Success after uniformed service isn’t about luck — it’s about preparation, clarity, and relationships. Whether you’re building your network, refining your résumé, or preparing for the all-important (and often-stressful) interview, small, consistent improvements can make an enormous difference.

These pro tips are designed to help you translate your experience, stand out to employers, and move forward with confidence. Want more? Visit MOAA’s Transition and Career Center for dozens of free articles, a list of upcoming events, and member-exclusive resources.

[RELATED: Take Your Next Step With MOAA’s Job Board]

Networking Pro Tips

1. Lead with curiosity, not a pitch. Ask thoughtful questions before talking about yourself.
   
   
2. Be specific. Ask for guidance, not a job. “Who should I talk to?” beats “Let me know if you hear of anything” every time.
   
   
3. Quality over quantity. A few strong relationships matter more than thousands of LinkedIn connections.
   
   
4. Follow up. Personalize your message and reference the conversation (and do it within 24 to 48 hours).
   
   
5. Give before you get | Build before you need it. Share resources, insights, or introductions without keeping score.
   
   
6. Translate your story. Prioritize results over rank.
   
   
7. Your reputation travels. Be professional, prepared, and respectful — always. And remember to pay it forward.
   
   
8. Consistency wins. Networking is a habit, not a one-time event.

[MORE TIPS: Networking]

Résumé Writing Pro Tips

1. Match the moment. Tailor every résumé to the job posting.
   
   
2. Show the results. Use numbers and outcomes whenever possible.
   
   
3. Performance over position. Lead with impact, not just job titles.
   
   
4. Stay user-friendly. Keep your layout clean and scannable (white space matters).
   
   
5. Speak plainly. Avoid military or internal jargon. Write for civilians.
   
   
6. Double check. Proofread the material twice (and ask someone else to proofread once).
   
   
7. Format matters. Make it a PDF unless told otherwise.
   
   
8. Ask a simple question. “If I were the hiring manager, would this résumé clearly show why I should interview this person?” If the answer isn’t an immediate yes, revise.

[MORE TIPS: Résumé Writing]

Interviewing Pro Tips

1. Do your homework. Research the role, organization, and interviewer(s).
   
   
2. Show impact, not just duties. Prepare strong stories using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This keeps your answers focused and results-driven instead of rambling.
   
   
3. Short and strong. Practice concise, confident answers, and ask thoughtful, strategic questions.
   
   
4. Bridge the gap. Translate military experience into civilian language.
   
   
5. Stay true to core principles. Emphasize leadership, mission focus, and accountability.
   
   
6. Do the math. Highlight quantifiable impact (people, equipment, budgets, outcomes, etc.).
   
   
7. Rapport matters. Interviews are not interrogations, they’re conversations about fit, value, and potential.
   
   
8. Follow up. Reference your experience with a professional note (within 24 hours).

[MORE TIPS: Interview Prep]

One Tip for the Road

Career transitions are marathons, not sprints. Transitioning professionals who succeed and land their ideal dream job aren’t always the loudest or most connected — they’re the ones who show up prepared, follow through, and continuously invest in their growth.

Keep building relationships before you need them, tell your story with impact, and remember: Your service built the foundation — now, it’s time to build the future.