SPC Private RallyPoint Member 1297488 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is not directed towards a specific MOS, but rather towards any soldier serving in the reserves, regardless of which branch they serve in. As we all know, many companies have reservations about hiring a current drilling reservist, basically because of the time off they will need for training. This goes above the standard 2 days a month, 2 weeks a year. Many of us have severe ambitions to excel in the military, and most of the time that requires going to numerous schools. However, I&#39;ve been told on a couple different occasions by my employer that my obligation to the military is much different than what was told in the interview. My question here is, when going into an interview that you feel is a career job, how do you approach it? You know as well as I know that they will ask you about your military obligations and whether it will have an impact on your position in the company. That is to say if you even get that far, because there are many of us who have sent out countless resumes, even after having them checked for errors, yet still get no call backs. Is it because civilian hiring managers are getting more aware of our obligations? Companies such as Starbucks and Walmart thrive on hiring veterans and current reserve service members, however the pay is barely minimum wage. Try sending out a resume for a position where there is a good salary and benefits involved. We have all been there before, and in some situations I have seen soldiers get out of their contract early so that they have a better chance of landing a civilian career. So what is it that we need to do to stand out positively in the civilian workforce? What great details need to be on a resume that separate us from others applying for the same position? All in all, what do WE need to do to prove that we are the best and brightest this country has to offer? 2016-02-12T10:30:04-05:00 SPC Private RallyPoint Member 1297488

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is not directed towards a specific MOS, but rather towards any soldier serving in the reserves, regardless of which branch they serve in. As we all know, many companies have reservations about hiring a current drilling reservist, basically because of the time off they will need for training. This goes above the standard 2 days a month, 2 weeks a year. Many of us have severe ambitions to excel in the military, and most of the time that requires going to numerous schools. However, I&#39;ve been told on a couple different occasions by my employer that my obligation to the military is much different than what was told in the interview. My question here is, when going into an interview that you feel is a career job, how do you approach it? You know as well as I know that they will ask you about your military obligations and whether it will have an impact on your position in the company. That is to say if you even get that far, because there are many of us who have sent out countless resumes, even after having them checked for errors, yet still get no call backs. Is it because civilian hiring managers are getting more aware of our obligations? Companies such as Starbucks and Walmart thrive on hiring veterans and current reserve service members, however the pay is barely minimum wage. Try sending out a resume for a position where there is a good salary and benefits involved. We have all been there before, and in some situations I have seen soldiers get out of their contract early so that they have a better chance of landing a civilian career. So what is it that we need to do to stand out positively in the civilian workforce? What great details need to be on a resume that separate us from others applying for the same position? All in all, what do WE need to do to prove that we are the best and brightest this country has to offer?

2016-02-12T10:30:04-05:00 2016-02-12T10:30:04-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 1297505

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You gotta throw yourself out there and hit the ground running. Have a good Resume, go to workshops and stuff , just get yourself involved.

2016-02-12T10:34:36-05:00 2016-02-12T10:34:36-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 1297558

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>To piggy back on what SSG Pawel Przeszlowski said, Throw yourself out there.<br />But, I've run into this problem time and time again and have found that without any good experience and background in the civilian work force, you're not a viable asset to any company. I was fortunate enough to have aircraft maintenance experience when the air force cut me. I went straight into a $14 hr job. But when I got home from AIT, no job was available except a security position. Which I excelled at and moved up in 4 months to supervisor. Going from $9 hr to $10 hr is not great, but it built experience. I took a pay cut but gave myself some time to look fr a job that was more my level (mechanic) and found a $16 hr job working on fork lifts. <br />So, with all that said, you need to go evaluate what skills you have, review what jobs are available to you, then eliminate the ones that aren't, per say, "military friendly". And to achieve that last part, you need to study the final companies on your list. No matter what, there's going to be a ladder to climb and starting out at minimum wage may be a sacrifice. If it doesn't pan out or you have reasons to believe it isn't the right company, keep your resume out there for others to look at and share.<br />JSfirm.Com is a great place to look and so is USA.com. they'll keep your resume for companies to check out while you're busting your ass for some paycheck in the meantime.<br />It could take a week, it could take 6 months. Be patient and update your resume every 6 months. You'll find something or they'll find you.<br />Simple.<br />Civilian life is rough

2016-02-12T10:49:45-05:00 2016-02-12T10:49:45-05:00 2LT Private RallyPoint Member 1297580

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Find a company that supports service members. there are many businesses large and small that get recognized for their support and will advertise it. It will put you a step ahead in the company. I selected a company that has been awarded for their support and receive recognition often for my service.

