Here's what is leading to the underemployment of veterans

2016-02-17T09:37:32-05:00

Over the past two years or so that RallyPoint has been connecting the Veteran community with employers, we have discussed a lot of topics. A simple search on this site results in hits on a lot of different topics but one that I feel has not gotten a lot of attention is the underemployment of Veterans. We have discussed unemployment and such but the topic of underemployment is one that I think we need to address.

First, for those that may not understand the term; underemployment refers to someone having a job but who may be more qualified for that position. While yes, employment is a great thing, if we do not write an effective resume, our goal as Veterans to find meaningful employment may not be reached.

There are a lot of things leading to the underemployment of Veterans. From skill translators to Veterans lack of writing effective resumes, we all play a part in this crisis. Personally, I had to deal with this issue looking for my own employment. One hurdle I kept hitting was that while I ran some of the most complicated voice and data communications across some of the worst areas but employers were still looking at me as under qualified because I was missing a certification. Thankfully, while certifications are still sought after in the IT world, I have been able to find good, meaningful employment by crafting an effective resume. But crafting that resume may be some of the hardest writing we have to do.

It is no secret regardless of rank, in the military you have to do a lot of professional writings. From counselings, award write ups to after action reviews we are well trained on how to write professional documents yet, getting the resume right is hard. I will not stand here and say I am an expert or a guru on how to write resumes; however, I have been around some great professionals both here on RallyPoint and in the community that have provided some great insight and now I feel compelled to share that information. One bit advice that needs to be shared is something I have said time and time again. As military professionals, we are very proud of our awards but do they have a place on our resume? To me, I say yes but not in a list of what you got. Employers do not really care about WHAT you got, they care about WHY/HOW you got it. Listing your Bronze Stars, Commendation, and achievement medals do not speak business. Using the reason as to why you got them does. Did you effectively lead a team? Did you help save time by finding a new process for the unit? Did you effectively manage the equipment placed in your control?

Along with this idea of an effective resume comes the effective interview. I know personally, when I first started interviewing; I viewed them as a one-way discussion. I did not realize that I was passing up a great opportunity but not interviewing the company while the company interviewed me. The interview is also your chance to sale yourself as the perfect fit for that position for that company. We are taught in the military to remain humble so selling ourselves and our accomplishments is not easy but this is not the time to be humble, the interview is the time to highlight yourself because the others behind you are.

The last thing I have seen leading to the underemployment of Veterans are online skill translators. It is not the site themselves, they are a great place to start but you cannot rely specifically on them. In today's military, where we are asking to fill roles we are sometimes not trained to do; these skill translators sometimes miss some of the critical skill sets you may have. I think the overselling of these sites as a one-stop shop as the answer short sales us leaving some of our skills on the cutting room floor.

So what is the answer? Well that is why I felt the need to make this posting. For me, the answer is not easy. Sharing information is a great step but I am sure, with all the knowledge and experience gathered here, we may be able to start a dialogue that may help those starting their transition from the military or still working to gain meaningful employment. So what are things you feel leading to the underemployment of Veterans? What are steps you have taken to gain meaningful employment in your own situation?

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Feb 17 at 2016 10:30 AM

2016-02-17T10:30:01-05:00

While I agree with most of your post, there is a few more points that I would add, as a result of my job search after my retirement from the military. First, I did the usual and found a mediocre job with civil service. That was how long it took me to find a serious job with opportunities not available with civil service. and, it provided an income while I searched. Depending on your status, age becomes a factor, like it or not. A 30 year retiree is not as valuable to the private industry as one with 20 or less, due to the desire of companies to look at your future potential in the business. Doesn't mean you can't find a job, just that it is a factor. Go for the best opportunity you can find, look at it as a possibility, while you consider where you really want to be. DON'T worry about military facilities, I haven't used them for years and do better than any commissary/exchange. Besides, you have a choice of on line military stores with no taxes. Don't use a shotgun approach in your resumes, focus on your strengths, leadership and technical proficiency. From what I have observed, those that were successful in the military will also be in private industry. Be prepared to put in a full days work and show initiative, kind of like what got you to where you are in the military. The interesting thing was, I paid my technical education staff more than the median income, yet had very few military resumes come across my desk. Two of my managers were military retirees, one USAF, the other Army. Communications, written or verbal, are critical. During interviews, the hiring manager is testing you to see how well you can interact with customers or fellow employees. This is critical when promotional opportunities come up that you may qualify for. If you think leadership is important in the military, wait until you start managing with civilians that can leave you at the drop of a hat. You would be surprised how difficult it is to manage a business that requires you maintain a quality workforce. Just my .02 worth.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 10:42 AM

