Twelve Months

Twelve months (one year) before the transition, be sure to do the following:

Task	Check If Done	Comments
Subscribe to post-military career publications to help prepare for a job after the military. If you know where you want to relocate, consider a subscription to the local newspapers.
Set a goal of doing one transition-related task each week (Research, contact head hunters, attend seminar/class/job fair, etc;)
Take inventory of your job skills/interests. Contact your baseπs education or transition office for assistance.
Begin researching your job market. Develop a career plan and include a list of potential employers in your field.
Research Reserve programs to continue to receive part-time benefits, earn future retirement and training in your field.
Start attending job fairs, networking and researching.
If you require additional education, training or certifications, this is the time to do it.

Three Months

Three months before the transition, be sure to do the following:

Task	Check If Done	Comments
If you havenπt already started communicating with potential employers, youπll need to get started right away.
Receive your Verification of Military Experience and Training document. Put it in a Safety Deposit box for security. (Note: traditionally, military have been advised to file such a document with county courthouses, but todayπs threat of Identity Theft makes that a dangerous option as most courthouses file public documents online. Check out USBAπs ID Theft Assist program for members.
If you are considering Federal employment, use your transition office services to write a Federal resume. Explore special federal programs and hiring opportunities for veterans.
Continue networking.
Make follow up phone calls to check if your resumes have arrived and to determine the companysπ timelines for reviewing resumes, interviewing people and decisionmaking.
Check with your Local Employment Veteransπ Representative for job opportunities.
If you havenπt converted your SGLI to civilian insurance, this is the time to research and apply. Contact USBA at http://www.usba.com/contact.asp or call us at 1-800-368-7021 for help in choosing the right plan for you and your family.
Start putting together your wardrobe for interviewing and working in the civilian world.

Two Months

Two months before the transition, be sure to do the following:

Task	Check If Done	Comments
Continue to send out your resume and include in your cover letter the date you intend to relocate to the area.
Verify your DD 214 with your separation office prior to starting terminal leave.

One Month

One month before the transition, be sure to do the following:

Task	Check If Done	Comments
Visit the area to which you plan to relocate. Attend area job interviews and fairs.
Several government agencies offer special loans and programs for veterans. Check with both federal VA office and the state VA office where you live to familiarize yourself with available opportunities.
If you are unemployed, you may qualify for unemployment compensation once you are a civilian. See your local state employment office for eligibility and how to apply.