When job hunting, what did you do to set yourself apart from the rest?

2016-06-15T21:50:50-04:00

Beyond networking and tailoring the resume/ cover letter to that specific job, what did you do to be unique in your job hunting efforts?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 10:12 PM

2016-06-15T22:12:29-04:00

I created my blog, http://golivelively.com/about , to create a hub for my projects and show my passion for skills I'd want to be hired for. I also take part in projects that improve my skills. Right now I do web work for my college SVA chapter and work with a fitness organization.

About Me

I, Jacqueem Jt Spratley, am a Virginia born and raised Army Veteran and student at Syracuse University, Class of 2017. Open Source Software, fitness, and original music have been my passions for ye…

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 10:40 PM

2016-06-15T22:40:06-04:00

TSgt Alex Benningfield Be professional in dress and conduct. That will help. Research the company so that you can answer any question that they throw at you. Be able to discuss how your qualifications match the company goals. Smile and be confident in your preparation.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Jun 16 at 2016 1:18 AM

2016-06-16T01:18:54-04:00

(1) I invested in casual but professional clothing for when having informational interviews. Of course suit & tie for the interviews and networking events.
(2) I crafted a business card that stands out in look and feel.
(3) I attended Toastmasters to be a better speaker.
(4) I volunteered a lot and enjoyed it. I still do.
(5) Strong social media presence. Always learning and sharing.
(6) Joining a professional organization.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 16 at 2016 1:49 AM

2016-06-16T01:49:21-04:00

Made sure I was a better listener than the rest of the herd. With that can come better understanding on what the firm actually needs. Responses tend to hit the mark better. Firms give more intel away than most people think, even before the interview. Simple things like getting some nuggets from the person who calls to set you up to the guy/gal at the gate. It all plays.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2016 2:28 AM

2016-06-16T02:28:49-04:00

Keep competence as your watchword. Do your research on the company, study for the interviews (job descriptions, research into job title and levels of responsibility, and be prepared to explain exactly how you can add value. Also make a point to ask questions that show a depth of knowledge/proficiency others do not possess.

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made Jun 16 at 2016 9:40 AM

2016-06-16T09:40:47-04:00

When I applied for a job as a quality control technician I was asked why I thought I could do such a physically demanding job. Sampling and testing asphalt, aggregates and concrete. I reminded my soon-to-be new boss that I repaired tugboats in the Navy. He hired me on the spot and never had any reason to doubt my ability to do the job. I did it for almost 20 years and still do, even though my organizational skills have brought me into the office more than out to the field. That's OK. At my age, humping 5 gallon buckets of samples gets a little tiring. :)

Response by CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR made Jun 16 at 2016 10:31 AM

2016-06-16T10:31:57-04:00

1. Learned and practice answering behavioral based interview questions. It is an art to it.
2. Send a handwritten thank you note/card through snail mail immediately following the interview
3. Asked for the job at the close of the interview
4. Asked the hiring manager and recruiter on a scale of 1 to 10 where do I fall on the scale regarding the candidate that they are looking for
5. The most important thing that a lot of people do NOT do and that is follow-up
6. Find out from the recruiter to see who I would be interviewing with and do a google search and look the person up on Linkedin so i can have some information about the person to build rapport.
7. Also did a lot of informational meetings which gave me more exposure

Response by SGT Damon Garland made Jun 16 at 2016 11:33 AM

2016-06-16T11:33:18-04:00

When I show up for an interview i wear a suit, well tailored. It doesnt matter if its for a mechanic or a supervisory position if one speaks well and looks put together its makes an impressio

Response by MSgt Jacob Ballard made Jun 16 at 2016 11:33 AM

2016-06-16T11:33:39-04:00

Don't Forget the handwritten "Thank-you" card tailored with a personal note!!!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2016 12:34 PM

2016-06-16T12:34:57-04:00

I spoke to leadership abilities. Alot of the companies that I have heard back from are looking for that, at least in my career field

Response by SSG Andres Guarnizo made Jun 16 at 2016 1:12 PM

2016-06-16T13:12:56-04:00

Dress the part, know the company, know yourself, ask questions. Most importantly go in with a great attitude. Your resume shows your skills, and being military the expectation is you are disciplined and able to learn skills. One thing however that cannot be taught is having a great attitude and personailty and this comes out as they ask you questions and hear you speak and answer.

Response by TSgt Ryan Lee made Jun 16 at 2016 2:45 PM

2016-06-16T14:45:15-04:00

A great targeted and polished resume makes a huge impact. The second major impact is when you get the chance for the interview, either in person or on the phone. Always look professional but not too over dressed, fresh hair cut, pressed pants and shirt with a nice subtle tie and possible sports jacket...depending on who your interview is with. On the phone, speak with confidence and sell the heck out of yourself and your abilities that you will excel in the position you are applying for. Finally, had many questions written down to ask the people who are interviewing you. First it shows you have great interest in the position and also you have the ability to ask intelligent questions. I have interviewed for 3 jobs after I retired from the Air Force and got every single one. I have also interviewed potential candidates for my position that they were going to replace when I was moving on. Hope that helps, good luck with your transition!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2017 8:22 PM

2017-12-26T20:22:39-05:00

In my profession, (software development), the number one, most important-by-far step in the job-seeking process is the technical interview. The interviewers pose problems and you walk them through a solution (frequently by writing code on a whiteboard). They sharp-shoot your solutions and answers. They seek to get you talking about some of the bullet-points on your resume. You REALLY want to do well on that technical interview. If, on a scale of 1 (easy) to 10 (hard), you are expecting an interview difficulty of 5, you want to be ready to knock out a 27. This doesn't just affect whether you get the job, but also how much they're gonna pay you. Once you get an interview, go in there ready to surpass expectations. Many servicemembers have experience with competitive or promotion boards and with public speaking and small group instruction. Capitalize on that by coming across as more confident than your civilian competitors, more clear, and more articulate. But more than anything, show that you absolutely 100% know-what-you're-talking about: technical competence in the domain of the job you are applying for. Be an EXPERT.