Welcome!
Transitioning from military service to civilian life is one of the most important missions you’ll ever take on. This guide was built exclusively for servicemembers, veterans, and military families to help you navigate the career battlefield with confidence.
Inside, you’ll find quick-hit one-pagers packed with proven strategies, tips, and best practices — from resume building and interview prep to networking, certifications, and leveraging veteran hiring authorities.
Whether you’re separating, retiring, or exploring a new career path, Boots2Careers is here to support your next mission: building a successful civilian career that honors your service and unlocks your potential.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this Boots2Careers Career Success Guide a featured program of VAREP is provided for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, policies, benefits, programs, and resources may change over time
Readers are strongly encouraged to verify all information with official sources, including but not limited to the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and other federal, state, or employer-specific programs before making career, financial, or educational decisions.
This guide does not constitute legal, financial, or career counseling advice, nor does it guarantee employment outcomes. VAREP is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of this guide.
By using this resource, you acknowledge that responsibility for verifying and applying information rests with the individual.
D D Transition Assistance O Program (TAP) Timeline & Tracks
Goal: Know what to do, and when, from 12 months out to your first post-service job
Quick Plan
1.Start TAP no later than 365 days before separation; earlier if you can.
2.Complete DoD Transition Day, VA Benefits & Services, and DOL workshops.
3.Choose the most relevant two-day tracks (Employment, Education, C2E, Entrepreneurship).
4.Build your Career Readiness Standards (CRS) artifacts (resume, applications, etc.).
5.Schedule follow-ups with TAP staff and your local American Job Center
Start earlier than 365 days giving you time to complete the following:
Individualized Initial Counseling and Self-Assessment: This step helps you identify your unique needs and goals for the transition.
Pre-Separation Counseling: Receive a comprehensive overview of benefits, entitlements, and resources available to you and your family.
Exploring Career Pathways: Utilize programs like the Department of Labor's (DOL) Employment Fundamentals of Career Transition (EFCT) and Career and Credential Exploration (C2E) to identify potential career paths and the necessary training/credentials.
Develop a Viable Transition Plan: You can participate in workshops and receive personalized counseling to create a solid plan for your post-military life, whether it includes higher education, vocational training, or civilian employment
TAP Career Readiness Standards
Capstone Component
Goal: Finish TAP with proof you’re job-ready.
Quick Plan
CRS + ITP + Capstone = Success
Career Readiness Standards (CRS)
Build proof of job-readiness: resume, job applications, interview plan, financial plan. Keep everything organized in one folder or digital binder
Ask TAP staff to review early—don’t wait until the end.
Individual Transition Plan (ITP)
Treat it like your mission plan: goals, timeline, actions
Update it regularly as you refine your career path. Link every CRS artifact back to your ITP milestones.
Capstone Event
This is your “final check-ride” demonstrate completion of CRS and ITP. Come prepared with documentation; bring your updated resume and job app proof Use feedback as a launch pad, not just a box-check.
Pro Tip:
Start early, keep documents current, and think of CRS, ITP, and Capstone as one system This is your transitional GPS.
Translate Your Military Job to Civilian Roles
Goal:
Turn your MOS/AFSC/Rating into target civilian jobs
Quick Plan
Use a Translator Tool
Enter your MOS/AFSC/Rating into My Next Move for Veterans or your branch’s COOL site.
Review suggested civilian jobs, industries, and required skills
Identify Transferable Skills
Pro Tip:
Save occupation pages with keywords to use in resumes and interviews.
Translate military tasks into civilian results (e.g., “Led a squad of 10” → “Supervised a 10-person team responsible for daily operations and mission success”).
Practice explaining your role in simple language like you would to someone with no military background.
Leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, logistics, and technical expertise often carry over directly.
Write them in plain English, not acronyms.
Pick 3–5 Civilian Career Targets
Focus on industries that match your experience and interests.
Cross-check with O*NET or CareerOneStop to confirm growth and salary outlook
My Next Move for Veterans (O*NET crosswalks) – mynextmove.org/vets
DoD COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) – Convert MOS/AFSC/Rating to certs/licenses
CareerOneStop Skills Matcher – careeronestop.org
Master Resume - Then Tailor It
Goal:
Create a single, comprehensive “master file” of your experience, then customize based upon job.
