MAJ Joseph Parker 5804 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Rank is so strongly imbedded into the service member&#39;s psyche that there is often an expectation on their part&amp;nbsp;that the private sector employer automatically takes&amp;nbsp;rank into consideration&amp;nbsp;when reviewing&amp;nbsp;the service member for a job. For example: a former BG may (or may not) be a&amp;nbsp;stronger candidate than a former MSG or former LTC because the BG had attained a&amp;nbsp;higher rank. Likewise, would a potential employer who is a former service member&amp;nbsp;have a stronger or&amp;nbsp;less strong consideration of rank? Please assume that the candidates&#39; technical qualifications are otherwise equal. Responses from veterans and retirees who have been down this trail, and those of active duty service members are greatly appreciated. Your frank, straightforward responses will be used by my corporation and me in our future HR hiring processes.&amp;nbsp; How do you think private sector employers with a strong veterans preference take your military rank into consideration? 2013-11-12T19:19:19-05:00 MAJ Joseph Parker 5804 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Rank is so strongly imbedded into the service member&#39;s psyche that there is often an expectation on their part&amp;nbsp;that the private sector employer automatically takes&amp;nbsp;rank into consideration&amp;nbsp;when reviewing&amp;nbsp;the service member for a job. For example: a former BG may (or may not) be a&amp;nbsp;stronger candidate than a former MSG or former LTC because the BG had attained a&amp;nbsp;higher rank. Likewise, would a potential employer who is a former service member&amp;nbsp;have a stronger or&amp;nbsp;less strong consideration of rank? Please assume that the candidates&#39; technical qualifications are otherwise equal. Responses from veterans and retirees who have been down this trail, and those of active duty service members are greatly appreciated. Your frank, straightforward responses will be used by my corporation and me in our future HR hiring processes.&amp;nbsp; How do you think private sector employers with a strong veterans preference take your military rank into consideration? 2013-11-12T19:19:19-05:00 2013-11-12T19:19:19-05:00 SPC Corbin Doades 5817 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sir, I can tell you  from experience that some employers do not take military into account. Point of fact would be my current job with ABM Security Services. My Security Manager is also a former service member. I am not too sure of her length of service or grade, but she knows I was military. When I first started I was still actively drilling with the National Guard. My MOS was military police and fit perfectly with my job. During my interview she stated that my skills and military experience were a perfect fit for a team lead position. When that position opened up, I was overlooked for a younger inexperienced person. I have since tried to take the same position with a different team and again was overlooked. <div><br></div><div>I have applied for other jobs and while I meet or exceed all the qualifications, I always seem to get the reply of "we're going with another person who better fits our qualifications." I feel that my military experience is actually hurting my chances because of all these news stories of individuals with PTSD committing these shooting sprees. Again, these are my opinions and thoughts on my own situation. While this may not be true, as I do not communicate with the companies that turn me down, I can not say for sure if its true or not.</div> Response by SPC Corbin Doades made Nov 12 at 2013 7:38 PM 2013-11-12T19:38:49-05:00 2013-11-12T19:38:49-05:00 Sgt Nicholas Chappell 5865 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sir,<div><br></div><div>Having been recently retired I find myself playing the job game. I have recently found a decently paying job (for now) close to my house. They highered me on the spot due to my military background. However, that is as far as it came into play in my position. I was told during the interview by my current supervisor that he was looking at me to be a Lead in another department. When I showed up for my first day of work I was at the bottom of the totem pole in an entirely different department.</div><div><br></div><div>It is my understanding that most employers just care if you served or not. They don't really care about your rank. They want to see what you can do for their company which isn't a bad thing either. I have since moved my way up 3 positions and have set a goal for myself to be a Department Lead within 2 years. My current Lead absolutely loves me and I have already received a higher than average pay raise as a result.</div><div><br></div><div>Basically, having served gets your foot in the door, but its up to the member to show what they can do once given the opportunity and prove they want to be there.</div> Response by Sgt Nicholas Chappell made Nov 12 at 2013 10:36 PM 2013-11-12T22:36:56-05:00 2013-11-12T22:36:56-05:00 MAJ Craig Clark 6696 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><br /><br /><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">I’ve been hiring x-military since getting out of the Army<br />myself in 1996 and my experience is that candidates who were Senior Ranking<br />enlisted / officers, usually had a difficult time finding positions.   