Are you experiencing obstacles that are hindering your chance for private sector employment?

Elizabeth Malkin — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 11:56:27 -0400

The transition from military to civilian employment is a big one. There are a lot of things that change and much that must be taken into consideration. The good news? You have control to change and to remove many of the obstacles that you might face, you have a lot more power than you might think!

Here is an article that explains some of the different obstacles that you might face and how to work around them.

What are some obstacles that you have faced in your career search and did you find good ways to resolve them?

http://blog.rallypoint.com/2015/07/challenges-in-transition-overcoming.html

RallyPoint.com: Challenges in Transition: Overcoming Obstacles That Hinder Your Chances at...

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 11:58 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 11:58:44 -0400

Thank you for sharing.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 11:58 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 11:58:52 -0400

The main one I experience is "you're too experienced/educated". Many potential employers want someone that will not be "gunning for their position" in a few months - which I wouldn't be unless I was asked to be. Another one I run in to is unfamiliarity w/ the system they use. State of MO SEMA has tried to hire me 4 times, but OPM has denied their request because I have no experience in their pay system (as ludicrous as that sounds).

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 23 at 2015 11:59 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 11:59:40 -0400

I think sometimes the big obstacle we face is ourselves!

What do I mean by this? I mean generally speaking we don't take the time to truly understand the process behind getting a job. We don't understand how to write an effective resume. We do not do the proper research into the company prior to the interview. We think that we can just walk and be given the corner office and a 6 figure salary because we carry the title of "Veteran". We don't take the time to prepare ourselves and clothes for the interview.

I'm sure the list can go on and on, but those are just some of the ones that come to my mind when i see this question.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 12:12 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 12:12:04 -0400

There are always going to be obstacles. The civilian population will never understand us, they have the hollywood image ingrained in their brains. They all think we are about marching, parade, boot camp. Yes Sir, no Sir. They don't understand the complexities we face, were we need to be procuring supplies, maintenance, planing, re-planing, envisioning, understanding history, geography. Bottom line, most of us in leadership position could be great managers, be it in operations, planning, international trade on those areas we lived, The possibilities are too many, but the employers are bent on "how long was it since you have these static duty position?"

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 23 at 2015 12:16 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 12:16:21 -0400

Yes. I'm old

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 23 at 2015 12:18 PM

LTC John Shaw — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 12:18:44 -0400

The first point of understanding you are starting over processionally is HUGE! It is fantastic that you were a great service member but now you need to demonstrate you can be a great team member in your company.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 23 at 2015 12:45 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 12:45:31 -0400

Fortunately I am in a career field that translates well. Healthcare is the same no matter what.

Response by SPC Elaine Brown made Jul 23 at 2015 2:53 PM

SPC Elaine Brown — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 14:53:39 -0400

I have a job now, but when I first started looking for employment, I was told that the military was not a "real" job.

Response by William Chu made Jul 23 at 2015 5:26 PM

William Chu — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 17:26:08 -0400

test

Response by SrA Joshua Hagler made Jul 26 at 2015 2:40 PM

SrA Joshua Hagler — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 14:40:46 -0400

For me, I see what they are looking for, and I say to myself, " I can do that job no problem!" then i see what they they want for qualifications and I have none of them. I shut down and won't even apply, half of the time I can't even translate what they want on those qualifications.