Title:Targeting a Defense Contractor Job
Author:Barbara Adams, Federal and Military Job Transition Expert
Date:October 2018
Source:www.militaryresumewriters.com and www.careerproplus.com
If you want to land with an excellent defense contracting position after your separation, the best time to start targeting companies is before you leave the military. Networking is still the absolute best way to get an inside track with employers. Chances are good that you interact and work with with defense contractor representatives on a regular basis. Tapping these resources is a good starting point for learning about the specific positions that you'd like to target.
Ask your contacts to introduce you to others in their organizations and find out what positions fit your military background. Meet lots of people. It's not at all unusual for even large companies to create a position to accommodate a valuable candidate.
Of course, you'll also need to do some homework. Here are a few tips to help you with the process:
- Research — You'll want to know as much as you can about the companies you target. Most defense contractors are publicly traded, so there's a wealth of information. Check the websites and look in the investor relations section for annual reports or do an EDGAR search with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You'll find financial results and a lot of insight on company goals and direction.
- Check the Culture — Talk with your contacts and take a Look at glassdoor.com for company reviews. Get a sense of the organization's ethics and work environment. There's more to a career than compensation and a comfortable "company fit" is important for your success.
- Refine Your Resume — The days of "one size fits all" resumes are long gone. Your resume should be tailored for the job and the company that you're targeting. You'll have to squeeze your military career into a tight 2 page format that encapsulates your achievements and stands out from the competition.
- Mention your security clearance — A current security clearance increases your value for many defense contractor positions. The federal government's processing backlog for security clearance stood at over 700,000 earlier this year. Processing times for Defense Department contractors now extend to a year and a half.4 If you have a current military security clearance, it's generally good for 2 years after your separation. Current clearances are also comparatively easier to reinstate, so make sure to include this information on your resume.
- Practice — Anticipate the conversation and practice before you interview with a prospective company. If you've done your homework ahead of time, you'll have some allies inside who can provide insights about the process.
Military Transition Assistance from CareerPro Global
If you're planning a military transition, your timing for finding a great career in the defense industry couldn't be better. But, even with high demand for qualified candidates, the process of targeting positions, making contacts, and sending out resumes can be daunting. CareerPro can provide lots of assistance with your job search, including overseas contractor resumes, veteran transition coaching, and military-to-contractor resumes. It's easy to get started. Just give CareerPro Global a call for a free career consultation.
