Down Range: A Transitioning Veteran's Career Guide to Life's Next Phase

Table of contents

1. Cover
2. Title Page
3. Copyright
4. Introduction: You Have Everything They Need
5. Chapter 1: Transition Your Mindset: It's a Brand New Mission
   1. Scale and Variety
   2. Hierarchy versus Flatness
   3. Mission-Driven versus Profit-Driven
   4. Service versus Employment
   5. Intrusion versus Privacy
   6. Constant duty versus On the Clock
   7. Learning the Language
6. Chapter 2: Translating the Values You Bring to Business
   1. LOCKED
7. Chapter 3: Before You Step Outside the Wire, Determine Your Objective
   1. The Six Steps of Planning
   2. The Planning Horizon
   3. The Career Key Areas
8. Chapter 4: Identify the Threats
   1. Six Steps of Planning
   2. Threat #1: You!
   3. Threat #2: Your Virtual Signature
   4. Threat #3: OPSEC and Recruiters
   5. Threat #4: Flat Hierarchy and Fit
   6. Threat #5: Language and General Knowledge
   7. Threat #6: Civilian Misperceptions and Stereotypes
   8. Threat #7: Resumes
   9. Threat #8: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATSs)
   10. Threat #9: Interviews
9. Chapter 5: Identify Your Resources
   1. Six Steps of Planning
   2. Veterans' Benefits
   3. Leadership Training
   4. Dual Career Option
   5. Networking, Mentors, Coaches, and Recruiters
10. Chapter 6: Evaluate Lessons Learned
    1. Six Steps of Planning
    2. Translating Job Titles
    3. Researching the Opportunity and the Company
    4. Consider Timing
    5. Play the Field
    6. Establish Career Progression
    7. Go or No-Go
11. Chapter 7: Develop a Course of Action
    1. Six Steps of Planning
    2. Maria's Story: Getting Started
    3. The Course of Action
    4. Red Team Your Plan
    5. Career Contingency Planning
12. Chapter 8: Selling the Most Important Commodity: You!
    1. Your Value Arsenal—Demonstrations of Effectiveness
    2. LOCKED—Leadership
    3. LOCKED—Organization
    4. LOCKED—Communication
    5. LOCKED—Knowledge
    6. LOCKED—Experience
    7. LOCKED—Discipline
    8. Draft Your Targeted Value Proposition
13. Chapter 9: Interview to Win!
    1. Preparing for an Interview
    2. What to Expect in an Interview
    3. Interview Questions
    4. Negotiating an Offer
14. Chapter 10: Down Range: Put Your Career Plan into Action
    1. Rising Opportunities for Veterans
15. Appendix A: The Six Steps of Planning
16. Appendix B: Career Planning Worksheet
17. Appendix C: Example Career Plan
18. Appendix D: Resume Construction Template and Tips
    1. Resume Tips
19. Appendix E: Cover Letter Template and Tips
20. Appendix F: Getting Noticed on an ATS Query
    1. Step 1
    2. Step 2
    3. Step 3
    4. Step 4
    5. Step 5
21. Appendix G: Practice Interview Questions Bank
    1. The STAR Method
    2. Behavioral Practice Questions
22. Appendix H: Interview/Opportunity Preparation Checklist
    1. Preparation for an Interview
    2. Materials for an Interview
    3. Interview
    4. Follow-up
23. Appendix I: Men's Interview Attire and Grooming Checklist
24. Appendix J: Women's Interview Attire and Grooming Checklist
25. Appendix K: Summary of Veterans' Career and Transition Resources
26. Appendix L: LinkedIn Tips
27. Appendix M: List of Common Threats, Resources, and Lessons Learned to Consider While Planning Your Career
28. Appendix N: List of Action Verbs for Use in Demonstrations of Effectiveness
29. Appendix O: Additional References and Information Resources
    1. Veteran Support and Benefits Websites
    2. Books
    3. Recommended General Business Books
30. Appendix P: Recommended Tasks to Include in Your Career Course of Action
31. Appendix Q: Tips for Preparing Questions to Ask an Interviewer
32. Index