Posted on Aug 5, 2016
Why is it that whenever employers hear military, they look the other way when it comes to hiring?
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Employment
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 16
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I think it depends on the job being applied for. I have been involved in Corrections, Law Enforcement and Security all of which value a military background because most that have that experience are usually indoctrinated into rank structure, chain of command, personal accountability, attention to detail and a dedication to mission accomplishment. I have also worked in retail sales and higher learning both of which placed no value on my military experience but did not hold it against me. The only reason that I can see any employer holding military against anyone would be that they are looking for a person that is a total conformist without the desire to seek upward mobility and is inhibited in exercising self initiative. These type of people are perfect for the service industry and are best for a task oriented job performance.
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A few thoughts/comments:
- I disagree with the general statement that employers look the other way when it comes to hiring and they hear military. In some cases this is absolutely wrong but in same cases it is true. In some cases it may have more to do with the individual than with their military present/past status and using the military is a ready excuse for the individual to cover some other weakness or reason for not being hired.
- In cases where this statement is wrong, the employer is actively seeking former military members for a variety of reasons (work ethic, discipline, veteran's preference, cheaper to employ (health care)).
- In cases where this statement is true, it can be because the person is in the National Guard/Reserve (employer does not want to deal with weekend drills, ATs, and activations), can not fire a NG/R employee because of their service so easier to just not hire in the first place.
- I recommend a critical self analysis or an objective macro analysis before coming to the conclusion that employers do not want former military personnel.
- I disagree with the general statement that employers look the other way when it comes to hiring and they hear military. In some cases this is absolutely wrong but in same cases it is true. In some cases it may have more to do with the individual than with their military present/past status and using the military is a ready excuse for the individual to cover some other weakness or reason for not being hired.
- In cases where this statement is wrong, the employer is actively seeking former military members for a variety of reasons (work ethic, discipline, veteran's preference, cheaper to employ (health care)).
- In cases where this statement is true, it can be because the person is in the National Guard/Reserve (employer does not want to deal with weekend drills, ATs, and activations), can not fire a NG/R employee because of their service so easier to just not hire in the first place.
- I recommend a critical self analysis or an objective macro analysis before coming to the conclusion that employers do not want former military personnel.
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MCPO Roger Collins
Better stated, COL. All would be more prevalent with an area surrounding military facilities. In general, hiring is done differently in the hinterlands. And IMO more likely to hire vets due to their patriotic feelings. My service was never questioned nor did I bring it up during any interviews, as a hiring person or looking for a job.
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SFC (Join to see)
COL Jason Smallfield
You and MCPO Roger Collins make very good observations. While my military service is on my resume, I don’t bring it up except for some military schools I attended that may be applicable.
Being on the other side of the looking glass; I ETS’ed from the RA in 88 and the AR in 94 or so, I can say on the civilian side: I’ve seen a lot of “looking the other way” for military veterans being hired and especially promoted. I’ve thought about it many years now and I can’t quite get my finger on it.
Part of it is there are a lot of people out there that have what I call the crazy vet syndrome; they believe if you served you’ve been brainwashed or are somehow damaged. Many are also intimated by the confidence that we show without intending to. When you get your foot in the door and you’re competing for promotions, most civilians competing for the position will bring up topics during work that try to paint a military person into one of these crazy vet types to sway whoever is on the promotion board away from the veteran. It took me a few years to identify and effectively deal with these tactics.
In any case you offer sound advice. SFC Walko, P.E.
You and MCPO Roger Collins make very good observations. While my military service is on my resume, I don’t bring it up except for some military schools I attended that may be applicable.
Being on the other side of the looking glass; I ETS’ed from the RA in 88 and the AR in 94 or so, I can say on the civilian side: I’ve seen a lot of “looking the other way” for military veterans being hired and especially promoted. I’ve thought about it many years now and I can’t quite get my finger on it.
Part of it is there are a lot of people out there that have what I call the crazy vet syndrome; they believe if you served you’ve been brainwashed or are somehow damaged. Many are also intimated by the confidence that we show without intending to. When you get your foot in the door and you’re competing for promotions, most civilians competing for the position will bring up topics during work that try to paint a military person into one of these crazy vet types to sway whoever is on the promotion board away from the veteran. It took me a few years to identify and effectively deal with these tactics.
In any case you offer sound advice. SFC Walko, P.E.
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When I was a senior Fed attending Small Business fairs, Vets tended to have some hurdles. These small outfits with say 5-15 employees don't have time to deal with reprogramming culture, etc. Yes MILs have much to offer, but they didn't want the risk of bringing them aboard. Larger firms have the mass to absorb what the small firms fear. I also saw some ego fear in that MILs can be really good, hence a threat. Regardless, with the SBs, it appears to be more of a mixed bag.
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SFC (Join to see)
Good observation on threat (for their job). We make a lot of people feel insecure, I missed that one.
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