Top 5 Mistakes Transitioning Service Members Make
Don’t Let These Trip Up Your Transition
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🪖 Top 5 Mistakes Transitioning Service Members Make
How to take control of your transition!
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🪖 Top 5 Mistakes Transitioning Service Members Make
Let’s be real, nobody gets a do-over on their military transition. You either prepare early and win... or scramble late and settle. After meeting with hundreds of TSM’s over the years, here are the top 5 mistakes I see made:
1. Waiting Too Long to Start
Thinking “I have time” is the fastest way to run out of it. Whether it’s SkillBridge, VA claims, or figuring out what you actually want to do, starting early gives you options. Perfect example, I was told for months before I left the military to file a BDD VA claim. Take a guess at what I didn’t do? At this point I have been out for almost a year and am still not rated.
🗓 Tip: Transition planning can start as soon as you join. Play the long game of where do I want to be in 5 years and work back to 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, and so on…
2. Thinking Rank = Relevance
That O-5 or E-8 title? Civilians don’t know what it means. Focus on your impact, not your rank. Translate leadership, operations, and problem-solving into language hiring managers understand.
📄 Tip: Some solid advice is to have a trusted friend out of the military read your resume. Even better if they aren’t a veteran! If they don’t get it, neither will a recruiter.
3. Applying Blindly to SkillBridge Roles
Not all SkillBridge internships are created equal. Some are glorified “observe and shadow” gigs with no structure or hire plan. Vet the opportunity like it’s a real job, because it should be. Also remember, interviews are their for you as the candidate to ask questions as well!
🔍 Tip: Ask these 4 questions:
– What does a day in the life in this role look like?
– What is your current offer rate Post-SkillBridge?
– Is this role tied to a real open headcount or just a temporary slot?
– Who will I report to, and how often will we meet?
4. Ignoring Your LinkedIn Presence
Like it or not, LinkedIn is your digital first impression. No profile = missed opportunities. A half-baked one? Same result. Hiring managers do check. Make it count.
🔗 Tip: Add a photo, a strong headline, and a 3–5 sentence summary about what you’re looking for. Also sign up for LinkedIn Premium for free for a year!
5. Going It Alone
The most successful veterans ask questions, join communities, and surround themselves with people who’ve already done it.
🤝 Tip: Informational interviews are free. Do one a week. This also goes back to #4 and why a LinkedIn profile is a necessity!
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