CommandPath / Free planning resource
Your separation job-search checklist
One target role. A realistic start date. Evidence you can explain.
This is a planning aid, not a replacement for TAP. Confirm official requirements with your installation transition counselor. Keep this worksheet private. Do not include classified, sensitive, personnel or operational information.
12+ months out: put the dates in place
- Contact your transition office and confirm your required activities.
- Write down your separation date and earliest realistic civilian start date. Confirm any leave assumptions with your command.
- Choose the location and work constraints your job search needs to respect.
12 to 6 months out: investigate one role
- Choose one civilian role to research.
- Read three current postings in your target location.
- List three recurring duties or qualifications.
- For each, identify evidence from your work or a gap to investigate.
- Arrange an informational conversation. Ask what the job involves, what employers require and when they typically hire.
6 months to separation: connect evidence to openings
- Confirm your availability before promising a start date.
- Apply to openings whose requirements and timing fit your situation.
- Tailor examples to the actual posting. Use only results and numbers you can verify.
- Practice explaining one problem, your action and the result.
- Confirm remaining transition requirements with your counselor.
Already out: start with today's next action
- Recheck one target role against current postings.
- Identify the first concrete obstacle: qualifications, positioning, location or interview evidence.
- Choose one action you can complete this week and record the result.
Your next step
Target role:
Location and availability:
Requirement I can prove:
Gap I need to investigate:
This week's action and date:
Official timing reference: Military OneSource describes beginning TAP at least 365 days before separation or retirement and completing Capstone at least 90 days before departure. Unexpected separations need prompt coordination with the transition office.
Sources checked September 27, 2026: Military OneSource: TAP; CareerOneStop: informational interviews. The job-search sequence above is CommandPath's planning recommendation, not an official deadline.
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