2016-02-12T10:59:46-05:00 2016-02-12T10:59:46-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 1297620

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Stick to those companies that are &quot;military-friendly.&quot; Although it is sometimes challenging to balance the civilian/military lifestyle, it is important to use strengths in both backgrounds with the roles. Take the strong work ethic, teamwork, and technical skills from the military and apply them to the private sector.

2016-02-12T11:16:24-05:00 2016-02-12T11:16:24-05:00 CSM William DeWolf 1297621

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I would like to think that employers would look at a reservist as dedicated, committed, organized, and with a great deal of experience and strengths. I came to the position I am in now in the fall of 2001, just after 911. My VP asked if I thought I would get mobalized and since I was a CSM for a CSH, I thought, yeah, they certainly would want the nurses and docs but me? Long story, short, I was mobilized to FT. Dix but did not deploy with the unit. My VP said, no worry and they continued to support me with anything that was needed. One of the things that stuck out on my resume was my military experience. Of course, my boss was a former CID, which helped. Best of luck SPC!

2016-02-12T11:16:31-05:00 2016-02-12T11:16:31-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 1297628

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>That's up to you SGT

2016-02-12T11:19:33-05:00 2016-02-12T11:19:33-05:00 SPC Private RallyPoint Member 1297828

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Thank you all for the advice. Currently, I'm still in college and working as a security guard for a local hospital. It's more along the lines of when I finally get my degree and plan on starting an actual career. That's what makes me nervous.

2016-02-12T12:20:45-05:00 2016-02-12T12:20:45-05:00 SFC Derrick Harris 1297942

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>When I work as a Assistant Manager for Wal-mart I was the best at my job and dedicated and work 10 times harder then my co worker and the only reason I am not there is because they don't support us like they said and they let me go for medical reasons

2016-02-12T12:57:07-05:00 2016-02-12T12:57:07-05:00 MAJ Ken Landgren 1297974

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sometimes you don't want to be different.

2016-02-12T13:08:44-05:00 2016-02-12T13:08:44-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 1298121

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Include an official DA or equivalent military photo. I posted mine on a Facebook job search group page and received multiple contacts from owners and CEOs looking to hire vets and employees with govt/military background

2016-02-12T13:58:34-05:00 2016-02-12T13:58:34-05:00 SGT Ken Price 1298174

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I would ask yourself if a civilian life is your only option, or would you consider a military career? I for one regret leaving the Army. I was good at what i did, well respected, and on track to E-6 if I had stayed in. Instead, I gave in to pressure from a spouse I later divorced and gave up a career, only to spend the next 2 years looking for decent work. I always had work, but not well paying jobs. If I had it to do all over again, I would have stayed in, applied for WOC school to fly choppers, and retired years ago. I was born into a military family, so maybe that had something to do with it. I was the 6th generation of my family to serve. But I miss the job, I miss the team, and I miss being a part of the family.

2016-02-12T14:28:14-05:00 2016-02-12T14:28:14-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 1298205

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Also, in regards to giving employers notice for training requirements, find out about their military leave policy (which they should have), give them your TY Unit training schedule memo which will have a POC they can call to ask questions, and for other trainings not scheduled ask them how far out they would like to receive notice of days that will be missed for training. then try your best to communicate with your commander and your employer and have them communicate, they might be more supportive and understanding after all that

2016-02-12T14:39:50-05:00 2016-02-12T14:39:50-05:00 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member 1300020

