Out of Uniform

Tom Wolfe graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, served as a surface warfare officer in the navy, and completed tours of duty as a flag aide, communications officer, and administrative department head. He is a recognized expert in the field of career transition. Formerly a senior partner at Career Development Corporation, he provided guidance to separating military personnel for almost thirty years. His columns and articles have appeared regularly in digital and print media, including Military.com, Military Transition News, Stars and Stripes, G.I. Jobs, TAOnline, and Veterans of Modern Warfare.

“We owe our military service members so much, including the right to compete for a job when they leave the service. Out of Uniform just might give them that competitive edge. Are you a veteran? Read it! Know a veteran? Make sure he or she has a copy!”-Mike Krzyzewski, U.S. Army veteran and Duke University men’s basketball coach“With the exception of leaving civilian life for the military, no professional change is more cathartic or challenging than the transition back out of uniform. Key for success is preparation, both mental and emotional. Tom Wolfe provides the indispensable guide to help you both prepare and succeed.”-Lt. Gen. Dan Christman, U.S. Army (Ret.), former superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy

• Preface    Acknowledgments    Introduction    Note on the Second Edition    Section 1. Transition Readiness    1. Life Is Like a Roller Coaster    2. The Education of Self    3. Stereotypes    4. Master of Change    5. The Four Profiles    6. Filters, Part One (Employer’s)    7. When Can You Start?    8. Travel: Are Your Bags Packed?    9. Grade Point Average    10. How Much Are You Worth?    11. Will You Relocate?    12. Filters, Part Two (Your Own)    13. Quality of Life versus Quality of Work    14. Educational Background Check    15. Transition Timeline    Section 2. The Self-Discovery Zone    16. From Trees to Toilet Paper    17. Lifetime Tasks and Skills Inventory    18. What Size Company Is Best for You?    19. The Digital You and Your Virtual RÉsumÉ    20. What’s behind Curtain Number Three?    21. Experience or Potential?    22. The Best Job for You?    23. Job Hunting from a Remote Location    24. The Geographically Restricted Job Search    Section 3. The Other Side of the Fence    25. What’s Out There?    26. I Want to Work with People    27. I Want to Be a Manager    28. Operations Management    29. Engineering    30. Is Consulting Right for You?    31. Government Contractors    32. Additional Options    33. The Boss of Me    34. The S Word    35. Your SQ Number    36. The Audition    Section 4. Preparations (Mechanical)    37. Your Decision Matrix (Part 1: Design)    38. The Six Ps    39. Documentation    40. Creating Your RÉsumÉ    41. Cover Letters    42. Your Reference List    43. Application Forms: Thank Goodness I Made a Copy    44. Uniform of the Day    45. Finding Uncle Harry or Aunt Mary    46. Headhunters    47. An Employment Perfect Storm    48. The Runaway RÉsumÉ    Section 5. Preparations (Mental)    49. The Power of Questions    50. Researching Companies    51. Knowledge Is Power    52. Wallflowers and Cheerleaders    53. Weaknesses: Use Them to Your Benefit    54. Camaraderie and the Power of People    55. Tell ’Em What They Want to Hear    Section 6. Interviews: Tips and Techniques    56. Body Language    57. Interviewers: The Good, the Bad, and the “Ugly”     58. What’s with That Tie?    59. From Adversary to Advocate    60. All of My Questions Have Been Answered    61. Please Leave a Message at the Beep    62. Be Memorable    63. Extra Preparations    Section 7. Interviews: Variety and Function    64. Interview and Etiquette Checklist    65. Interviews: Purpose and Varieties    66. Can You Hear (and Maybe See) Me Now?    67. Let’s Do Lunch    68. Following Up after the Interview    69. Until the Paperwork Is Done    70. We Regret to Inform You     71. Your Decision Matrix (Part 2: Usage)    Section 8. Offer, Decision, and Launch    72. Learning How to Swim    73. The Power Shift    74. Job Offer: The Message and the Makeup    75. The REV Factor    76. The High Jumpers    77. Will You Marry Me?    78. One-Offer-Itis    79. Salary Negotiation    80. Responding to Offers-the Right Way    81. Lift Off and Stay on Course    82. A Personal Trainer for Your Career    83. Has the Ride Lost Its Thrill?    Afterword    Index