The landscape of employment is evolving. More people are swapping their office desks for home setups, and this shift towards remote work is not just a fleeting trend. Especially for veterans, who have dedicated a part of their lives to service, returning to the civilian workforce can pose unique challenges – and opportunities. Remote work might just be the bridge that helps make this transition smoother.
Remote jobs allow veterans to set their own pace. No strict office hours, no commute, just a space where they can balance work with their personal lives. This kind of flexibility can prove to be a game-changer, especially for those adjusting to a new rhythm of life outside the military. The shift from military to civilian life isn’t always straightforward. It’s more than just a career change; it’s a lifestyle change. By working remotely, veterans can take things one step at a time without the pressure of immediately adapting to a new work environment.
Not all veterans come back in the same condition they left. Some return with new physical or mental disabilities, and remote work opens doors for them, too. Working from a comfortable environment, possibly tailored to their needs, can make all the difference in their professional journey.
List of Top Remote Jobs Suitable for Veterans
1. IT and Cybersecurity Specialist:
Veterans often acquire advanced technical training, especially in fields related to intelligence, security, and defense. Using the expertise from their service roles, veterans can excel as IT and Cybersecurity Specialists in the corporate sector. Their disciplined and meticulous approach makes them adept at managing and countering cybersecurity threats, regardless of location.
2. Project Manager:
Leadership is a standout skill that veterans bring with them from their time in service. The experience of managing teams and resources and ensuring mission success translates effortlessly into the business realm. In remote project management roles, veterans can oversee diverse teams and projects, ensuring objectives are met on time and within the budget.
3. Data Analyst:
During their service, many veterans have been exposed to roles that require strategic decision-making based on data. Their ability to gather, analyze, and derive meaningful insights from data makes them well-suited for roles as data analysts. Many can interpret complex datasets to provide business-critical insights and drive informed decisions.
4. Customer Support Representative:
Clear and effective communication is a hallmark of many veterans, having been essential during their service. This positions them exceptionally well for customer support roles where they can address concerns, provide solutions, and ensure clients or customers have a satisfactory experience, even remotely.
5. Technical Writer:
Documentation and a clear conveyance of complex information were often essential during a veteran’s service. Those with experience in drafting manuals, procedures, or any form of technical documentation can smoothly transition into technical writing roles. In these roles, they craft user manuals, guides, and other documents that help users navigate and understand products or services.
Sign up as job seeker with the Inclusively platform to check real-time job postings suitable for the veteran community.
Tips for Veterans Applying for Remote Positions
- Translating Military Experience into Civilian Job Skills:
Veterans possess a myriad of skills gained during their time in service, many of which are valuable in the civilian job market. However, it’s crucial to present these skills in a way that civilian employers can understand and appreciate. Focus on highlighting leadership roles, project management, teamwork, technical proficiencies, and decision-making abilities. Use more universally understood terms instead of military jargon or abbreviations. For instance, instead of mentioning you were a “squad leader,” you might say you “led a team of 10 in high-pressure situations.”
For more, check out Inclusively’s Ross Barchacky, featured on Put Veterans to Work Podcast.
- Building a Strong Online Presence:
With the shift to remote work, a significant part of job recruitment and networking occurs online. It’s essential for veterans to have updated professional profiles on platforms like LinkedIn. Ensure your profile clearly showcases your skills, accomplishments, and work history. Furthermore, join groups related to your desired industry or position, participate in relevant discussions, and share insightful content highlighting your expertise.
- Networking with Other Veterans in Desired Industries:
A strong community of veterans has successfully transitioned to civilian roles. Connect with them. They can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and even job referrals. Many organizations and online platforms are dedicated to helping veterans in their job search, so take advantage of these resources.
- Preparing for Virtual Interviews:
Remote positions usually mean virtual interviews. Ensure you’re prepared with a quiet, well-lit space free from interruptions. Test your computer’s camera and microphone ahead of time. Dress professionally, as you would for an in-person interview. Research the company beforehand, be ready to discuss how your military skills translate to the role you’re applying for, and practice answering common interview questions. Also, prepare a set of questions to ask the interviewer—it shows your interest in the role and the company.
Veterans bring a wealth of experience and dedication to any role. With the right preparation and presentation of their unique skills, they are well-positioned to thrive in the growing remote job market.
Resources for Veterans Seeking Remote Work
Veterans have the discipline, dedication, and skills that many employers seek. With the right resources and support, they can find rewarding remote careers that honor their service and provide a fulfilling next chapter in their professional journey. Here are some of the resources:
- Online Job Platforms Dedicated to Veterans:
There are several online job boards and platforms tailored specifically for veterans. Websites like Hire Heroes USA, Veteran Jobs Mission, and Military.com offer job listings, resume-building tools, and career advice. These platforms understand the unique skill sets that veterans bring to the table and match them with companies that value those skills.
- Career Counseling Services for Veterans:
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging. Career counseling services can provide guidance on how to navigate this change. Organizations like VetJobs and the Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program offer personalized counseling, helping veterans identify their skills, set career goals, and prepare for job interviews.
- Webinars and Workshops Focused on Remote Work Skills:
As the remote work environment differs from traditional office settings, there are specific skills and tools that can enhance productivity and communication. Many organizations offer webinars and workshops tailored for veterans to help them adapt to this style of work. Topics might include mastering virtual communication tools, time management techniques for remote work, and understanding the nuances of digital teamwork.
- Veterans’ Networks and Communities Promoting Remote Job Opportunities:
The power of community can’t be underestimated. Networks like American Corporate Partners (ACP) and Veterati connect veterans with mentors in their desired industries. These communities often have job boards, networking events, and forums where members share job openings, advice and success stories. Being part of such a network can significantly increase a veteran’s chances of finding a suitable remote position.
Conclusion
Remote work presents a unique and transformative opportunity for veterans as they transition from service to civilian life. The flexibility, adaptability, and diverse range of roles available in the remote workspace align well with the skills and experiences veterans have honed during their time in the military. Whether it’s leveraging leadership qualities, strategic thinking, or technical skills, the virtual work environment offers a platform where these attributes can be applied effectively and meaningfully.
Furthermore, the essence of remote work can sometimes mirror the decentralized environments veterans are accustomed to, making it a familiar ground. The challenges they faced and overcame during their service have equipped them with resilience, dedication, and a problem-solving mindset, all of which are invaluable in any remote position.
However, the journey from the military world to the civilian workspace is not without its hurdles. It’s a path that demands understanding, patience, and sometimes a bit of guidance. For this reason, it’s crucial for veterans to know that they’re not alone in this journey. Numerous dedicated resources, platforms, and communities exist with the sole purpose of aiding veterans in finding their footing in the civilian job market, especially within the realm of remote work.
