How can I relate some of the skills I have gathered working as a Military Policeman into talking points for an interview?

2015-03-07T17:02:21-05:00

How can I relate some of the skills I have gathered working as a Military Policeman( six years) and as a Sergeant (one and a half) into talking points for an interview? I'm aspiring for a management position with a big box retailer? Conflict resolution and Leadership are big, but what else could I mention?

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Mar 7 at 2015 5:21 PM

2015-03-07T17:21:03-05:00

One resource that I like is http://www.onetonline.org/

It will help you identify the skills that they look for in the job you want. From there, you translate how you developed those skills in your current position. Leadership as an NCO is one that translates easily, and conflict resolution as an MP also works well. Two others that are coming to the forefront right now are problem solving and active listening. Once you know what they are looking for, it's a lot easier to tell them how you personally developed those skills in your current and previous positions.

O*NET OnLine

Response by SGT Ray Grooms made Mar 7 at 2015 6:09 PM

2015-03-07T18:09:41-05:00

A few of things jump out immediately to me: Commitment to diversity; attention to detail (mention the types of reports you had to fill out and the deadline for submitting them); experience dealing with difficult "customers" (talk about specific instances where you resolved a situation); and demonstrated track record of seeking out more responsibility (talk about how you progressed through the ranks).

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 7 at 2015 6:26 PM

2015-03-07T18:26:58-05:00

I assume you are facing a couple extr4a challenges based on your location. SGT Private RallyPoint Member, have you tried looking at the Soldier for Life, Transition Assistance Program (added a link below)? There are a couple resources there for you, there is a 24/7 virtual center, also there are specific classes identified to help specifically with interview success.

http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/Federal_Benefits_Page/Transition_Assistance_Program_(TAP).html?serv=147

Take a look at the link, if you need more assistance let me know and I will get you a number you can call the counselors here in the Graf/Vilsek area directly.

Response by SFC Donald LeBlanc made Mar 8 at 2015 6:15 PM

2015-03-08T18:15:38-04:00

SGT Auch, There are a lot of resources out there to assist with your goals. Fantastic suggestions posted here in your thread as well.

It should be pointed out that it will not be an easy transition for many reasons. One, Military speak and civilian understanding do not necessarily mix. Second, Many service members underestimate or over exaggerate their skills and qualifications. Third, Location, location, location.

It was posted in your discussion thread that you may want to clarify what position you are actually looking to gain and what department or specialty it may be classified. Once that is done then you can begin to compare if you have the qualifications and skills they are looking for.

Since you are an NCO, I will assume that you were also in a leadership role in garrison and during your deployment. You may have had a team of individuals you were responsible for and missions that you must have done. Similarly, Managers (whatever department they are in) also have missions or (tasks) that they must accomplish as well. They have teams and they are given deadlines (similarly as in the military). Take what missions you did (garrison and deployment- no matter how menial they seem to you) and convert that information into civilian language. This will help provide a little more tangible facts of what you are bringing to the table for the potential employer.

Next, you need to highlight your management talents, training, personnel management, professional education and more. Remember you went through a lot of formal training in the military, you just need to convert it to civilian "speak".

Your transition assistance office should be able to help you do that once you have narrowed down tangible accomplishments, skills, and talents.

Good luck and thank you for continuing to serve.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 8 at 2015 6:25 PM

2015-03-08T18:25:02-04:00

Look at the classic interview questions. There's a format that "many" if not "most" HR folks use, so having a general idea how you are going to answer these help a lot. Relating these to the specific job also help a lot.

1) Dream Job
2) Tell me about yourself
3) Greatest weakness
4) Greatest strength
5) Why do you want to work for this company
6) What kind of people do you have difficulty working with
7) Why did you leave your last job
8) Questions for me

You'll have to answer each one yourself, but here's a couple ideas.

1) Dream job. You mentioned you were looking at management. So build upon that.
2) History. How you got there, and I like to talk a little about why I thought of the company here as well. It's a great lead in for 5).
3) This is a "trick" question. But be honest about it, and use this to "tai chi" it.
- "Although, I'm weak in X, I was always taught to find someone else who was strong in it. That way we always had it covered at an institutional level. It's impossible to know everything, so you find people you can delegate to."
4) Highlight your real strengths. Good, better, best.
5) A phrase I use is "I'm a professional, and I like to work for professional organizations."
6) Another trick question. Every person presents their own unique challenges, etc.
7) That's for you to move on, but don't burn bridges.
8) Always ask something.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 9:11 PM

2015-03-08T21:11:08-04:00

Big box retail? Loss prevention, if you have experience with threat and vulnerability assessments, I'd find a way to mention that, working with other branches of the organisation to accomplish mutual goals.

Response by SFC Joseph McCausland made Sep 24 at 2015 8:18 PM

2015-09-24T20:18:11-04:00

My suggestion is forget about your obvious "law enforcement" skills you have and start thinking about the underlining skills and traits you have acquired, such as leadership, problem-solving, time management, team building, adaptability, commitment, loyalty and the many more valuable assets our veterans bring to the table. Go back and read over your NCOER's, this is what your superiors thought about you personally and your job performance. Break out all those awards and accommodations you have received over your six years, no doubt they will echo what your senior officers have already said.

Any veteran who has experience combat or found themselves in a hostile environment can certainly add..."works well under pressure".

Once you have isolated all your skill sets, match them up with the wording found in the "Job Announcement" look for lead-ins such as.....must have...minimum of..... strong..... vast.... and the like. Once you have identified them, you will want to develop your resume around these 4 or 5 or more key requirements. Design your resume content around these skill sets, try to incorporate them whenever possible... remember this is what they are looking for...so why not give them what they want.

I suggest you start out by sending a "strong" cover letter. Basically your "declaring" I am the best person for the job and here is why...By the way, you can stop looking.

It's not as detailed as your resume but again you want to concentrate on those key assets they are looking for in their ideal candidate.

One, tactic I have use and past on to my fellow vets.. is, you want to end your letter with, I have attached my resume for your consideration...only you don't attached it; if your cover letter did its' job, when they can't locate your resume, they will be contacting you for it. If not, you can resend your CL and resume, explaining that you were not sure the first one reach them.

Securing "gainful" employment is not an exact science.. there is no road map that you can follow that will guarantee your success. There is however, many steps you can take that will give you better odds and make you standout from your competition.

Response by SFC Joseph McCausland made Feb 10 at 2016 6:27 PM

2016-02-10T18:27:48-05:00

Look at the job announcement for the position you are applying to - look for "must' have" and "minimum of" - strong XYZ "required" or " ABC " is a plus... then adapt your military experience to fit their requirements. Make sure you include a "strong" cover letter that will leave them wanting to see more...

Be sure to keep including those words that stand out and seem important to them. You can repeat those words or words with like meanings over again; the trick is, not to make it obvious.

This is also good practice in the actual interview.. repeating the experience and qualities in their ideal candidate is like "subliminal" advertising..you being the "best" product.

Each resume should be tailored to each individual "job announcement", so there is not such thing a "one size fits all" when it come to selling yourself and your wares.

You have many great suggestions, so tailor your words so that your "potential" employer sees you as unique, this is one time you want to stand out among your peers. Good Luck!