Do NOT divulge personal or health details. They can only hurt you, and knowing about them puts your potential employer in an awkward position (potential discrimination, potential lawsuit, uncomfortable all around.)

Find a way to (truthfully) state that you left your last job due to circumstances beyond the your control (and beyond the control of your former employer.) Say good things about your former employer and your former position. Talk about supervisors you respected, goals you achieved, and skills you built.

Then, explain your job search. Why now? Are things different? Maybe you have dealt with and squared away some unexpected challenges, so your life is all settled and you can focus on work. Why not go back? Maybe your old job is gone, or no longer the right fit. Do you want a change? Fresh start? Shorter commute? New challenge? A chance to build new skills?

Do some research to find employers who hire a lot of ex-military. Some industries and businesses are more veteran-friendly and have better benefits. You might try the pharmaceutical industry (some companies are amazingly friendly to veterans) and telecommunications, in addition to local, state, and federal government (if those are nearby.)

Don't wait on the temp agencies, but DO use their facilities to learn new skills, expand on old ones, and find out what employers are looking for.

Scour job postings and pull phrases from them to use in your resume.

Go to your local Gilda's Club to connect with other cancer survivors--having people to talk to helps.

Volunteer, too. It will boost your confidence AND give you something to add to your resume. Find yourself a project (that someone needs help with) and take it on. That way, you are demonstrating "initiative," and "leadership," and "organizational ability," and "teamwork." Any volunteer work you do that brings in money or reduces expenses for an organization is especially useful. It gives you a chance to quantify how your efforts made a difference.

You can't control everything, but you can control how you present yourself, and you can put yourself out there in some fashion, doing something--anything--even if it is small.

Hi Diane - I am sorry, was so tired when I responded. I am from there, so do not know why I put Delaware. I should be ashamed of myself to not typing - DC/Maryland/Virginia for DMV. So as mentioned have tons of contacts back there, not just at Workforce Development. So would love to connect you if you decide. Just had to visit my father who is ill from Laurel, Maryland. So got to have so great crabs. So keep your head up and God knows what you need, and is always right on time. It is not by chance that the people including Genevieve and myself responded back to you.

Diane - Job Case is really a great site, and there are many people who care, so please continue to reach out if you need or want. I love the site because it is so user friendly, and I feel like people are comfortable asking for support and resources for their career. We are glad that you were willing to share your background as well. Have a blessed day and we look forward to hearing from you.

Hi Diane - I would love to touch base with you. I think by DMV, you mean Delaware, Maryland, Virginia area? If so, please contact me I was a BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure/ Career Advisor for the Workforce Development Corporation in Maryland for about 10 or 11 months. I would love to provide suggested contacts and resources there if you would like. Even it it's not in the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia area I would be more than happy to email other suggestions. I also have some other Workforce contacts on the East Coast that could be helpful. Look up Kathryn Troutman of The Resume Place as well. I was certified under The Ten Steps to a Federal Resume, but it expired. However, she and her company are a great resource. If you would like to talk more please email me at changetoday4u@gmail.com. Please let us know how it's going.

Hello Diane, Thank you for being a part of our Jobcase community! I did a search in your area and found this DMV clerk position available. Take a look and you can apply if you are interested in it.

You may also continue your search by using the following steps: 1.Click on “Jobs & Companies” at the top of the page 2.Enter a job into the search field that says “Position” 3.Click on the blue button to search for that position in your area 4.Once the list is up, click on the title of any you are interested in to apply. Please let me know if you need any further assistance!