Career Development Tips

Been BRAC'd?

If you are impacted by BRAC, the first step you should consider is to become as familiar as possible about the programs, benefits and services available to as a BRAC-impacted worker. Your Human Resources Office (HRO) staff is prepared to provide this information and you can also find useful information and answers to many questions at www.cpms.osd.mil/bractransition. You will be required to make many important decisions concerning your future, so it is important that you have all the information necessary in order to make the best choices.

If your office is impacted by BRAC, separations may not be avoided, however your agency should work with you to lessen the number of affected employees through the use of voluntary separation incentives, voluntary early retirement, and other measures. If separations cannot be avoided, displaced employees will receive written notices in advance of the separation date and will be eligible for various types of transition assistance.

If your job is abolished or relocated because of BRAC, don’t feel responsible. It is not because of something you did or didn’t do. You need to become familiar with all the resources available both within and outside of your agency, develop a career transition plan and take advantage of all resources available to help you achieve that plan. Research available local transition assistance through the nearest workforce development offices. Some communities have dedicated offices to help BRAC impacted individuals with their career transition activities. You need to begin your planning process as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition.

BRAC also affects those close to you so ensure that you communicate with those individuals and include them in your career transition planning process.

Job Search Checklist

The following checklist provides key suggestions to guide BRAC-impacted workers in obtaining a job that meets their needs:

	Use the BRAC event as an opportunity to “tune-up” your short and long-term career development strategy. What are your employment goals? Even if you choose to follow your position, this is a good time to review your career options and prepare yourself for promotion opportunities. Become as familiar as possible with the programs, benefits and services available to you as a BRAC-impacted employee. The Human Resources Office (HRO) staff in your division is prepared to provide this information. You can also find useful information and many of the answers to your questions at www.cpms.osd.mil/bractransition.
	Start with a self-assessment process. Ask yourself a variety of questions in order to more clearly define your career development strategy. For example: What are your skills and strengths? What kind of work do you like to do? Do you need any additional preparation to get the job you want?
	Learn about job market opportunities in your targeted area. Begin researching potential target jobs that will meet your needs. Learn as much as you can about the positions, agencies, organizations or companies. Type the title of the job you would like to obtain and your zip code into www.indeed.com to quickly learn about available public and private sector opportunities in your area.
	Use your network – contact individuals familiar with your work who can provide inside information about opportunities, as well as be advocates for your application. Maximize networking opportunities through associations, career fairs, and other events.
	Learn as much as you can about the application process and target your information for the audience. Your first target is an HR official who will be screening out unqualified individuals but might not be a technical expert in your area. Don’t use acronyms – spell out everything. How will your application be reviewed and evaluated? Carefully follow all required application procedures.
	Develop a list of your accomplishments related to the specific needs of the jobs you are targeting.
	Customize your resume with relevant experience and accomplishments for each job application you submit. Once you find a job description for a position in which you are interested, you will need to customize your resume for that specific job. We can coach you how to do this at the BRAC Transition Center. If you are interested in searching for new employment either in the federal government or with other employers and need assistance with this process, the BRAC Transition Center has trained and certified career counselors ready to assist you with your career transition plans and activities.
	Learn how to prepare and submit successful job applications. Consider attending our Career Enhancement Workshops, which are led by national federal employment experts, to learn as much as you can about developing a precise career development strategy, creating competitive federal application packages, and effectively networking and interviewing for available positions.
	Make a one-on-one appointment with a career counselor for individualized career development assistance. The BRAC Transition Center National Expert Consultants are also available for one-on-one assistance.
	Practice for the interview by developing a personal marketing speech that summarizes the unique advantages you bring to the position, focused on the specific needs of the employer.
	Send thank-you letters following the interview that highlight the specific needs of the employer and summarize how your abilities, experience and accomplishments can impact to immediately meet the employer’s needs.

By following these guidelines you can do much to mitigate any losses as a result of BRAC and to turn this event into an opportunity that results in continued career success.