Has anyone applied for a job and stated that you are retired military and the secretary says, "Yes so what, you are not anyone special."?

MSG Charles Brown — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 06:21:15 -0400

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 6:38 AM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 06:38:38 -0400

MSG Charles Brown I hear this too often, but if the tables were turned of course then their own military service is relevant/important.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 6:41 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 06:41:19 -0400

Not in so many words as that, but yes. The job I currently have. My brother has worked there for almost 9 yrs. He reccomended I put on for a job there in their Management Training Program. He forwarned me about the HR lady that worked there. I walked in with a smile asked for a application filled it out specifically asking for the MT program. Gave her the app and my resume. She looked at it and in a somewhat snide and not very friendly tone of voice told me "we don't hire into the MT program unless you have at least a Bachelor Degree". I asked her if she had looked at my resume. She glanced thru my resume and told me well call in a week for a interview. I told her I wasn't going to be here in a week (I was on TDY for house hunting/job hunting and was only going to be in town for a couple more days). She told me to have a seat, and called one of the Managers to see if he could do a interview. 45 minutes later I was offered a job in he MT program. The utter shocked look on her face was epic. I walked out with a smile on my face. Just smile and be professional.

Response by SGT David T. made Aug 25 at 2016 8:15 AM

SGT David T. — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 08:15:43 -0400

As rude as the statement is, it is true. No one really cares about what we did in the military, only what value we can provide to that organization. In many cases, our fellow vets cause this mentality with their sense of entitlement. "I served so I deserve...." This puts off civilian employers and causes them to lump us all in the same bucket. I mitigate this on my resume by translating it into civilian speak. I list my employer as the Department of Army and not U.S. Army so that it lines up with my civil service career. The only difference in appearance in those entries is that my military time does not include a GS grade in it. Most of my coworkers have no idea I was ever in the Army, because I don't advertise it. It would be nice if civilian employers were more friendly to the military, but it's their house, their rules.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 8:27 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 08:27:46 -0400

While I strongly think military service is honorable and necessary I can also see why some thing it is nothing special.

Perhaps we sometimes expect others to view us too highly. Perhaps my experience with the hate and discontent of the military in the 60s has tainted my view. But, then we have presidential candidates telling people to get an education or you will be like those folks over there as he points to some military personnel.

Response by SrA Chris "Shadow" McGee made Aug 25 at 2016 8:32 AM

SrA Chris "Shadow" McGee — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 08:32:25 -0400

I have heard of this happening, and at that point I would probably walk out. Whether they care if we were in the military or not, if that company has a desire to find vets, they need to better train their HR people. If they do not have an active veteran hiring policy and they treat you this way I would consider this a non-military friendly environment.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 9:12 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 09:12:51 -0400

You are not a beautiful or unique snowflake. You are the same decaying organic matter as everyone else, and we are all a part of the same compost pile.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 25 at 2016 11:32 AM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 11:32:57 -0400

I myself only use my military status if it is relevant for the job. Job calls for x years of experience so I put on my resume "X+ years of experience while serving in the United States Navy..."

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 11:53 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 11:53:50 -0400

MSG Charles Brown There are folks like this everywhere you go. This could be a good company to work for with mostly good people. A long time ago, I applied for a high paying job at a chemical plant. There were three interviews, and one of the interviewers did not like the military. He asked me several questions about Vietnam to see if I had my head on straight and could handle the work. I kept my cool and responded politely to his questions. I ended up getting the job.

Response by SFC George Smith made Aug 25 at 2016 12:04 PM

SFC George Smith — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 12:04:15 -0400

Not Lately...
The last time I simply asked what was her Back ground... and where had she ever been and what had she seen... then asked to see her Boss... some one who older than My children... I was Interviewed By a "RVN Vet" and got the Job... the Poor girl was sent back to the Secretarial Pool... with in 5 months 9 more Vets were Hired... in our Office
Take care out there...
Geo
DOL...

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Aug 25 at 2016 12:20 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 12:20:43 -0400

And did you reply with: "Well ma'am, I may not have spent the last couple decades climbing the corporate ladder to become as important a person as yourself, because I was a bit too busy saving world. I'm sorry, what was you name again? By the way is that your 'World's Greatest Secretary mug? How nice...for you."?

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 25 at 2016 12:25 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 12:25:17 -0400

No I have not,,, But if it had happened I would have thanked her for her service to the US Secretaries of America, having helped keep offices around the world organized and safe from rogue delivery persons, messengers and potential employees.. And I would offer a special thanks for keeping me from making a big mistake accepting a job offer from her employer.. I would share that thanks with the company CEO, HR department staff and management as well.

Then seek employment at another location.

Im a former service member, entitled to NOTHING at all for that service.... except to not be talked down to for my service.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Aug 25 at 2016 12:56 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 12:56:11 -0400

Never had the experience that you mentioned in the question. While I would be polite and friendly with the secretary, I would not place much emphasis upon their opinion.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 5:01 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 17:01:49 -0400

I was even told once, "you know, it's against the law for us to give preferential treatment to vets." Of course, my response was, "I've never heard of that. What law is that, exactly?" They weren't sure, but they were absolutely positive it existed! I agree with most of these responses that this culture and attitude is not one I would want to be working in.

Response by LTC Sonya Friday made Aug 25 at 2016 5:25 PM

LTC Sonya Friday — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 17:25:22 -0400

I have heard about this but it is hard to say what type of assistance if any this company is receiving in regards to hiring veterans. Despite that I think it was inappropriate for him to say that to you. No we are not special but we are unique because we represent a group of people making up 3% (guess) of our population protecting 100%. I will NEVER allow anyone to belittle anyone serving or had served in our military services. Does that mean I am entitled to anything NO, but our government has developed various programs to assist Veterans after serving with finding employment. Ignore his comment and be your best you and let your work and actions speak as to why you are there.

Response by Susan Foster made Aug 25 at 2016 5:34 PM

Susan Foster — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 17:34:53 -0400

I'm so sorry if this happened to you, but that was a really good warning: you dodged a bullet here, because that's not the job culture I would want to be in. And you can just smile and say "Oh but I am so very special."

Response by TSgt Tina Pierce made Aug 25 at 2016 8:05 PM

TSgt Tina Pierce — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 20:05:13 -0400

Sure did. Even told them they get a tax break and they looked at me like I was stupid.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 9:39 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 21:39:35 -0400

There were a couple of things I have noticed from some civilians that might surprise veterans. The first was that some don't really equate the military with leadership skills. More than once I have heard discussions go along these lines: "what real leadership do you need in the Army? If you outrank someone, you just give them an order and they have to do what you say or go to jail. So you don't really have to lead or motivate anyone. And if they don't like it, they can't quit their job like in the civilian world."

The second area concerned the sacrifices veterans make. Whatever the particular topic is, for example, if a vet happens to mention how many months they spent away from family, a common response was " well, you volunteered for it. You knew going in what the deal was. You were just doing your job". The fact that the Military has been all volunteer for several decades has definitely changed the perception of the sacrifices, IMO. Sort of a "well, yes, it's hard, but you asked for it, so don't whine about it or think we owe you anything special. You chose to sign up and got paid for it, plus free healthcare. No one made you join the military".

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 26 at 2016 2:56 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 02:56:24 -0400

MSG Charles Brown That is when you hum the Airborne Song, under your breath!

Response by SFC Rick H made Aug 27 at 2016 12:54 PM

SFC Rick H — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 12:54:52 -0400

No, I have never experienced that. if you do or have, I would walk out. if she has that attitude about your being special or not- which indeed you are, then the organization is not worth your effort... Done Deal HOOAH