Quick Plan
Start with a Master Resume
List all duty assignments, training, certifications, awards, and achievements. Include quantifiable results (e g , “Managed $2M in equipment with 0% loss”).
Translate Military to Civilian Language Swap acronyms for plain English. Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and technical skills employers recognize.
Tailor for Each Job
Match keywords from the job posting.
Highlight the 3–5 most relevant experiences. Keep private sector resumes to 1–2 pages; federal resumes are longer and more detailed.
Must-Know Resources
Veterans’ Resume Translator Tools –mynextmove.org/vets
CareerOneStop Resume Guide –careeronestop.org
USAJOBS Resume Builder (for federal applications) – usajobs.gov
Pro Tip:
Save occupation pages with keywords to use in resumes and interviews.
Translate military tasks into civilian results (e g , “Led a squad of 10” → “Supervised a 10-person team responsible for daily operations and mission success”).
Practice explaining your role in simple language— like you would to someone with no military background.
Target & Format Your Resume for Each Posting
Goal:
Make your resume pass both the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) scan and a hiring manager’s quick review by aligning it with each specific job.
Quick Plan
Study the Job Posting
Highlight keywords, skills, and required qualifications.
Look for repeated terms these matter most to the ATS.
Mirror the Language
Use the exact terms from the posting (e g , “project management” vs. “operations leadership”).
Place them naturally into your experience bullets.
Show Measurable Impact
Convert duties into accomplishments (e.g., “Reduced processing time by 30%” vs. “Processed paperwork”).
Format for ATS and Humans
Stick to simple fonts, no graphics or text boxes. Use clear section headings: Summary, Skills, Experience, Education.
Keep private sector resumes to 1–2 pages.
Pro Tip:
Create a separate tailored version for every application
Put the most relevant experience in the top third of the page.
Save as a Word doc and PDF—some systems prefer one over the other.
Keep a log of which version went to which employer
Civilian vs. Federal Resumes
(What’s
Different)
Goal:
Understand the two main resume formats Civilian (private sector) and Federal (government) so you present the right information in the right way.
Civilian Resume (Private Sector)
Length: 1–2 pages max.
Focus: Skills, results, and measurable achievements.
Format: Clean, easy to scan; no tables or graphics for ATS.
Style: Brief bullet points, strong action verbs, quantifiable results.
Federal
Resume
(USA JOBS)
Length: 4–6 pages typical (no page limit).
Focus: Full duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments.
Format: Highly detailed; includes supervisor info, hours/week, and full dates (MM/YYYY).
Style: Descriptive, keyword-rich, and aligned with the job announcement.
Must-Know Resources
USAJOBS Resume Builder –usajobs.gov
FedsHireVets Resume Tips –fedshirevets.gov
CareerOneStop Resume Guide –careeronestop org
Federal Hiring 101: Veterans’ Preference
Goal: Know what to do, and when, from 12 months out to your first post-service job.
Quick Plan
Confirm Your Eligibility
Veterans’ Preference applies to most federal competitive service jobs.
Key documents: DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and, if applicable, SF-15 with proof of service-connected disability.
Understand the Types of Preference
5-point Preference – Awarded for most active-duty service.
10-point Preference – Awarded for serviceconnected disability, Purple Heart, or other qualifying conditions.
Apply Through USAJOBS
Select jobs open to “Veterans” in the Hiring Paths filter.
Upload all supporting documents to your USAJOBS profile
Must-Know Resources
FedsHireVets gov – Official OPM guide to Veterans’ Preference USAJOBS Hiring Paths –usajobs.gov/Help/working-ingovernment/unique-hiring-paths/veterans Department of Labor Veterans’ Preference Guide – dol gov
Pro Tip:
Veterans’ Preference gives you priority in hiring, but it’s not a guaranteed job. Preference only applies in initial hiring not in promotions or internal transfers.
Carefully read the “Who May Apply” section of each job announcement
Combine Preference with special hiring authorities (VRA, VEOA, 30%+ Disabled) for best results.
Interview Skills (Behavioral & Technical)
Goal:
Show employers you’re the right fit by confidently answering questions and proving your skills
Quick Plan
Prepare Behavioral Answers
Employers want to know how you handled real situations. Use the STAR Method:
Situation – What was going on?
Task – What was your responsibility?
Action – What steps did you take?
Result – What was the outcome?
