1) Key Words Included In Resume

• Sit down and write key words that a recruiter would search for if they were looking for someone with your skillset.
• Incorporate those words into your resume.
• This is an important step because recruiters use key word searches to find candidates.

2) Post your resume on LinkedIn, Indeed, Zip Recruiter, Monster, ClearanceJobs.com, etc.  LinkedIn, in particular, offers up to one year of free LinkedIn Premium for transitioning service members.

3) Target Yellow Ribbon Companies

• Minnesota Yellow Ribbon Companies Website: http://mnbtyr.ng.mil/Pages/Yellow-Ribbon-Companies.aspx
• Most states have a Yellow Ribbon Company Page so just search your state and yellow ribbon.

4) Once you apply to a job on a company system or through a job posting site, go to LinkedIn or call a recruiter that you know to get contact information for an internal recruiter for the company that you have just applied to. Then send that internal recruiter a message letting them know that you applied, what the job title is, and that you are a veteran who is interested in working with their company. Be bold enough to ask directly for an interview.

5) Don’t keep your job search quiet. Spread your resume out to family and friends. Let them know what you are looking for in a new role. The more people involved in your job search, the better!

6) Always network! Join Clubs, Teams, VFWs, Non-Profit Organizations, etc. This is healthy for our human nature to connect with others but also can greatly speed up your job search by increase the number of people aware of your search.

7) Understand that this process takes time. Don’t submit 5 - 10 resumes and give up. It is going to take time to find the right role for you so keep your chin up and always keep pushing forward.

8) Be your own biggest advocate! This is not the time to be modest. This is the time to be the best sales person you can be for yourself.