'Intangible Skills' versus 'Tangible Results' ...

Veterans bring great 'intangible skills' that are transferrable across industries, markets, functions and jobs.

Employers need 'tangible results'.

'Tangible results' are often best achieved by the application of 'intangible skills' in addition to job-relevant technical/tangible skills.

But they are two very different things. And this difference is part of the culture gap between veterans and employers.

To help bridge the gap, veterans must:

- Recognize that employers have objectives they must achieve and targets they must hit - just like veterans had in the military. The objectives/targets are different but they are every bit as critical; learn and understand them.

- Understand how their 'intangible skills' positively impact employers' 'tangible results' needs, then describe how they will help the employer succeed.

For example:

'Decision Making' - What kind of decisions? How big/complex? What environment?

'Problem Solving' - What problems? For what populations? Under what conditions?

'Team Building' - What type teams? For what purpose? In what context?

'Loyalty' - To what? Based on what?

'Work Ethic' - What kind of work?

'Agility/Adaptability' - From what to what? How often? How fast?

When in transition/job search its' your job to convince the employer you are the best candidate to successfully do the work they need done and to fit well on the team.

Connecting your 'intangible skills' with their need for 'tangible results' is a great way to do so.

Be well. Keep up the fire!

If you'd like to learn more, give me a shout!