Get
Ready for Technical Questions
Review job posting to identify technical skills required. Prepare to explain your process and give examples of using those skills.
Practice Aloud
Rehearse answers with a friend, mentor, or mirror. Record yourself to check tone, clarity, and filler words.
Prepare
Questions for Them
Ask about team culture, leadership style, and success metrics.
Shows interest and preparation.
Must-Know Resources
VA Veteran Employment Toolkit – Interview Guide – va.gov/vetsinworkplace
CareerOneStop Interview Practice –careeronestop org
USO Pathfinder Transition Program –uso.org/pathfinder
Pro Tip:
Translate military terms into plain language – Keep jargon to minimum. Keep answers concise (2–3 minutes each).
Bring a few real success stories you can adapt to different questions. Practice for both phone/video interviews and in-person settings.
LinkedIn & Your Online Presence
Build a professional online profile that helps recruiters and employers find you—and trust what they see.
Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Headline: Go beyond “Veteran” → Example: “Project Manager | Veteran Leader | Logistics Expert”
About Section: 3–4 sentences highlighting your strengths, career goals, and achievements.
Experience: Translate military roles into civilian results with measurable impact.
Skills & Endorsements: Add top 10 skills relevant to your target jobs.
Grow Your Network
Connect with fellow veterans, former coworkers, mentors, and recruiters.
Join LinkedIn groups for veterans, industry associations, and alumni networks.
Engage & Stay Active
Share articles, comment thoughtfully, and celebrate others’ career wins.
Post updates about certifications, volunteer work, or professional milestones.
Clean Up Your Digital Footprint
Review other social media accounts—employers often check them.
Remove unprofessional photos, posts, or comments.
Pro Tip:
Use a professional headshot (simple background, business attire).
Claim your custom LinkedIn URL (e.g., linkedin.com/in/YourName). Ask for 2–3 recommendations from supervisors or colleagues. Check privacy settings to control what’s visible to employers.
Networking & Informational Interviews
Tap into the hidden job market—where 60–70% of opportunities are found—by building genuine relationships and learning directly from professionals in your target field.
Quick Plan
Map Your Network
List 20–25 people: fellow veterans, unit buddies, mentors, family, LinkedIn contacts. Add professional groups, alumni associations, and veteran service organizations.
Reach Out Professionally
Pro Tip:
Send a short, polite message (LinkedIn, email, or phone).
Practice a 30-second “career pitch” introducing who you are and what you’re aiming for Treat every conversation as a two-way street—not just about asking for help. Aim for consistency: one networking touchpoint per week. Join in-person veteran networking events, job fairs, and industry meetups. American Corporate Partners (ACP) – acp-usa.org (free veteran mentorship program)
Be clear: “I’m exploring careers in [field]. Could I schedule 15 minutes to learn from your experience?”
Conduct Informational Interviews
Prepare 5–7 smart questions about their career path, company culture, and industry trends. Take notes and ask if they can suggest 1–2 other people to connect with.
Follow
Up & Maintain Contact
Send a thank-you message within 24 hours. Keep them updated on your progress. Offer value back when possible (share articles, congratulate achievements, connect them to others).
Hiring Our Heroes Events – hiringourheroes.org Must-Know
LinkedIn Groups for Veterans – search “Veteran” + your industry
American Job Centers (AJC) & Priority of Service
Goal:
Access free, local career services—and move to the front of the line as a veteran or eligible spouse.
Pro Tip:
Ask specifically about veteranfocused workshops and employer hiring events.
Sign up for job alerts through your AJC portal.
Combine AJC services with VA programs like VR&E or GI Bill training. Stay in touch with your DVOP/LVER—they can connect you directly to employers.
Find Your Local AJC
Visit careeronestop.org/LocalHelp or call 1-877-US2JOBS.
Over 2,400 AJCs nationwide provide in-person and virtual support.
Check In as a Veteran
Bring your DD-214 or proof of service.
Ask for a DVOP (Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program Specialist) or LVER (Local Veterans’ Employment Representative).
Access Services
Resume workshops, career counseling, mock interviews.
Job search and employer connections.
Training referrals, apprenticeships, and credentialing help.
Leverage Priority of Service
Veterans and eligible spouses get first access to DOLfunded job training and career services.
You’ll be served earlier or before non-veterans when resources are limited.
