Posted on Feb 12, 2016
How do I stand out as a reservist in a competitive civilian workforce?
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This is not directed towards a specific MOS, but rather towards any soldier serving in the reserves, regardless of which branch they serve in. As we all know, many companies have reservations about hiring a current drilling reservist, basically because of the time off they will need for training. This goes above the standard 2 days a month, 2 weeks a year. Many of us have severe ambitions to excel in the military, and most of the time that requires going to numerous schools. However, I've been told on a couple different occasions by my employer that my obligation to the military is much different than what was told in the interview. My question here is, when going into an interview that you feel is a career job, how do you approach it? You know as well as I know that they will ask you about your military obligations and whether it will have an impact on your position in the company. That is to say if you even get that far, because there are many of us who have sent out countless resumes, even after having them checked for errors, yet still get no call backs. Is it because civilian hiring managers are getting more aware of our obligations? Companies such as Starbucks and Walmart thrive on hiring veterans and current reserve service members, however the pay is barely minimum wage. Try sending out a resume for a position where there is a good salary and benefits involved. We have all been there before, and in some situations I have seen soldiers get out of their contract early so that they have a better chance of landing a civilian career. So what is it that we need to do to stand out positively in the civilian workforce? What great details need to be on a resume that separate us from others applying for the same position? All in all, what do WE need to do to prove that we are the best and brightest this country has to offer?
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 18
Stick to those companies that are "military-friendly." Although it is sometimes challenging to balance the civilian/military lifestyle, it is important to use strengths in both backgrounds with the roles. Take the strong work ethic, teamwork, and technical skills from the military and apply them to the private sector.
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You gotta throw yourself out there and hit the ground running. Have a good Resume, go to workshops and stuff , just get yourself involved.
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I would ask yourself if a civilian life is your only option, or would you consider a military career? I for one regret leaving the Army. I was good at what i did, well respected, and on track to E-6 if I had stayed in. Instead, I gave in to pressure from a spouse I later divorced and gave up a career, only to spend the next 2 years looking for decent work. I always had work, but not well paying jobs. If I had it to do all over again, I would have stayed in, applied for WOC school to fly choppers, and retired years ago. I was born into a military family, so maybe that had something to do with it. I was the 6th generation of my family to serve. But I miss the job, I miss the team, and I miss being a part of the family.
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