2016-02-17T10:42:04-05:00

It takes education, workplace skills, and leadership. Veterans are strong in leadership; some are strong in education, if they have risen to that challenge. Workplace skills are hard to gain outside of trade skills that may cross over from the military side. Something I have noticed is civilian employers have absolutely no idea what you do in the military and that you have an actual job with skills and training. From what I see, the soldier has to really look at finding the right employer who understands the benefit of hiring a vet. The hill to climb will be a lot less steep.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 17 at 2016 11:08 AM

2016-02-17T11:08:18-05:00

Personnel who chose MOS's with no transferrable equivalent civilian skills?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 17 at 2016 11:09 AM

2016-02-17T11:09:24-05:00

Part time jobs.

Response by Vikki Nicometo made Feb 17 at 2016 11:20 AM

2016-02-17T11:20:05-05:00

I'm going to share my observations candidly here.
In my experience, it's not the resume that is the problem - I see two problems that are much, much bigger.
The first is that there is way too much focus on the resume as being the means to find a job. You can have the best resume in the world, but if blindly applying to jobs on job boards or company careers website is your only job strategy, it will be a long, miserable process and you will likely end up under employed. You must be more strategic in your job search.
And that leads to the most important strategy - spend some time on self-analysis FIRST - before you write one word of your resume! Review all of your past jobs. What did you like? What did you hate? What were you GREAT at that you want to do again? What do you really want to do in the civilian world? It's ok if you don't know exact jobs - but you absolutely should know your values, your strengths, and your interests, at a minimum.
Then from there, you can craft your resume. But don't just blindly go applying to jobs. Get out there and network your face off!
I'm happy to be a resource for anyone who wants more guidance/input on their transition. My email is in my profile.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 17 at 2016 11:22 AM

2016-02-17T11:22:58-05:00

I'd like to offer that there are differences in "skill development" between Civilian and Military cultures.

The military tends to develop skills in a very "steep curve," whereas the civilian side tends to be more linear. It puts military in sort a of a "front loaded" ability, especially considering age. At 10 or 20 years of work experience, our level/scope of responsibility is generally not comparable to a civilian counterpart. We just expect to do more.

If you look at compensation... this also tends to pan out. An E4-E5 (with Benefits and Allowances) is comparable to the US Median Household Income. That's at 22~ years old. How does that compare to your average civilian? It creates a very "strange" dynamic when we try to convert between the two worlds.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Feb 17 at 2016 11:48 AM

2016-02-17T11:48:17-05:00

Having a exit plan is crucial. But that is only part of the solution. The other critical areas are good resumes and networking.

Throwing out a generic resume will only lead to some success. I have a baseline resume that I tailor to each job that I am applying for. Having a solid resume that matches the employers needs is key.

Networking is also huge. Its still all about who you know. Get your name out there, meet people, talk to friends, neighbors, fellow veterans. Having a "in" goes along way.

Developing people skills is also important. Everyone is taught the importance of working as a team in the military. Those same skills are important to the civilian world too.

The last thing. Luck and persistence. Having good luck helps. Don't give up because you cant find your dream job in 6 months. Many folks settle on a mediocre job. If you need the money, take the job, but continue to look for the one that will use your skills accordingly.

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Feb 17 at 2016 12:57 PM

2016-02-17T12:57:41-05:00

Two points, one is an expansion of SFC John Lovelady's post.

One: A crappy economy. Period. The vast majority of businesses are treating 2016 as a "Stand By to Stand By" year. Some are increasing their staffs, but most are just looking to make up for attrition.

Two: SFC John Lovelady is dead-on. Your best bet is to show the employer that you are qualified to do the job s/he's looking to fill. That requires some research. Unless your resume is already written precisely for the job in question, you need to edit it for THE job the EMPLOYER is posting. Look at the job posting/description from the EMPLOYER's point of view. Make your resume match what s/he's looking for (without making stuff up). Don't be afraid to contact the HR department and ask for details on the job posting. If they don't respond, well, then do your best.