Most<br />times they feel like they should start off too high in an organization or<br />expect too much money and while their leadership skills are transferable, they<br />have no experience in the industry in which they are applying and aren’t<br />readily willing to accept that fact.  Another<br />way to illustrate my experience is that unless Senior Enlisted / Officers are<br />able to accept the fact that they no longer enjoy a certain “instant” respect<br />their rank provided them in the military and are willing to follow whoever they<br />are working for, they won’t be long for whatever position they were hired<br />for.  Most times their managers will be<br />younger, have never served and candidates have to resist the propensity to try<br />to “mentor” their new boss no matter how screwed up they are.  They also have to resist the urge to take<br />over projects where their boss or a co-worker is foundering, for without a<br />great deal of tact, their manager will see it as disruption in the workplace or<br />even a challenge to the others authority and will get them terminate.  </p><br /><br /><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">I simply don’t see a lot of senior enlisted or senior<br />offices looking for positions in the civilian workforce but rather my<br />experience is they tend to gravitate to GS positions or where their rank more<br />easily transfers into a position.  Junior<br />officers and junior NCO/enlisted, however, I’ve never experienced any of the<br />above issue with them.  They’ve always<br />been eager to learn, jump in, no issues with ego, are comfortable being a<br />member of a team, etc… and have mentored and developed more than 30 over the<br />years.  </p><br /><br /><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;">As far as getting preference or “points” for rank, I haven’t<br />seen it in the civilian world.  However,<br />if I’m comparing two equal military candidates, both interview the same, both<br />want the same salary, etc… I absolutely will give consideration to a candidate<br />who was a Ranger, SF, Seal, Jumpmaster, etc... over a candidate who had no special<br />military certifications.   It was a differentiator<br />in the military and they are differentiators for me if I’m comparing to<br />completely equal candidates.   You should<br />always have a copy of your DD214 with you when interviewing and be sure not to<br />embellish your military experience in the interview or while on the job.  I terminated a COO and a Plant Manager in the<br />past for falsifying their military record on the job application (stolen valor).  People figure that stuff out, where you really<br />were and what you did vs. what you say you did. <br />Be proud of your accomplishments, don’t embellish and be happy to<br />provide your DD214 to anyone who wants to see it.</p><br /><br /> Response by MAJ Craig Clark made Nov 15 at 2013 3:46 PM 2013-11-15T15:46:52-05:00 2013-11-15T15:46:52-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 6709 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>They really don't take any of that stuff under consideration Sir. It looks all good on paper and in the advertisements but when it comes to the hiring process, they rarely consider anything that has to do with the military. They are afraid still that " we can get called up and leave for a year or so again" .  As soon as they hear that stuff they shot down inside and the Interview is pretty much over .   Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2013 4:36 PM 2013-11-15T16:36:09-05:00 2013-11-15T16:36:09-05:00 MAJ Craig Clark 6724 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><br /><br /><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;">Call me Craig, please.   I haven't been MAJ Clark since <br />1996.  </p><br /><br /><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;"> </p><br /><br /><p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;">If a candidate represents themselves as a veteran, yes you<br />can legally ask to see their DD214.  It is no different than verifying<br />past employment - tell me you were secrete agent orange stationed on Mount<br />Olympus, then I get to ask to see your DD214.  You say you can't find it -<br />I don't hire you because I know you were lying.   </p><br /><br /> Response by MAJ Craig Clark made Nov 15 at 2013 5:14 PM 2013-11-15T17:14:48-05:00 2013-11-15T17:14:48-05:00 LtCol Dann Chesnut 10177 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The first thing:&amp;nbsp; Get over yourself.&amp;nbsp; Civilian employers for the most part don&#39;t care about your rank in the military, and usually don&#39;t understand it anyway.&amp;nbsp; I do not, and have not for a while now, even mentioned my rank.&amp;nbsp; My resume identifies the position and responsibilities that I had in civilianized language.&amp;nbsp; This comes from experience in the job market.&amp;nbsp; It is education, training, and experience coupled with what are called &quot;soft&quot; skills like leadership, initiative, and attention to detail that matter to civilian employers.&lt;br&gt; Response by LtCol Dann Chesnut made Nov 23 at 2013 8:54 AM 2013-11-23T08:54:31-05:00 2013-11-23T08:54:31-05:00 1SG Jeff Marlow 34740 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>Great article for those who are planning their retirements is availalble:</p><p>Congratulations on Your Military Service… Now Here Are 9 Reasons Why I Won’t Hire You.  <a target="_blank" href="http://www.careerattraction.com/congratulations-on-your-military-service-now-here-are-9-reasons-why-i-wont-hire-you/">http://www.careerattraction.com/congratulations-on-your-military-service-now-here-are-9-reasons-why-i-wont-hire-you/</a></p><p> </p><p>Transitioning service-members MUST take advantage of their individual service's transition assistance programs.  Having retired almost six years ago, and moving through multiple interviews and job application processes my most pertinent piece of advice is to seek the expertise that can convert the "military jargon" in your resume into something that civilian hiring managers can understand.</p><div class="pta-link-card"><br /><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="https://www.facebook.com/offsite_event.php?id=%20%5Blogin%20to%20see%5D%20456&amp;value=0"></div><br /><div class="pta-link-card-content"><br /><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a href="http://www.careerattraction.com/congratulations-on-your-military-service-now-here-are-9-reasons-why-i-wont-hire-you/" target="_blank">Congratulations on Your Military Service… Now Here Are 9 Reasons Why I Won’t Hire You</a></div><br /><div class="pta-link-card-description">Just because you have the skills and experience for a position, that doesn’t mean you’ll get it. Avoid these mistakes to make sure you don’t sabotage your chances.</div><br /></div><br /><div style="clear:both;"></div><br /><div class="pta-box-hide"></div><br /></div> Response by 1SG Jeff Marlow made Jan 8 at 2014 9:52 AM 2014-01-08T09:52:13-05:00 2014-01-08T09:52:13-05:00 CSM Private RallyPoint Member 35200 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>Sir,</p><p>    I have not retired yet but as a supervisor I would expect my HR people to have an understanding of the responsibility placed on the ranks of military personnel, if they were in my hiring pool. At least a working knowledge. I am not suggesting that the individual Soldiers rank defines their ability or future potential for your organization only that an HR rep with an understanding can provide a base for questioning the potential employee.</p><p>    An example: My friend retired as a 1SG from the US Army. Senior Enlisted Advisers do not command we advise. This friend is a very confident person. He set his sights high. He applied to run the entire housing complex at Ft Eustis, VA. The HR rep was very family with the roll of a 1SG in the military and set appropriate questions to test him on the complexities of "commanding" such a large organization. My friend did well and now makes a great living running the entire housing project. </p><p>    The two lessons I learned from his experience was as an advisor myself, don't sell myself short. I set my limits in the civilian world not my current military rank. If an HR rep is prepared they will pull the info needed from the interviewee to ensure they meet the minimum requirements to continue forward in the employment selection process. </p><p> </p><p>@1SG Marlow: Jeff good article. I am not ready to step out just yet but I will be sure to call you up before I do. </p> Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2014 12:51 AM 2014-01-09T00:51:30-05:00 2014-01-09T00:51:30-05:00 Col Dave Mork 36013 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>On its face your question is incorrect in its assumption that we should allow that &quot;their technical qualifications are otherwise equal&quot;. &amp;nbsp;The experiences inherent in wearing one rank versus another are different. &amp;nbsp;While I agree the differences can be huge, or small, there is never going to be &quot;equal&quot;. &amp;nbsp;I am not saying officer versus enlisted, but ANY rank vs another will be different. &amp;nbsp;The fact that two different ranks may have the same degrees, same training, and worked in the same office even, higher ranks experienced varying level of responsibility, interaction with professional and social contacts will be different, technical skills and contemporary traits WILL accompany a given rank. The key here must be that the requirements for the job position should drive which person is the best fit, and the differences in rank SHOULD be a factor when deciding the likely technical skill level, vs leadership, vs responsibility, vs customer interaction, cross org relationships needed, etc. &amp;nbsp;Do I agree that higher rank does not equal superior candidate for every job? &amp;nbsp;Hell YES!! &amp;nbsp;But if I were a hiring manager, I would and argue SHOULD consider rank to grant its wearer certain traits as more or less likely. &amp;nbsp;Whichever traits are most needed should be the person hired. &amp;nbsp;I would consider any General officer to be less and less technically skilled than a lower ranking person (officers and enlisted), and likewise would consider a Company Grade Officer or Junior enlisted a greater ability to work project solo or part of a peer group. &amp;nbsp;Anyway, horse is dead, I should leave it alone. &amp;nbsp; Response by Col Dave Mork made Jan 10 at 2014 5:36 PM 2014-01-10T17:36:26-05:00 2014-01-10T17:36:26-05:00 Capt Ed Yong 36322 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Perhaps defense contractors and that includes those consultants on the news have preference, the higher you are, the more contacts you have, and the more authority you have on your talking.  