Posted on Feb 9, 2015
How do I best prepare for a post military job interview?
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I am getting myself prepared for an interview in a few days. It is potentially my first "real job" since being discharged. Any thoughts on how to prepare?
Posted in these groups: 
Interview
Interview
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 7
Show knowledge of the company and the role you are applying for. Show interest for that specific job, and show that you either have skills for that specific job, or a plan on how you would gain those skills.
In the military, you show up at a unit with a "put me where I can best help out" attitude, but that doesn't go over so well in the civilian world. You want to show them that you know what job you want, that you can do it well, and that you are the right person for it. Always think about the employer's point of view... they are looking for people who will help solve their problems and make their team more successful. Research common problems in their industry or with those kinds of jobs in advance, and show that you are ready to solve those problems.
Knowledge shows preparation, and some of the best ways to prepare is to connect with other veterans in your desired field, do a quick call with them asking them about their experiences, and becoming knowledgable about the job you are applying for. You can use RallyPoint to help form those connections.
In the military, you show up at a unit with a "put me where I can best help out" attitude, but that doesn't go over so well in the civilian world. You want to show them that you know what job you want, that you can do it well, and that you are the right person for it. Always think about the employer's point of view... they are looking for people who will help solve their problems and make their team more successful. Research common problems in their industry or with those kinds of jobs in advance, and show that you are ready to solve those problems.
Knowledge shows preparation, and some of the best ways to prepare is to connect with other veterans in your desired field, do a quick call with them asking them about their experiences, and becoming knowledgable about the job you are applying for. You can use RallyPoint to help form those connections.
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Relax. Really relax. Remember an interview is more of a conversation to find out if they want to work with you than anything else.
Be Confident, but remember that Military Confident and Civilian Confident are two different levels. Military confident can come off as arrogant or aggressive, so be aware of that.
Be Confident, but remember that Military Confident and Civilian Confident are two different levels. Military confident can come off as arrogant or aggressive, so be aware of that.
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Limit the use of military jargon speak confidently. Do some research on the company you are interviewing with if possible. Be nervous but remain composed do not let them see you sweat.
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SFC (Join to see)
SPC Nicholas Cureton: SGT Jim Z. is absolutely correct about military jargon! I left that out... be prepared to explain what a military term is, but better yet, know what an appropriate civilian term is: For example: "Unit", "Company", "Battalion", "Division", etc. should be referred to as "Organization". Know the difference is the sizes between them: For example: I managed a network for a 300-person organization (instead of "I managed a Battalion Network"). "Soldiers" are "Personnel". "Tanks" or "HMMWVs" are "Vehicles", and so on. Demilitarize as much as you can. Some things can't be demilitarized, so as I said, be prepared to explain them quickly and succinctly - use as few words as possible to get the meaning across.
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