OVERALL: As a project leader, I need to know TWO THINGS:
A. This candidate has a basic set of skills/experience to do the work, but DOES NOT think s/he knows everything about how to do the work. I will teach/train you to do the job MY way, but I can't start from ground zero. In other words, you're smart enough to know WHAT to do, but you're willing to learn HOW to do it MY way.
B. This candidate can be part of MY team. Remember, it's MY JOB... I want you to do it FOR me. Show me that you can do that. In other words, I don't want General George Patton, I want Corporal Audie Murphy.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 17 at 2016 1:23 PM

2016-02-17T13:23:18-05:00

What is leading to underemployment of veterans? That's easy. The same thing that's leading to underemployment of a large segment of the American workforce: Government intrusion into private business. The function of government is to insure a level playing field for all Americans. To investigate, try, and punish convicted criminals such as frauds and those who abuse fiduciary relationships. Sadly, that cancer growing in the District of Calamity has gone far beyond its limited constitutional mandates and Americans have suffered. Those who feed at the public trough (as bureaucrats and political entrepreneurs) grow rich and richer. The rest of of grow poorer and the middle class is fast disappearing.

What? You don't see any such problem in government reports of financial activity, employment, and unemployment? Really? Have you ever heard of a bunko artist showing his marks (victims) accurate data when bilking them of their savings? The government is manipulating the formula by which financial activity, employment and unemployment are reported so that their marks (We the People) keep reelecting them so that they can enjoy the fruits of power. Bureaucrats (via their public employee service unions) help finance reelection campaigns in exchange for even greater pay and benefits.

Thus, veterans are not alone in this misery. They have plenty of company

Response by CPL Bill Siggelow made Feb 17 at 2016 3:13 PM

2016-02-17T15:13:27-05:00

Currently I have been unemployed since June 2015. I have been trying to find a Federal Job, and have not had much success. State Jobs are no better. While I have been interviewed for a few Federal Jobs, the horrible communications, or complete lack of, is to say, demoralizing. I interviewed for a National Archives position around the beginning of Sept. 2015. I just received an email last week informing me the position has been filled. ( 6 Months! ) The local job market has stagnated also. It seems with the impending elections coming up, everyone has pretty much been forced into laying people off, or putting a complete freeze on new hires. I know a local business owner, who had employed up to 85 employees, and was doing great up until about 6 months ago, and was forced to lay of 25 employees due to his customers tightening their belts. So in short, I think the economy is a big factor at this point.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 17 at 2016 5:33 PM

2016-02-17T17:33:37-05:00

Overly high expectations, not ready to pay some dues with their civilian counterparts, a sense of something being owed to them, too much hype/chest pounding/ and can not write. Learn to eat a slice of humble pie, apply to a position slightly below what you think you are worth, and get your foot in the door. In time you will move up, but spend the time trying to work up, not lateral. Keep in mind there is someone who applied for that position who has been working there for X amount of years, they know that guy, and you are? Not easy to do, but it is needed sometimes.

Response by PO3 Michael James made Feb 18 at 2016 8:36 PM

2016-02-18T20:36:52-05:00

Congress !!

Response by SPC Darren Koele made Mar 1 at 2016 6:43 PM

2016-03-01T18:43:34-05:00

Some good points have already been made here concerning resumes and skill transitions. One thing I've seen alluded to once, though not directly, is communication. You can have the greatest resume in the history mankind, but that means ZERO, ZILCH, NADA, if you can't manage the interview. You need to learn how to communicate effectively. That means; sit up straight , proper eye contact (you're not trying to bore holes through the other person's skull), enunciation, sound confident (without being cocky or abrasive), answer the questions directly, don't lie or embellish (some will see through you, others will find you out later and make the job miserable for you... assuming you get it). These are just a few things. Add to this list, interviews are done differently. Most are usually done in the office while others appear to be more casual in varying ways. I've been in standard interviews over coffee, and I've been in casual interviews where it seems like two people getting together over coffee to shoot the bull, the questions were even "asked" like in a normal conversation. The casual will get you because you tend to drop your guard.