I had an awesome interview today.. Only problem is I have a past... 13 years old but I do. Seems I can't escape it and I spent time and family for it. I swear, paying for your crime does nothing for the rest of your life

So I have some advice for anyone interested. I am a 45 year old retiring military officer. I thought that I would have a difficult time finding employment once I retired so I started early and have successfully conducted multiple interviews and have several offers that I am negotiating. So my advice for anyone is get back to the basics. Many will ask what this means...first you have to do sit down and take the time to build a solid resume packet. This includes cover letters, skills inventories, a solid resume, any certifications, salary and benefit requirements, references, and most importantly a thank you letter. There are many websites that will help you organizae this information and even provide templates with your information already input. These are great tools, but after you have a template you need to edit it and put your own touch to it. Many employers get these templated resumes and can pick one out immediately, but the ones that stand out are more personalized. Once this step is complete begin your job search. Cater it to your slills, interests, and salary requirements. Before you apply research the company, if it still interests you personalize the cover letter and provide the cover letter and resume. Allow a week then follow up. Get prepared for any interviews early, and be prepared and ready to interview at a moments notice. After the interview be sure to follow up with a thank you note, and in that note thank them for their time, highlight why you would be an asset to their organization. Also remember, ask for the job, and let them know you look forward to hearing from them. These are the basics, they are overlooked by many, and perfected by few. This strategy will work for anyone, any job, anywhere. This lost art is appreciated by any business. It worked for me and I will ultimately leave the service and go right into a new civilian career making more than I do currently in the service. Good luck to all.

This is my favorite Chinese Proverb and oh-so-appropriate to post as we start this new year. We all are going to live longer and work longer than we ever expected. We all need to develop new skills, or find difference jobs or companies to maximize our own success. Looking backwards with regret on lack of preparation or action is not healthy. Taking action and moving forward is. If you don't have a high school degree, go get that GED now. If you see computer programmers making lots of $$ - go to free online resources and start to learn to code html language to start. Wish you had that trade thats always in demand - like electriician, plumber, hair-stylist, etc. -find a reputable trade school and start now.
There is no better time than now. Don't worry about the past - your future is BRIGHT (so long as you take control of it). Good luck, and HAPPY NEW YEAR! #Inspiration #besttime #startingover #motivation #positive #success