handed out in transition classes, so likely you know someone who’s got a copy. If you can’t get enough of this book, there’s an expanded, 486-page version titled “Military Transition to Civilian Success,” which you can buy for $21.95.

(2002, Competitive Edge Services, paperback)

‘Military Education: A Reference Handbook’

This book in the “Contemporary Military, Strategic, and Security Issues” series is all business. Author Cynthia A. Watson starts with the history and evolution of professional military education; describes current curricula, colleges and classifications; and identifies individuals key in creating the military education system as it exists today.

(2007, Praeger Security International, $54.95, hardcover)

‘Change Your Career: Transitioning to the Nonprofit Sector’

Laura Gassner Otting says you can opt out of bottom-line-driven corporations to do some good in the world. She examines traditional notions of working for nonprofits and declares myths where she finds them. Not all nonprofits are small-town, one-person, fund-raising operations, you know. The author gives tips for a nonprofit job hunt and getting the job once you’ve got a lead.

(2007, Kaplan Publishing, $16.95, paperback)

‘150 Best Jobs Through Military Training’

In a book new this month, author Laurence Shatkin boils your career transition down to friendly numbers all divisible by five. It’s packed with facts, connecting 75 military jobs with 150 civilian careers. Shatkin includes 45 “best jobs lists,” including best pay, fastest growth and most openings.

(2007, JIST Publishing, $19.95, paperback)

‘Working With You Is Killing Me: Freeing Yourself From Emotional Traps at Work’

If you know you’re transitioning, consider this book preventive — there’s no sense getting a great new job if you let a bullying boss or frustrating co-worker get the best of you. Authors Katherine Crowley and Kathi Elster teach readers to take control of their emotions and take back their careers.

(2006, Warner Business Books, $14.99, paperback)

Win a Book

Military Times wants to know what you consider your dream job — for use in a future print or online career transition piece. In 100 words or less, describe what would make a job your dream come true. Include your name, rank if you’re in the military, unit, and a phone number where we can contact you. We’ll choose our favorite entries and give you the book featured in this article that we think suits you best.

Write to Decision Times Dream Job Contest, 6883 Commercial Drive, Springfield, VA 22159; or e-mail decisiontimes@militarytimes.com.