Outside of defense contractors, rank doesn't matter. Response by Capt Ed Yong made Jan 11 at 2014 2:17 PM 2014-01-11T14:17:16-05:00 2014-01-11T14:17:16-05:00 Capt Private RallyPoint Member 36348 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sir, my experience in the private sector while in the reserves has been limited to two hospitals, where I have worked directly for the hospital itself in their security departments. With that disclaimer out of the way, I have seen any differentiation on the part of HR between a candidate who is a PFC and a candidate who is a Captain or a Major. I worked with several other either reservists or veterans, and as a Corporal with no deployments or special experience I was paid the same as a Staff Sergeant who had several deployments.&amp;nbsp;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;After I commissioned, I approached HR to discuss my qualifications, less because of my promotion and more because I had completed a degree, begun a graduate degree, and completed a great deal more military training since I was hired. Obviously this is a little different because I am already an employee, and so they have a lot less motivation to reexamine my position... But the impression I was given was that military qualifications do not really matter, all they took into account was the fact that I served for a certain length of time. I cannot speak for other employers, but I am inclined to think that most privator sector employers see military service as a good thing, but do not consider it any further than that. Some of this might have to do with the fact that for an employer with no military service, it can be difficult to decipher military terminology.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Should a private sector look at rank? It would be tough to do so for a couple of reasons. First, a rank in one service may be invested with different responsibilities across the services. For example, in the Marine Corps an E4 is always a Corporal and is a NCO with all the responsibility this entails. While the Army does have the rank of Corporal, most soldiers do not get laterally promoted to this rank, and the responsibilities of an E4 vary widely. I think that the level of responsibility and skill at discharging these responsibilities is a good qualifier for an employer to examine, but again, this is a tough area to consider, and rank does not always equate to competence, though it certainly should.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt; Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 3:51 PM 2014-01-11T15:51:53-05:00 2014-01-11T15:51:53-05:00 MSgt Private RallyPoint Member 36366 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>Major,</p><p> </p><p>I would believe it all depends on how the hiring manager and/or HR personnel's reference point is.  Even if the company is 'pro' military it doesn't neccessarily mean they feel the same way or that they don't have preconceived notions due to all the media hype on certain topics.</p><p> </p><p>Higher rank in the military and higher degrees in the civilian world don't always mean that the individual can and/or should be given status over someone that doesn't have the same credentials.  </p><p> </p><p>I have seen both upper military (Enlisted and Officer) and civilians (with upper degrees) that can't (or won't) relate to other individuals at the other individuals level - which means a communication break down occurs.  </p><p> </p><p>It should be the best qualified individual (experience/knowledge/communication skills) would get the job.  I have seen rare occasions where a company has hired both individuals on a 'trial basis' to see which actually fits in with the company's culture and excels.</p><p> </p><p>Personnaly, since I retired at the end of October 2013 - I have been applying for all types of jobs (even with companies that say they are 'pro' military hiring.  Sometimes the education factor kills my chance (I only have a 2yr degree), sometimes they think I would be bored with the job due to my experience, and other times they think I would not stay because I might leave for higher pay else where.  It hasn't mattered when I explain that I am am looking for a new career in the civilian world where I can start fresh (I am not looking at making my same wages I had in the military - that is unrealistic since I have not been part of the civilian work force in quite some time on a fulltime basis).  </p><p> </p><p>I do wish you and your company well in this topic you have brought up - at least you are broaching the subject and looking for a consensus for future use in your hiring practices. </p> Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 4:23 PM 2014-01-11T16:23:54-05:00 2014-01-11T16:23:54-05:00 MAJ Derrick J. 36608 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>Since only .47% of Americans have served, there is a profound lack of knowledge and understanding about military rank and training, and how it places military people far above the average professional or worker.</p><p> </p><p>That needs to change.</p> Response by MAJ Derrick J. made Jan 11 at 2014 11:15 PM 2014-01-11T23:15:45-05:00 2014-01-11T23:15:45-05:00 SFC Michael Reeves 36628 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I don't think they care nor have a clue just what veterans training consists of... that's been my experience anyway. Response by SFC Michael Reeves made Jan 11 at 2014 11:32 PM 2014-01-11T23:32:40-05:00 2014-01-11T23:32:40-05:00 SGT Steven Shumaker 36668 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sir, <div>If your firm is in WA near JBLM, I am looking for a job.  