Apprenticeships & OJT (with GI Bill Support)
Goal:
Earn while you learn—combine hands-on training with GI Bill benefits to launch a new civilian career
Quick Plan
Understand Apprenticeships & OJT
Apprenticeships: Structured programs blending classroom instruction with paid work experience. On-the-Job Training (OJT): Learn new skills directly in the workplace while drawing a paycheck.
Use Your GI Bill Benefits
The Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover a monthly housing allowance (MHA) and book stipends while enrolled in an approved program. Benefits start at 100% of MHA for apprenticeships and scale down as your wages increase.
Find Approved Programs
Search the VA WEAMS Institution Search for GI Billapproved apprenticeships and OJT.
Ask employers if their program is VA-approved (many unions, trades, and federal agencies are).
Apply & Certify
Once accepted, complete VA Form 22-1990 or 221995. Submit monthly certifications to continue receiving benefits.
Pro Tip:
Apprenticeships exist in skilled trades, IT, healthcare, cybersecurity, logistics, and more—not just construction. Some employers cover exam fees and additional credentials during training. Federal agencies and state governments often run approved OJT programs.
Combine OJT with COOL credentialing to maximize civilian recognition of your skills.
VA Apprenticeship & OJT Programs – va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/onthe-job-training-apprenticeships
CareerOneStop Apprenticeship Finder – careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-apprenticeships.aspx Department of Labor Apprenticeship.gov – apprenticeship.gov
Convert Your Training to Credentials (COOL)
Goal:
Turn your military training and experience into civilian-recognized certifications and licenses to boost your career prospects.
Quick Plan
Access Your Service’s COOL Site
Army COOL – cool.osd.mil/army
Navy COOL – cool.osd.mil/usn
Air Force COOL – airforcecool.af.mil
Marine Corps COOL – cool.osd.mil/usmc
Coast Guard COOL – cool.osd.mil/uscg
Search by MOS/AFSC/Rating
Enter your military job code.
Review civilian certifications and licenses aligned with your role.
Identify High-Value Credentials
Look for industry-recognized certs in IT, logistics, project management, healthcare, and skilled trades.
Check if exams and prep courses are covered by COOL funding or GI Bill reimbursement.
Apply for Funding
Many branches will pay for exam fees and materials if the credential links directly to your military job.
Submit requests through your branch’s COOL process before scheduling an exam.
Must-Know Resources
Pro Tip:
Use the Gap Analysis feature to see what you already qualify for vs. what you still need.
Credentials increase your competitiveness for civilian jobs and federal positions.
Stack certifications with apprenticeships or OJT to maximize hiring potential.
Start before separation so you can test while still in uniform.
Salary Negotiation & Evaluating Offers
Goal:
Secure the best possible total compensation package by understanding your value and negotiating with confidence.
Quick Plan
Do Your Research
Use sites like Salary.com, Glassdoor, and O*NET to check salary ranges for your role and location.
Factor in your experience, certifications, and leadership background.
Know the Full Package
Salary is just one part—consider healthcare, retirement contributions, bonuses, leave, training, and remote/hybrid flexibility.
For federal jobs, review the GS pay scale and locality adjustments.
Wait for the Offer
Don’t negotiate during the interview stage.
Let the employer bring up salary first whenever possible.
Negotiate Professionally
Express enthusiasm first, then make your case.
Use specific numbers: “Based on my experience and market research, I was expecting closer to $70,000.”
Aim for a win-win tone, not confrontation.
Pro Tip:
Practice your negotiation script with a mentor or peer. Be ready with 2–3 examples of how you’ve delivered measurable results. Always ask for the offer in writing before finalizing. It’s okay to ask for time (24–48 hours) to review the offer
Goal:
Virtual Interview Success
Master online interviews so you come across professional and confident through the screen.
Quick Plan
1 Tech Check – Test your camera, mic, and internet connection. Use a neutral background.
2 Lighting & Framing – Face a window or lamp; camera at eye level.
3 Dress the Part – Wear full interview attire, even if you’re at home.
4.Eliminate Distractions – Silence notifications, close other apps, and let others at home know.
5.Engage Naturally – Look at the camera when speaking, nod to show attentiveness.
A virtual interview is your digital first impression—treat it with the same professionalism as showing up in person. Mission Mindset
Pro Tip:
Have a backup plan (phone number or alternate platform). Place notes or your resume just out of frame. Practice with a friend over Zoom/Teams.
