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1680 Career Guide

Navy

1680: Special Duty Officer (Reserve Recruiting)

Career transition guide for Navy Special Duty Officer (Reserve Recruiting) (1680)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1680 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Corporate Recruiter

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Human Resources Specialist

$68K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR)

Sales Representative

$62K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Salesforce or similar CRM proficiencySpecific industry knowledge

Training and Development Specialist

$70K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional DesignE-learning Development Software

College Admissions Counselor

$60K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Knowledge of higher education landscapeStudent advising techniques

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1680 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Reserve Recruiting Officers constantly assess the environment—local market conditions, community events, competitor activities—to identify recruiting opportunities and tailor their outreach efforts.

This translates directly to an ability to quickly grasp the dynamics of a business environment, understand the competitive landscape, and identify emerging trends, which is invaluable in any customer-facing role.

Rapid Prioritization

Recruiting officers face numerous demands on their time, from meeting quotas to attending community events and managing paperwork. They must quickly assess which tasks are most urgent and impactful to achieve their goals.

This skill demonstrates the ability to thrive under pressure, effectively manage competing priorities, and make quick, informed decisions—essential for project management and other leadership roles.

Resource Optimization

Reserve Recruiting Officers are entrusted with a budget and a set of resources (marketing materials, personnel support, event funding) that must be used effectively to maximize recruiting success.

This showcases your ability to strategically allocate resources, identify cost-effective solutions, and maximize return on investment, making you a valuable asset in operations or financial management.

Adversarial Thinking

Recruiting isn't always easy. Reserve Recruiting Officers must anticipate objections, overcome obstacles, and adapt their strategies to counter negative perceptions or competitive pressures.

This reflects a proactive and strategic mindset, allowing you to anticipate challenges, identify potential risks, and develop effective solutions in competitive business environments.

After-Action Analysis

Reserve Recruiting Officers routinely evaluate the effectiveness of their recruiting efforts, identifying what worked well, what could be improved, and how to refine their strategies for future campaigns.

This demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement, your ability to learn from experience, and your aptitude for data-driven decision-making—valuable assets in any analytical or managerial role.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Market Research Analyst

SOC 19-3022.00

You've been analyzing local community dynamics and demographics to find potential recruits, which has honed your ability to identify and interpret market trends. As a Market Research Analyst, you'll apply those skills to understand consumer behavior and advise businesses on marketing strategies.

Sales Manager

SOC 11-2021.00

You've been responsible for meeting recruitment goals, which means you've developed strong sales and persuasion skills. As a Sales Manager, you'll leverage your leadership abilities to motivate a team and achieve revenue targets.

Public Relations Specialist

SOC 27-3031.00

You've been crafting messages and building relationships with community leaders to promote the Reserve. That makes you an excellent candidate for shaping public opinion and maintaining a positive image for organizations as a Public Relations Specialist.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Officer Development School (ODS), Naval Station Newport

120 training hours5 weeksUp to 3 semester hours recommended in management and organizational leadership

Topics Covered

  • Naval Leadership
  • Military Law
  • Naval Organization and Management
  • Ethics and Professionalism
  • Communication Skills
  • Recruiting Fundamentals
  • Marketing and Advertising Strategies
  • Navy Reserve Programs and Policies

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

SHRM-CP60% covered

Recruiting experience covers many HR functions like talent acquisition, interviewing, and onboarding. Gaps include compensation & benefits, employee relations, and HR compliance laws.

PHR65% covered

Similar to SHRM-CP, recruiting experience provides a foundation. Study broad HR topics like workforce planning, organizational development, and risk management.

Certified Sales Professional (CSP)70% covered

Reserve recruiting covers much of the sales process. Study advanced sales techniques, sales technology, and sales management.

Recommended Next Certifications

SHRM-CPPHRCertified Sales Professional (CSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Naval Recruiting Information Support System (NRISS)Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms like Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics 365
Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) with benefits management capabilities
Advancement Quota System (AQ)Performance management and promotion tracking software
Navy Recruiting District (NRD) resource management systemBranch management software (e.g., used by banks or retail chains)
Total Force Data Management System (TFDMS)Comprehensive HR and workforce analytics platforms
Electronic Recruiting Tools (ERT)Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) such as Taleo or Workday Recruiting

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