Is there a way to private message through this site?  What is the name of your Company and What type of work do you do?</div><div><br></div><div>Repectfully,</div><div>Steve Shumaker</div> Response by SGT Steven Shumaker made Jan 12 at 2014 12:34 AM 2014-01-12T00:34:15-05:00 2014-01-12T00:34:15-05:00 TSgt Scott Hurley 36854 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As a retired TSGT who has still not been able to get a job. Even with Military friendly companies. Rank has no real interest to the employer. The majority of them could care less what your rank was or what medals you have received. All they are looking at is your age, skills, and what you may be able to bring to the company. <br><br>If they may have been military themselves, they may look at at it differently. But in the long run, as long as your you have the skills and you were able to get a high rank, then you are fine. But even someone with a higher rank but less skills should be treated as equally as someone with lower rank and more skills.<br> Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Jan 12 at 2014 1:57 PM 2014-01-12T13:57:48-05:00 2014-01-12T13:57:48-05:00 SPC Daniel Drennan 36878 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sir,<div><br></div><div>My experience was that my employer was uninterested in my rank in the military. Their chief concern was what I did in the military and how it related to what I was going to do for them. My job doesn't relate to almost anything I ever did in the Army, however I think the notable skills of work ethic and values were crucial in consideration for my employment.</div><div><br></div><div>My brother separated shortly after I did, and he had a job with a fortune 500 company lined up before he actually separated. In his experience his rank was not a factor either, but what helped to to attain his position was his experience in the field he was applying for, coupled with certifications he gained while serving.</div><div><br></div><div>I think an interviewer should know approximately how much responsibility is carried by a range of pay grades and anyone preparing to separate that may read this should prepare themselves for the fact that an employer and your coworkers are probably not interested in your rank in the military. The only people I've encountered that legitimately cared about my rank getting out the service were veterans themselves.</div> Response by SPC Daniel Drennan made Jan 12 at 2014 2:29 PM 2014-01-12T14:29:58-05:00 2014-01-12T14:29:58-05:00 Capt Daniel Kobyra 37538 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My first post-military position was in a retail distribution center as a part of their military leadership program. The idea that was portrayed to me through their corporate HR and directors/ department VPs was that it was a program to take our leadership experience and teach us the retail distribution so that they could develop a solid group of leadership down the line. They focused on combat arms junior officers and would consider officers who have lead individuals before, preferably on deployments. When put in practice however the direct managers I reported to had a very skewed impression of what officers do and the responsibilities inherrent to the position. I walked in addmittedly knowing nothing of retail supply chain. My second week there after the orientation I was sat down by my mentor and told "I know that you've never been a leader before and have never had this much responsibility before but we can teach you how to lead people." While I don't want to say I know everything about leadership that statement portrays the attitude I was treated with by the individuals I directly reported to. Regardless of performance while there I consistently received remarks about military service that were so off the mark they were insulting and any offers of correction to them were taking as having an attitude. The corporate leadership had a good plan and idea for their business however I think many companies struggle to successfully implement the plan due to a lack of understanding from those on the front lines of leadership. I had several fellow officers with strikingly similar experiences. It ultimately led to me leaving that company to work in a different field.  Response by Capt Daniel Kobyra made Jan 13 at 2014 7:14 PM 2014-01-13T19:14:43-05:00 2014-01-13T19:14:43-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 41843 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I will be a retired Marine Staff Sergeant and I look at it like this when I get out.  My view is that it absolutely should not matter.  I have a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice and I am Lean Six Sigma Belt qualified as well as CMO/CE qualified.  My senior SNCO had 0 college....in 30 years.  I will leave you with this....you decide. Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 6:58 PM 2014-01-21T18:58:07-05:00 2014-01-21T18:58:07-05:00 TSgt Kevin Buccola 85681 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Depends on who  you talk to in HR - they might be past military and understand rank.  Most do not.  From my experience dealing the Veterans of all ranks the E8/E9 and O6 plus are the hardest to find positions - they all want Mngt - CEO / Chief or Director.  Nobody wants to start at the bottom again.  That scares a lot of non-veterans in the hiring market.  I am enlisted, but I found a job that I was happy in and it was a GS5 and since I have moved up the chain.  Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Mar 26 at 2014 1:47 PM 2014-03-26T13:47:06-04:00 2014-03-26T13:47:06-04:00 MAJ George Hamilton 103874 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>They absolutely care - companies with an established Veteran recruiting program look at that kind of thing every day. Rank is not only going to be an indicator of your level of responsibility (people and property) in the service, but also an indicator of your level of education (yes, that is still true - though not as true as it once was).<div><br></div><div>If you think that companies don't look at it - then explain to me why there are different firms who target specific ranks as headhunters for companies - i.e. Recruit Military vs. Cameron Brooks?</div> Response by MAJ George Hamilton made Apr 16 at 2014 4:15 PM 2014-04-16T16:15:24-04:00 2014-04-16T16:15:24-04:00 CPT Brandon Christensen 103902 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Being in the NG and doing multiple contract jobs throughout the year, I find myself in the position quite often and I catch myself during the interview. Like you said, we have it embedded in us that rank means everything. This past year, I have gone in multiple interviews thinking, I got this nailed. I am an officer in the US Army and have seen combat. Shouldn't be an issue. Once they see my military background and what my skills are... it's in the bag. Which is great confidence, but I catch myself half way through the interview and realize that they don't care what my rank is or what I have seen/done. All they want to know is if I am capable of performing this job and that I would be a good fit to their team.<div><br></div><div>I want to believe that the employer (if prior service) would have a strong consideration on what rank you current/previous hold/held. It would come down to their experience with that particular rank if they did or not. I also would want to believe that even prior service members would want a "brother/sister" working with them. It's a unique bond that only so many of us share. </div> Response by CPT Brandon Christensen made Apr 16 at 2014 5:03 PM 2014-04-16T17:03:47-04:00 2014-04-16T17:03:47-04:00 LCpl Mark Lefler 104038 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My personal experience is, that employers like that I served in the Marines, not one of them asked my rank and my rank isn't on my resume. Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Apr 16 at 2014 7:49 PM 2014-04-16T19:49:12-04:00 2014-04-16T19:49:12-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 104188 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sir, <div><br></div><div>My opinion is civilian employees may or may not take previously held rank into consideration. I think that it is more important to highlight what you actually did at specific ranks. With greater rank comes greater responsibility, however if you were high speed low drag and fast tracked to SFC because you were just hot stuff at your job and squared away but spent your last few years in just skating by then what does that say about you? </div><div><br></div><div>I think that anyone who has served honorably should be given a fair shake. The potential employee may have already played second to another potential employee who just happens to have outranked them while in. Why should it be a factor after military life? </div> Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2014 10:21 PM 2014-04-16T22:21:23-04:00 2014-04-16T22:21:23-04:00 SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member 104703 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Why should they care about rank? Rank isn't an indicator of capabilities,, as we all know of one who has a rank they didn't earn. Also, I'd rather hear about what you did in the military than what rank you were. A SPC who did his job well is more valuable to me than a BG who failed miserably, but feels he/she is entitled to a position because of rank attained in the military. I may sound biased, because I'm a SPC, but that's what employers look at this as well. Pre-military I helped with the hiring of salespeople, and we were more interested in what was accomplished in the military, not rank. Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2014 6:50 PM 2014-04-17T18:50:03-04:00 2014-04-17T18:50:03-04:00 SSG Mike Angelo 165717 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Maj Joseph, <br /><br />Most if not all civilians in my demographic area do not know the difference between an E-6 and an O-6. <br />There are veterans out here in the private sector who do know these differences and have tried to work with the private sector.<br /> <br />We all have come to the conclusion that it is a waste of time. When Operation Enduring Freedom started and all these retired Generals and Colonels were interviewed on Fox, CNN or O'Reilley, civilians out here thought that our army just have those type of ranks, until someone they knew enlisted in the Guards or Reserves. <br /><br />The civilian mindset is that there is work to be done regardless of who we were and at what rank did we serve as. We either take the job or go down the road to the next job, or we don't eat. Civilians are different about paying bills, and rent. People are just law suit-happy and take their disputes to court. Pets and minor children have lawyers nowadays. <br /><br />Employers with a strong veterans preference are in the "me" world. They know that veterans have a strong work ethic about being on time. "That works for me...I don't have to worry about losing money when I have veterans showing up for work." The downside is that employers lack the health and welfare piece of taking care of their people. For example, if you work in road construction, you are expected to bring your own water. <br /><br />The biggest constraint in any organization, is absenteeism. Employers like veterans because we are on-time and can come to work. Employers take advantage over that. Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Jun 28 at 2014 7:34 AM 2014-06-28T07:34:38-04:00 2014-06-28T07:34:38-04:00 LCDR Terrence Thomas 172222 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>MAJ Parker-<br /><br />Yes, rank should be taken into consideration. I've been fortunate to hold leadership positions at two fortune five hundred firms, sold two internet businesses since leaving the service and grew a private equity backed company from $5MM to $200MM as CMO. Now that my qualifications are out of the way, here is the deal. Give me a military guy any day. Rank is an indicator of management exposure, budgeting capabilities and resource planning. In addition, most individuals at higher ranks have well honed soft skills. Military background in general is an indicator of one's desire to learn and to be taught new skills.<br /><br />I believe the reason why transitioning guys have a hard time is most transitioning personnel underestimate their ability to learn new skills and are intimidated by civilian skills/qualifications. <br /><br />Let's face it, we will never be able to train/teach HR personnel about military structure or lifestyle. What we do need, however, is hard data on the performance of veterans vs non veterans in the civilian sector. This data needs to be promoted by veterans groups ad nauseam to the private sector. This positive PR will provide the veteran with the "benefit of the doubt" in the civilian sector. Response by LCDR Terrence Thomas made Jul 7 at 2014 2:26 AM 2014-07-07T02:26:02-04:00 2014-07-07T02:26:02-04:00 Sgt Packy Flickinger 179280 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>where I work likes Veterans. They also give extra consideration to those with certain war time honors. I served during, but not in Desert Storm. I also served in Joint Endeavour and Joint Guard so I fit that category. As for coworkers, they couldn't seem to care less. Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Jul 16 at 2014 3:26 AM 2014-07-16T03:26:36-04:00 2014-07-16T03:26:36-04:00 Sgt Packy Flickinger 179292 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I worked with a guy once who talked about the military all the time. Tried to use military jargon although he was never in. He even tried to coin me once. I just gave him a look of disgust and walked away. I think he had some serious mental issues once. Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Jul 16 at 2014 3:55 AM 2014-07-16T03:55:23-04:00 2014-07-16T03:55:23-04:00 SSG Mike Angelo 195420 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Hi Major Joseph, <br /><br />Out in the civilian and private sector, there is a strong veteran preference in corporate America. Why? <br /><br />In the marketing and advertising firm for example, is a form of warfare that the right military minded individual can fit right on in. <br /><br />America's real MadMen and MadWomen...came from Madison Avenue, NY NY!!! These Advertising companies are still at war with other US Ad Companies. This is serious business folks. GoDaddy started so small and ended up a Cinderella Story at the Super Bowl. <br /><br />If you are hungry enough to broaden your military mind, get in on the latest corporate warfare tactics and work an Ad campaign. ...Marketing Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Aug 6 at 2014 2:23 AM 2014-08-06T02:23:08-04:00 2014-08-06T02:23:08-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 199350 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>as a skilled trade and in the union they aren't as concerned about your military status or affiliation .they sometimes see it as you trying not to work or just making up an excuse not to come in ,but most of the foreman that I have encountered as of late do appreciate the service relation Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2014 11:16 AM 2014-08-10T11:16:37-04:00 2014-08-10T11:16:37-04:00 SFC Rick H 1161998 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Major Parker- while I was serving in South Korea as a retired soldier- working for the U.S. Government, I had the opportunity of residing over three (3) hiring boards for a specific position. We were hiring for only one position and trust me, the re`sum`es numbered. We had all ranks from the Military who applied. For example, we had Full Colonels, CSM and lower ranks who applied. We were instructed not to look strongly at former military rank. Why? We were not hiring for a CSM but for an Equipment Specialist GS-11. I learned, it was only important to consider final military rank when it comes to who will actually take guidance well from their supervisor- who may very well be a retired SFC and who will actually get the job done? We all understand the transition from Trooper to civilian can be difficult enough, however, when it comes to taking orders when you were giving the orders for so many years, this can prove be a task. Response by SFC Rick H made Dec 9 at 2015 1:23 AM 2015-12-09T01:23:09-05:00 2015-12-09T01:23:09-05:00 2013-11-12T19:19:19-05:00