Posted on Jul 23, 2015
Are you experiencing obstacles that are hindering your chance for private sector employment?
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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
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
Job Seeker
Jobs
Employment
Civilian Career
Transition
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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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.
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.
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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).
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SGT Ben Keen
SSgt (Join to see) - I've had this happen to me too, on both sides of the experience coin. One would say I am over-experienced while another would say I'm under-experienced. The lesson I learned from this was to find a way to show how my experience would be a benefit to them. Sure we might need a little additional training on something as you stated but I've yet to see someone that isn't a Veteran be able to pick up the ball on run with it so quickly.
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Elizabeth Malkin
SSgt (Join to see), that is great to hear that you are connecting with the HR Manager, it sounds like you have a good person on your side there which should make a difference.
SGT Ben Keen, great advice to find a way to demonstrate how you can effectively and efficiently fit into the SEMA structure and be a positive addition to the team without 'poaching' someone else's job whilst at the same time still bringing a lot of value to the table.
SGT Ben Keen, great advice to find a way to demonstrate how you can effectively and efficiently fit into the SEMA structure and be a positive addition to the team without 'poaching' someone else's job whilst at the same time still bringing a lot of value to the table.
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SSgt (Join to see)
Exactly, SGT Ben Keen. I always try to drive home the point that I'm willing to do whatever it takes to learn the process. I'm not one to just sit on my laurels & let the rest carry me. I want to learn everything there is about my job to be a resource for others.
Man, I shoulda been an NCO...lol
Man, I shoulda been an NCO...lol
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SSgt (Join to see)
SrA Christopher Wright
I believe it comes from insecurity. One in particular that I'm aware of was in his position basically because he had been with the company since he was 18. There was no further promotion for him w/o higher education. From an inside source it was known that he was adamant that someone with more education than him would be looked down upon because he feared he would lose his position to said person.
I believe it comes from insecurity. One in particular that I'm aware of was in his position basically because he had been with the company since he was 18. There was no further promotion for him w/o higher education. From an inside source it was known that he was adamant that someone with more education than him would be looked down upon because he feared he would lose his position to said person.
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Fortunately I am in a career field that translates well. Healthcare is the same no matter what.
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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.
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Elizabeth Malkin
CPT Jack Durish, that is hard to combat/argue against as one point, but you can bring so much else to the table. That is what you should try to focus on and have the hiring manager recognise.
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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?"
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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.
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Elizabeth Malkin
SrA Joshua Hagler, are they looking for qualifications that you think that you might have but you don't have the civilian certifications to prove it or something else? An interesting idea might be to find the job category that you think sounds the most interesting and engaging and figure out what qualifications you need and then start working towards them now. This way you will be preparing yourself and making yourself qualified so that you are able to apply for those jobs and have a great shot at getting them.
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SrA Joshua Hagler
The down side of that, is since I am already have a full time job it's hard for me to find time to get those certifications. Also most if those they want takes years to get and I can't afford that, both financial and emotionally.
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I have a job now, but when I first started looking for employment, I was told that the military was not a "real" job.
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Elizabeth Malkin
SPC Elaine Brown, that is truly terrible that you were told that upon entering the private sector. That individual was not only insulting but also incorrect. I am glad that you have found a good job that is working well for you now.
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