Help Employers Learn That You Have Depth and Knowledge

The first time I transitioned was after eight years of active duty. I was 20 years old when I entered service, and already had a background in electronics. However, I didn't take an electronics MOS, I went to the 82nd for four years and then re-enlisted for computer repair. I was very good at it. I had 96 percent on my SQT (showing my age here), several awards, and great NCOERs. I thought getting a civilian job when I ETS'd in 1986 would be a piece of cake.

It wasn't a piece of cake. It wasn't even a stale cookie. I left service and applied for field service jobs all over the country. After three months I finally got an interview in a nearby city (Huntsville, Ala.). I was hired, but my salary was not what I envisioned.

Here is what I have learned since, and I hope this helps:

Most civilian employers don't know much about the military unless the person doing the interview/hiring process served. Many times they assume everyone is an infantryman. Even if they do understand, don't expect to get full credit for your military experience. The job I was hired for was an entry-level position. All of my background only qualified me to start, and this was a contractor position at a government lab. It didn't help that I was entering the workforce "cold," that is, I didn't know anyone in town and they didn't know me.

This job was for a major defense contractor, and I got the job by interviewing well. I beat out another ex-servicemember who was actually more qualified. I was told that he made the mistake of telling them how he was going to improve their operations, and he came off a bit cocky. 

On the other hand, I was confident and honest. They asked if I thought I could run certain items of test equipment. I told them that while I had no experience with the specific items they mentioned, I had to learn to use many different types of specialized equipment while in the service. I helped them understand that I had the depth of knowledge and experience to learn quickly and correctly how to operate unfamiliar equipment.

I thought employers would key on my experience as a computer repairer as they read my resume. I was told at the interview that they also noted my experience at inventory control for my repair parts. I had almost left that off of my resume. I thought it wasn't important to the type of job I was seeking. It turns out there were looking for an electronic tech who could also help the customer with inventory control.

I've had a long rewarding career in Huntsville since then. This story is from a long time ago, but the same principles apply.

1) Networking is very important. Don't just send resumes out. Try to get to know some people who work in the industry. Those large job ads in the paper are there for legal reasons, most of the time they already know who they are going to hire for the position. Network, network, network.

2) Prepare yourself for the interview process. Find out how people who work for your target company dress. Practice answering questions about your resume. Practice interviewing just like you would practice if you were going before a promotion board. Look good, be relaxed and quietly confident. As that famous Chinese guy said, "Know yourself, know the enemy and in a thousand battles you will be victorious."

3) Do not assume that employers will key only on the major parts of your resume. Tailor you resume for specific jobs, highlighting areas that are especially pertinent. Government jobs and some civilian employers look for key words. If these keys are not found in your resume, then it will not be considered even if you're the best qualified. They simply will never see it.

4) Don't lower your expectations, temper them. Study to find out what you can expect in your job field. 

5) Did I mention networking?

Good luck!

P.S. -- The National Guard is a great place to network -- just saying.

(Submitted by H.H., U.S. Army)

Comments

[Waldo Waldman]

I completely agree. Everything is about marketing. How do you market yourself as an individual. Though serving in the military does wonders for some, if you cannot articulate what that experience can build in their company then they will not understand your potential.