Posted on May 16, 2019
CPT Company Commander
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I have had two breaks in service so far. I have been on law enforcement, security, and management across a few different agencies and companies. One thing that I learned is that no one really considers your prior military service as a credential for most civilian occupations. It's the same issue why service members have difficulty writing resumes. Honestly no one cares that you are at Pathfinder qualified when they are trying to buy a house. Now in the past I liked to hire veterans because they have a very solid work ethic. It doesn't matter what their job was. Just because someone has a badge doesn't mean they will be a good employee.

What have you seen when you transitioned or as a civilian?
Posted in these groups: Military civilian 600x338 TransitionMilitary leadership skills civilian employment Civilians
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Responses: 9
MAJ Ken Landgren
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The only time I think about my military career is in this forum.
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COL Gary Gresh
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While it may be true that military service is difficult to paraphrase in a resume it still is a plus when talking in the interview. Vets are more self assured, more mature and know how to better express themselves. That’s not ego but rather well developed leadership skills that only the military can provide. I managed to land a very good position in a company after my retirement, worked my way up the ladder in the civilian company and eventually became their Vice President for HR AND SAFETY. I then became the chief hire person for the company. I always loved interviewing vets of all ranks. They almost always had their act together, knew how to report for the interview on time and dressed appropriately. They got hired.
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LTC Stephan Porter
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This is definitely an issue. It took me awhile and a lot of help to translate military experience to civilian “speak” to put on the resume.
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LTC Stephan Porter
LTC Stephan Porter
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The bigger issue is that military focus on ‘responsibility’ an the industry focuses on ‘accomplishment’ instead.
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1SG Eddie Smith
1SG Eddie Smith
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Now days transitioning Servicemembers must attend a 3-day Department of Labor workshop where the primary focus in on translating military job, skills, additional qualifications, and experience into an effective civilian resume, and how to prepare for an interview; there is also a separate class offered that focuses solely on Federal Govt. resumes. Part of the DOD/VA Transition Assistance Program (TAP).
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CPT Company Commander
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LTC Stephan Porter That's dead on. I am going to have to use that.
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