LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Transitioning from military life to civilian life can be a struggle for a number of veterans, especially when it comes to landing a job.
“I didn’t really know what to expect for an interview," said Douglas Williams. “We do have enough military interviews, but they’re quite different.”
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Williams spent more than 20 years in the Air Force. When he retired, he had a tough time finding a job.
“It’s a combination of a lot of factors, to be honest," he explained.
"It’s knowing how to properly translate the military skills and experience into terminology that recruiters and employers can understand,” added Williams. “It’s also incredibly difficult to know what positions you might be competitive for.”
Williams linked up with Work for Warriors, a free job placement program for those in the military, veterans and their families.
Toni Giddens, the program manager says, veterans have specific skills companies are looking for.
“The leadership skills, the management skills, the ability to work under pressure in very stressful situations to the ability to be a teammate in a very diverse workforce,” she said.
Giddens says, more businesses are hiring again.
“We on average see about 10 to 12 hires a month. Last month we had 20 and in the heart of this pandemic that’s really really good,” she said.
Williams is now the veteran coordinator for the State of Nevada and credits part of his success to Work for Warriors. His advice to veterans looking for work is to be patient and never give up.
“I think one of the most important things is to just reach out and get connected to as many organizations, and groups and individuals as you can," he said.
"That networking competent is so critical and it’s so important."
Work for Warriors is a free job placement program for those in the military, veterans and their families.
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If you have a job available or you’re looking for work, resume help, and more visit the Work for Warriors website at workforwarriorsnv.org.
If you have a veteran you want us to feature, send us an email at veteransvoice@ktnv.com.
Veteran's Voice is sponsored by Lexus of Henderson and Lexus of Las Vegas.
