Just a few years ago, only 20 percent of companies surveyed had developed a formal program for recruiting veterans. And in spite of an ever-tightening labor market, unemployment rates for veterans continue to trend higher than civilian and overall unemployment rates.

Even though transitioning to a civilian career might be challenging, if the job you’re interested in is similar to the role you had in the military, your future path could be pretty straightforward. But what if you don’t want to do the same type of job you did in the service?

When you leave the military and return to civilian living, it means changing just about every aspect of your life. And unless you’re retiring entirely, it also means finding a new career path to follow—a career that capitalizes on the skills, training, and expertise you’ve already developed.

Not sure what to say after your initial message? Michelle Winkley, a Heroes Linked Advisory Committee member and Chief HR Strategist with Talent Distinctions, has assembled this guide to help further your introduction and start a meaningful conversation on Heroes Linked.