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The biggest problem I've noticed with Veterans or Guard/Reservists trying to use their military experience in the civilian world, is that the civilian world truly doesn't understand military experience. You need to remove ALL military jargon from your resume, and convert it to muggle speak. For example, if you're a Yeoman in the Navy, you'd put "Human Resources Specialist", because that's what the muggles understand. If you're not getting calls back, it's because your experience isn't in line with what they want, or your resume is substandard.<br /><br />As for interviewing... generally speaking, most muggle hiring officials will not fully understand how the Guard/Reserve program works, unless they're in the Guard/Reserves themselves. But that being said, you should only discuss your military career as it applies to the interview questions, or your pitch about yourself. If the interviewer decides to ask what your military commitment looks like, they're entering dangerous grounds of a discrimination lawsuit. This is the same reason you should never include a picture of yourself on your resume, list your gender, or list your marital status on your resume. LinkedIn and social networking has been a fancy way to dip into the gray area of discrimination prior to the interview, but they still can't discriminate against protected statuses.<br /><br />As for being currently employed, the law is clear, and there is no gray area. Guard/Reserve activities are protected. Period.

2016-02-13T12:47:28-05:00 2016-02-13T12:47:28-05:00 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member 1306215

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Don't ever undermine the fact that you're a Citizen/Soldier. The skills you bring to the playfield are unmatched from any civilian with your same age, or sometimes older than you. Whether you know it or fail to highlight it YOU ARE A LEADER, because you did not settle to be; you wanted more with the innate skills that you already have. So, point out (in civilian terms; do your research) everything that makes you THE CANDIDATE!!!. Be humble but assertive. Don't short sale yourself, but don't over sale. Just my two cents in the matter.

2016-02-16T11:22:15-05:00 2016-02-16T11:22:15-05:00 SFC Nyla Newville 1307394

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>By using everything you learned in the service, the Ethos something most civilians lack.

2016-02-16T16:44:49-05:00 2016-02-16T16:44:49-05:00 SSG Jesse Cheadle 1307433

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You will be lucky to find an employer worthy of being a career as a Reservist or Guard Soldier. Employers want to know how you can benefit the organization. Having to break off of your productivity for that company or corporation is not well greeted. You cannot lie about the military obligation or you will be fired. Best advice I have to offer is choose wisely what you want. Do you want to be a career Servicemenber or have a career elsewhere? Otherwise, general labor may be the best avenue in the interm. I could suggest a spouse with a career field. Sadly, you will be hard pressed to find someone willing to accept the required absence in your career position.

2016-02-16T16:58:49-05:00 2016-02-16T16:58:49-05:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 1307716

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>That's a multi facetted one. Some reservist don't have that issue because either they are in a unit that doesn't have a lot of training going on or their civilian job is very flexible and recognizes the military for what it is. Being that a lot of the civilian jobs top employers used to be military themselves. It's difficult depending on who you work for and your unit. I'm in the process of starting my own business. Now I'm the Boss and it works for me. Your resume constructed properly should reflect your military career in civilian language. Also, please understand that your civilian job doesn't have to recognize every single training event your unit has on top of the two weeks a year and two days a month and all the other MUTAS. You have to give and take. The civilian job/company is a business and they have to and will take care of their best interest as well as you are so motivated to take care of yours. You need to have a balance. The Army Reserves is suppose to recognize that you have a civilian job as well. two days a month, two weeks a year and deployment. If your company recognizes that, that means they care about you and they are glad you serve. Good luck with trying to excel in a company with your qualification and being at every single training your reserve unit has for the year every year. The civilian job is going to hire that guy or girl or promote the same that pulls up in the 3M parking lot a little more than you. Balance is the key. reserve is just that and not Active Duty.

2016-02-16T18:42:03-05:00 2016-02-16T18:42:03-05:00 SFC Josh Billingsley 1344239

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Use your network and connections! I was actually chosen for my current position because I'm a drilling reservist and my Director was looking for someone from a military background for his team. Play up the positive parts of your involvement for the Reserves (for me it was improved networking, training and train-ability of vets, and don't forget that most folks prize our motivation and continued drive). My role is in marketing and staffing and it takes a very aggressive and head strong person to be successful here. Thankfully, my director thought to look at military personnel first and their corporate recruiter plucked me off of LinkedIn for this role. It is much easier for an employer to dismiss you if they don't know you. Always try to put your face to your name in their minds and get to know them LONG before they have to decide if they're going to hire you. Plus, do you really want an employer that doesn't view your service with the same respect you do?

2016-03-01T13:44:59-05:00 2016-03-01T13:44:59-05:00 2016-02-12T10:30:04-05:00