In a 2019 Pew Research Center study, 26% of veteran respondents said that their readjustment to civilian life was very difficult or somewhat difficult; that number jumped to 48% for veterans who served after 9/11. The reasons for this are widespread, but one of the key difficulties veterans face is finding meaningful civilian employment.

During your service, you were subject to a unique world of expectations, a chain of command, and jargon that doesn’t always directly translate into the expressions used by hiring professionals. Although finding a rewarding career is hardly unique to veterans, the challenges faced by veterans are distinct.

As you start applying for new roles, you’ll likely be contacted for remote or in-person job interviews. A standard in almost every industry, job interviews are meant to give prospective employers a chance to learn more about you, your qualifications, and your personality. Many job seekers may find interviews intimidating, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can use them as an opportunity to showcase your strengths.

Here are our favorite tips for success in civilian job interviews.

Interview Preparation

1. Perform a self-audit.

As you prepare for an interview, it’s a good idea to review what information is widely available about yourself, not just on your resume but also on social media and other online locations. It’s typically to your benefit to show the world that you’re positive, mature and professional, and that your online presence, cover letter, resume and all other communications reflect this.

2. Translate your service into civilian terms.

A common challenge for veterans is “translating” their training and service into something that civilian interviewers and coworkers recognize. The overuse of military acronyms, jargon and terminology in an interview may limit you, putting you at a disadvantage. One way to start is by getting a Verification of Military Experience and Training document – or VMET – which helps gather relevant information into a civilian-friendly format.

As you update your resume, it’s good to think about your service in terms of outcomes. What did you achieve, and did it have measurable results? If you can phrase things in terms of “I did X which resulted in Y,” it indicates to interviewers that you think through the outcomes and value of your work.

Related: Tips for Writing Military-to-Civilian Resumes, Cover Letters and More

3. Research the company.

Getting familiar with your potential employer’s work is critical because it shows you are invested in their industry, competitive landscape, and the services or products they provide. As you research, you can also begin preparing questions to ask the interviewer.

4. Plan for interview day.

When it comes to the interview day, knowing what you are going to wear, what you are going to say, when you plan to arrive, and other details will enable you to focus on the content of the interview. Also, think about what boosts your confidence. Whether it’s a pep talk, meditation or visualization, going into the interview in a good headspace can make a difference.

Interview Best Practices

1. Stay confident and calm.

It’s easier said than done, of course, but do your best to stay confident and calm on interview day. One way to help with this is by preparing and practicing answers to common interview questions beforehand. Keep in mind that the interview is not a test or meant to intimidate you; it’s about you and your interviewers both sorting out whether the job is a good fit. Allowing yourself to worry or stress not only lessens the quality of the interview, but it also can prevent them from recognizing your skills and talents.

2. Stay focused.

As you answer questions and talk about your experience, it’s critical that you stay focused and maintain interest in the conversation. This means turning off your phone and engaging the interviewer fully with attention and eye contact.

3. Stay positive.

When discussing past work experience, military experience, or education, it’s important to stay positive and avoid criticism or dwelling on difficult situations. This is where preparation can help. For example, if you left a past role because you didn’t receive promotions, you can emphasize that you wanted to seek a role that would give you more responsibility and opportunities to learn.

Interview Follow-Up

To give yourself the best chance for success, the process isn’t over after the interview ends. It’s a good idea to write a follow-up note or email to the interviewers, thanking them for their time and affirming your interest in the role. This thoughtfulness shows that you are interested in the role and see it as a major opportunity for you. It also helps keep you top of mind as they consider other candidates for the job.

Related: What to Do After an Interview

Assess Your Interview Performance

Finally, taking a few minutes after the interview to assess where you did well and where you could improve is a great way to prepare for future interviews. If you felt stumped by one of the questions, you can take the time to write out a better response so you won’t get caught off guard next time.

The average applicant has to send out between 21 to 80 applications to get one job offer, which typically means multiple interviews. Continually improving your skill at interviewing will help you throughout your career.

Military Student Support at CSU

As you continue your job search, don’t forget the educational opportunities available to you as well. Not only can earning a degree help you get more interest from recruiters, but it can also help you speak confidently about your skills and expertise in the interview process.

Here at Columbia Southern University, our Veterans Center will work with you to help you get the most out of your education while giving you the flexibility you need to adjust to civilian life.

If you’d like to learn more about how CSU can help you, explore our online degree programs for veterans on our website.

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.

Any reference to United States Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, products or services does not constitute or imply endorsement by the DoD.