Are you geting frustrated? Job Seekers Are Facing Longer Hiring Times

2015-06-18T18:52:10-04:00

New Research: Job Seekers Are Facing Longer Hiring Times! If you have time check out the article for some interesting facts.

Are you getting frustrated? Are the job screening and interview processes taking much longer for veterans?

Here are some interesting facts for you RP Job Seekers!

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-research-job-seekers-facing-longer-hiring-times-chamberlain?trk=pulse-det-nav_art

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jun 18 at 2015 6:54 PM

2015-06-18T18:54:24-04:00

It took me well over 4 months to get my current job. You better bet I was frustrated.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 18 at 2015 8:27 PM

2015-06-18T20:27:32-04:00

It's horrible! Last year it would take 6-8 weeks before I even heard back from a company. Then it was 3-4 "mini" interviews, mostly by telephone - depending on how many and how long it took to arrange the interviews it could be another month. Then in some cases 2-3 months later came the "Thanks but no thanks" email. My current job took me 3 months to get. Their HR dept was outsourced there was poor communication between the talent acquisition folks (a sub contractor) the hiring manager and HR. 4 interviews, 3 separate conversations with the outsourced benefit providers to understand my health benefits. Then I had 24 hours to make up my mind on a low-balled offer. Getting a job is a joke in today's world.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 18 at 2015 8:31 PM

2015-06-18T20:31:36-04:00

I think part of it where one lives, but its frustrating, I hate my crappy job, but its a job, but its not the jobs I use to have. I'm so tired of wondering if I can get the bills paid, va disability doesn't pay for shit.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 11:04 PM

2015-06-18T23:04:23-04:00

This is very interesting post Sir. Definitely makes you think about potential issues obtaining a job lost military retirement. I have heard mixed stories peers and peers and friends of mine who have retired or separated in the last 10 years. Some of the stories are real eye openers. I hope that the job market is kind to me when it's time to transition from the Army.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 19 at 2015 12:11 AM

2015-06-19T00:11:16-04:00

It seems like it's easier to find a job when you already have one!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2015 8:47 AM

2015-06-19T08:47:34-04:00

Yeah, I'd have to concur . . . .

The struggle is particularly difficult when you're looking for a position at the master's degree / professional level. Employers say that they are "vet friendly" but, in my experience, it's really hard to compete with everyone who stayed home and started their career / did the internships while you were overseas serving your country.

9 times out of 10, they will pick one of them (with real-life experience) over a vet. And, regardless of how you reframe your military experience (yeah, I've done all of the workshops on translating your military experience), it's hard to overcome that if you've served on the line in a combat arms unit.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2015 10:11 AM

2015-06-19T10:11:59-04:00

Yeah, it fortunately didn't take me that long, the interview that I went into, well, I knew everyone from High school. Lol. So it was pretty easy. Now over in places like Killeen TX, I COULD not find a job with the life of me. I just gave up, collected un-employment (which REALLY undermined my woman-hood. HATED IT) and went back to school. Got my BAS in telecommunications. Now, I am working a 830-5 job, running credit applications. *shaking head* I am NOT going to complain!!

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jun 19 at 2015 10:37 AM

2015-06-19T10:37:35-04:00

There's no doubt that the process seems to take forever after you get the interview. I can't keep track of how many places I never heard back from after an interview. However the blame can not just be placed on the employer. One thing I didn't read in any of the comments was people following up with the company. A simple email or phone call to inquire about the current status never hurts as long as you remain professional.

There are few other tips Veterans need to remember.

1) Your resume is you on paper. It's what these companies use to determine who they bring in and who gets based. When writing your resume keep keywords in mind. Know what words and phrases are often used within that field. Look at the job posting, does your resume include so of the same words?

2) Network! Much like we are doing here, creating and maintaining a strong and resourceful network is very important. And keep in mind, having a "strong network" doesn't mean having the most number of people.

3) Complete your recon! Much like we did while deployed, you never take on a mission without first trying to learn what lays ahead of you. Complete your research into the area's employment trends. Is the job you are looking at in demand in the area you are living in? And once you do land the interview look into that company. What are some of their recent highlights? What is their mission statement? Who do they go after to be customers.

4) If you are just starting on the job seeking path look for resources. LinkedIn is still offering free premium accounts for Veterans. Ask for help here on RallyPoint. Talk to those of us that recently stood where you are. We have been there and we have knowledge from lessons we learned. No need for you to go through it.

5). Lastly, when writing your resume, employers don't really care what awards you got. They are interested in WHY you got them. Having a hard time writing a resume or remembering what you did? Pull out the award write ups you go, pull information from there. Craft the resume to work for you. Leave them with a document that shows them why you are the best canadiate for that position and I bet your wait is a lot shorter after your next interview.

Response by MSgt Roger Younce made Jun 19 at 2015 11:49 AM

2015-06-19T11:49:28-04:00

It is frustrated. My age is an issue but I am not going to wine about that. I am sure if I can find the right employer that appreciates my skill sets and experience I will be fine. It will just take time. I never give up.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jun 19 at 2015 11:56 AM

2015-06-19T11:56:17-04:00

Nursing is an interesting creature. I could see it going either way, but it is going to depend on what type of a job I am looking for. I would bet that as long as I have my license stuff in order, applying for a floor nursing position will be relatively fast hire....not many 17+ year nurses willing to do floor nursing anymore. If I am looking for the Nursing Educator position, I would expect a MUCH longer wait. Longer wait also if I am specifically looking for some type of nursing management position.....

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 19 at 2015 12:20 PM

2015-06-19T12:20:49-04:00

Wish the article deal with the drivers vs. meandering around the time frames.

Things are beginning to open up although employers are hanging on to their marbles, fearful of what the current administration will do next. Careful how you present yourself, especially if you've been out of the market for a while. Employers dumped their dead wood during the recession and long term unemployment is a red flag. That is one reason screening is more involved. They want to know if you weren't working for a reason. They also want to figure out if you're going to make them money, hence skill presentations.

Additionally as the HR business gets more lawyerized, employers are finding it more cost effective to screen more and have fewer actions to deal with later on.

Job hiring is an ebb and flow thing. Right now it's a more deliberate thing with some exceptions like fracking in the Midwest.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2015 9:52 PM

2015-06-19T21:52:30-04:00

The article says things are getting better.

Response by PO2 Daniel Rogers made Jun 19 at 2015 11:17 PM

2015-06-19T23:17:55-04:00

I am completely frustrated. It seems that, even with a fairly good college education (almost done with my bachelor's), there is not any employer that would be willing to give me a chance without experience. How can I get experience when no body will consider hiring me without experience??? I am almost to the point of not even completing my degree, because it seems that it is not doing any good.

Response by SrA David Steyer made Oct 28 at 2015 4:45 PM

2015-10-28T16:45:57-04:00

Getting very frustrated. I went to a job interview, got an interview the next day which was great and I aced the interview. HOWEVER, it took me over a month to hear back from a background check and then I had to do a "ride along" then I didn't hear back again until a week later and pretty much found out that the employer wasn't really sure what positions they even had.