Common Pitfalls
Logging in late or fumbling with tech. Staring at yourself instead of the camera. Using a cluttered or noisy background.
Resources
CareerOneStop Virtual Interview Tips –careeronestop.org
VA Employment Toolkit –va.gov/vetsinworkplace
In-Person Interview Prep
Goal
Enter the room ready, confident, and structured
Quick Plan
1.Research the Employer – Know their mission, values, and recent news.
2.Practice STAR – Prepare 3–4 success stories using Situation–Task–Action–Result.
3 Know Your Resume – Be ready to explain every detail clearly.
4.Plan Questions to Ask – Show curiosity about role, team, and culture.
Pro Tips
Practice a 30-second “Tell me about yourself” pitch. Pause briefly before answering to stay concise. Bring a notebook and copy of your resume.
Resources
DOL TAP Employment Workshop – dol gov USO Pathfinder Transition Interview Coaching – uso.org
Common Pitfalls
Speaking in acronyms or military jargon. Over-explaining without results. Forgetting to ask thoughtful questions.
Mission Mindset
Think of the interview as a mission brief— deliver the key intel, prove your readiness, and inspire confidence in your new team.
Goal
Dress for Interview Success
Project professionalism and confidence through your appearance
Quick Plan
1.Match the Industry – Business suit for corporate; business casual for tech/creative; neat polos or khakis for trades.
2 Keep It Neutral – Solid colors, minimal patterns, clean shoes.
3.Grooming Counts – Hair neat, facial hair trimmed, nails clean.
4.Virtual Interviews – Dress fully professional top to bottom.
Resources
Dress for Success (nonprofit with style tips & clothing support) – dressforsuccess org Military OneSource Career Coaching –militaryonesource.mil
Pro Tips
Lay out your outfit the night before. Choose comfort without sacrificing professionalism Accessories should be minimal and non-distracting.
Common Pitfalls
Overdressing in a casual industry or underdressing in a formal one. Wearing distracting jewelry, logos, or fragrances
Forgetting posture and body language part of “dress” is presence.
Mission Mindset
Your appearance is your uniform for the civilian workforce wear it with pride, confidence, and respect for the opportunity
Portable Careers & Remote Work for Military Spouses
Goal
Build a career that can move with you, no matter the duty station.
Quick Plan
1.Research high-demand portable fields: IT, teaching, healthcare, HR, finance, digital marketing.
2.Upskill with certifications that transfer across states and industries
3 Explore remote and hybrid opportunities via vetted job boards.
Pro Tips
Consider freelancing or contracting for added flexibility Build a LinkedIn headline that markets your portability: “Remote-Ready Project Coordinator | Experienced Military Spouse”. Keep a “go-bag” of updated resume, references, and certifications for quick re-entry after moves.
Must-Know Resources
FlexJobs – flexjobs.com
VirtForce (Remote jobs for military spouses) –virtforce us DoD SkillBridge (for spouses of transitioning service members)
MyCAA:
Education & Training for Military Spouses
What It Is
The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship is a Department of Defense–funded program that provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance to eligible military spouses
Who Is Eligible
Spouses of active-duty servicemembers in pay grades:
E-1 to E-6
W-1 to W-2
O-1 to O-2
Must be able to start and finish the program while their military sponsor is on Title 10 active duty orders. Not eligible: Spouses of Coast Guard members, or of service members in the rank of E-7 and above, W-3 and above, or O-3 and above.
How to Apply
1.Create an account at MyCAA Portal.
2.Work with a SECO career coach to build an Education and Training Plan (ETP)
3.Submit the ETP for approval before enrolling in classes.
4.Funds are paid directly to the school or training provider.
What It Covers
Tuition for approved education and training programs that lead to:
A license (e.g., nursing, teaching)
An industry certification (e.g., CompTIA, PMP, medical coding) An associate degree in a portable career field
It does not cover: bachelor’s or master’s degrees, general studies, or courses not tied to a specific portable career.
STRENGTHENING CAREERS
We hope this guide has given you practical steps and confidence in navigating the civilian career battlefield whether through resume building, interview prep, networking, or leveraging veteran hiring programs.
Remember: your service gave you skills, leadership, and resilience that employers value. This guide is just the beginning—your new mission is building a successful civilian career that honors your service and unlocks your potential.