How Early Should I Start Job Searching Before ETS

Discover the best time to start your job search before ETS. A complete 12-month timeline for veterans preparing to transition into civilian careers.

Transition Is a Mission, Not a Moment

Leaving the military is more than signing out of a base.
It is a full-scale mission that requires preparation, strategy, and timing.

Most veterans underestimate how long it takes to move from service to a civilian career.
The truth is, the earlier you start, the smoother the landing.

So, how early should you start?
Ideally, 12 months before your ETS (Expiration Term of Service).

Here’s exactly what to do at every stage.

12 Months Before ETS: Clarify Your Direction

You may not know exactly what job you want yet, and that is normal.
This is the time to explore, research, and define your goals.

Action Steps:

• Identify your transferable skills using tools like O*NET Military Crosswalk or DoD SkillBridge.
  
• Take career assessments to discover industries that fit your strengths.
  
• Research roles that align with your MOS or personal interests.
  
• Begin networking with other veterans who transitioned successfully.
  

💡 Goal: Have a clear idea of what industries and roles you want to pursue.

9 Months Before ETS: Build Your Civilian Profile

Now that you have a target, it is time to start building your visibility and materials.

Action Steps:

• Write your civilian resume using clear, non-military language.
  
• Create or update your LinkedIn profile with your military experience translated into professional terms.
  
• Join veteran groups on LinkedIn and Facebook for connections and job leads.
  
• Attend base transition workshops and resume clinics.
  

🎯 Tip: The Job Hack’s AI Resume Review Tool can help you instantly translate your experience into civilian terms and optimize for job descriptions.

👉 Try it free → thejobhack.com

 6 Months Before ETS: Start Applying and Practicing Interviews

At this stage, you should begin to actively explore opportunities.
Many employers, especially government contractors and defense companies, hire veterans months in advance.

Action Steps:

• Apply to 2–3 jobs per week that match your skills.
  
• Practice behavioral interview questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
  
• Reach out to recruiters and veteran hiring programs.
  
• Gather recommendation letters from your commanding officers or mentors.
  

💡 Goal: Start generating interview invitations and feedback.

 3 Months Before ETS: Lock In Your Civilian Network

Networking can be just as valuable as applying online.
This is when you activate your full professional network.

Action Steps:

Reach out to veteran alumni from your branch or training programs.
Schedule informational interviews with professionals in your desired field.
Update your LinkedIn headline to something like:

“Transitioning Veteran | Skilled in Operations, Leadership, and Process Improvement | Available for Hire in June 2025”
Follow companies that actively hire veterans and engage with their content.
🎯 Goal: Build at least 3–5 strong connections who can refer you to real opportunities.

 1 Month Before ETS: Finalize and Confirm

At this point, you should have interviews scheduled or applications in progress.
Even if you have not accepted an offer yet, keep your routine consistent.

Action Steps:

• Confirm your post-ETS location and availability.
  
• Attend final interviews and continue applying weekly.
  
• Keep your resume and LinkedIn profile updated with recent achievements.
  
• Prepare for benefits and relocation details.
  

💡 Pro Tip: Track all your applications and recruiter interactions in a simple spreadsheet or job tracker app.

 After ETS: Keep Your Momentum

The first few months after ETS can feel uncertain, but that is normal.
Stay proactive. Follow up with recruiters, keep networking, and keep learning.

Action Steps:

• Continue engaging with veteran career programs such as Hiring Our Heroes and SkillBridge Alumni.
  
• Use downtime to earn certifications related to your target industry.
  
• Keep refining your resume as you get interview feedback.
  

🎯 Goal: Secure a role that matches both your skill set and career goals.

 Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Waiting until 1–2 months before ETS to begin searching.
❌ Using military acronyms in resumes.
❌ Applying without networking or referrals.
❌ Not tailoring your resume to job descriptions.
❌ Ignoring LinkedIn visibility and personal branding.

Starting early avoids all of these.

⚡ The Job Hack Perspective
Your ETS date should never feel like the end of something.
It is the launch point for your next mission, one that rewards your discipline, adaptability, and leadership.

When you start early, you give yourself time to build clarity, confidence, and civilian traction.