Are you comfortable letting your employer know you're a Veteran?

Anastasia Penright — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 16:28:25 -0400

Response by SGT Jim Arnold made Oct 13 at 2017 4:29 PM

SGT Jim Arnold — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 16:29:33 -0400

yes, I did have to say so to account for time

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Oct 13 at 2017 4:30 PM

SSgt Ryan Sylvester — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 16:30:20 -0400

Since I work for the Federal Government, and the VA specifically, yeah, I'm pretty comfortable letting them know.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Oct 13 at 2017 4:46 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 16:46:08 -0400

My biggest question on HR on-boarding paperwork was always: "What is a protected veteran??" It sounded like some classification that wasn't really me so I never check the box. And please hold all the "USAF Veterans are protected" jokes :)

I know you guys have seen this one before as well...SFC Chad Sowash SFC Josh Billingsley SSG Arron Daniels SSG Jason Montgomery Cpl Adam Avitabile CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR Joseph Wong LTC Paul Turevon

Response by CA Delete D. made Oct 13 at 2017 4:54 PM

CA Delete D. — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 16:54:12 -0400

For federal employment, definitely - it is wholly advantageous. However, for private sector jobs, not as much. I have modified my job titles and explanations of certain aspects of my work, but interviews tend to go south since personnel either seem oblivious to the impact of my nuanced experience (because it was intel and not specifically working in finance or accounting) or simply write me off for some vague or inexplicable reason. In a couple of interviews I found myself interviewing in front of college kids under 28 with no developed, professional job experience themselves.

If I could do my transition over again, I would have gotten a bachelors online in service with TA and would've pursued federal employment much more heavily prior to separation. I am glad to say I am currently being considered for a position with the IRS.

Response by SPC Diana D. made Oct 13 at 2017 4:54 PM

SPC Diana D. — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 16:54:21 -0400

Being a veteran is how I got my last job! My boss said that he was looking for someone with a good work ethic and since I had been in for 6 years that he thought he could count on me to get the job done.

Response by 1LT Vance Titus made Oct 13 at 2017 5:00 PM

1LT Vance Titus — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 17:00:48 -0400

Yes, with out hesitation. If the employer has a problem with that I don't want to work there.

Response by SFC Andrew Miller made Oct 13 at 2017 5:23 PM

SFC Andrew Miller — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 17:23:55 -0400

It is actually a requirement for my job as a County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO), but I had no problem letting my previous employers know.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2017 5:33 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 17:33:33 -0400

Yes, may employer TDX Holding has several Veterans in management positions as well as all of our technical positions most are veterans. All branches of the service are represented and our executive board is composed of military Veterans. A great company to work for.

Response by SPC John Lebiecki made Oct 13 at 2017 5:38 PM

SPC John Lebiecki — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 17:38:59 -0400

Its one of those that's inevitable. When someone is looking back at your work history it appears on the resume. I have had no issues with it.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2017 6:12 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 18:12:03 -0400

Anastasia Penright Yes. To have an accurate resume, your military service should be listed. Also, when you are filling out employment forms, a question that is asked, is "Have you served in the military? Being honest is the best policy. I am also proud of my service.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2017 6:15 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 18:15:52 -0400

They knew from the start because I was seconded from the Army to US Embassy Saigon. Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

Response by CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR made Oct 13 at 2017 6:22 PM

CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 18:22:01 -0400

Absolutely the key is to deliver and help shine the light on veterans not on my status but what i can do

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Oct 13 at 2017 6:31 PM

Sgt John Steinmeier — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 18:31:24 -0400

My employer is a Veteran so no, nor would it matter if they were not.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2017 7:17 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 19:17:15 -0400

I served over 14 1/2 years in the Air Force. If that was not on my application it would a major unaccounted for period. I have had good reaction to my veteran status and only a few ever questioned my experience.

That said you have to show that your skills from the military can and will benefit the employer concerned.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2017 7:53 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 19:53:57 -0400

My current one, yeah. My supervisor happens to be a Navy Vet so it works out. My previous... It was not a fun experience coming back to work for them. Granted being Guard there were differences still serving then being out. They would schedule me during Drills, they thought I was quitting when I went on AT, they would encourage me to call out sick for Drills things like that.
I won't hide it on my resume though, and as for the staff I'll let it slip at some point but I don't think I'll introduce myself as such.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Oct 13 at 2017 7:57 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 19:57:28 -0400

Yes. I have no reason to be ashamed. I have my honorable discharge. Besides, how else am I going to explain a large gap in my employment history. I'd rather they think I'm a good Marine than a bad/problem employee and gaps in employment tend to give that impression.

Response by PO3 Rodney Walent made Oct 13 at 2017 8:42 PM

PO3 Rodney Walent — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 20:42:16 -0400

Being a veteran got me extra points on the civil service test. Didn’t really need them, I wrote the highest base score.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Oct 13 at 2017 10:04 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 22:04:29 -0400

My military service is on my resume, so they ought to know if they bother to read it. Beyond the initial interview (in cases where there is one, anyway), it eventually comes up one way or another. I've never had a case where an employer or even a supervisor reacted negatively, even though I have only ever had one direct supervisor who was also a veteran as well.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2017 10:14 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 22:14:06 -0400

Speaking about military experiences and Veterans' resources is a huge part of my personal brand. If I meet a Vet at work, I'm going to say plenty enough to make it known.

Response by SFC Chad Sowash made Oct 13 at 2017 11:04 PM

SFC Chad Sowash — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 23:04:32 -0400

Most will not because VEVRAA questioning it's not practical and employers are but creating better processes to gather the information.

Response by Capt Albert Craven made Oct 13 at 2017 11:38 PM

Capt Albert Craven — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 23:38:59 -0400

Nope

Response by SPC Justin Shoop made Oct 14 at 2017 12:30 AM

SPC Justin Shoop — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 00:30:28 -0400

Absolutely! I have had some ridiculous interview questions asked because of my veteran status, but I firmly believe it speaks volumes to your work ethic and commitment. I would never choose to be silent about my service to my country. The civilian population needs to know us and our stories.

Response by Sgt Matt Medhat made Oct 14 at 2017 1:11 AM

Sgt Matt Medhat — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 01:11:22 -0400

Let them know, always let it be known, but be tactful about it. No need to flaunt it or repeat it over and over to everyone around.

Response by SGT Aaron Barbee made Oct 14 at 2017 1:17 AM

SGT Aaron Barbee — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 01:17:46 -0400

It's a part of my resume. Otherwise, I have always let employers/potential employers know that I am a veteran. Sometimes it hasn't worked out in my favor, most times I get a "thank you for your service" and the interview moves on. I've never had a negative reaction per se, but there have been occasions where I've done something a certain way and when asked about it I have related a time while in the service; on those occasions you sometimes see a light bulb click, or a blank look of confusion. Overall, in the end, your work ethic, personal drive, and ability to adapt and overcome will always speak for itself.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Oct 14 at 2017 3:27 AM

PO1 Brian Austin — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 03:27:20 -0400

I have no problem with it at all. It's what got me my post-retirement gigs.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Oct 14 at 2017 2:34 PM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 14:34:42 -0400

Sure, but until conversation happens with the coworkers it doesn't normally go past the check in the box on the application.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Oct 16 at 2017 10:48 AM

SSgt Dan Montague — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 10:48:47 -0400

Being a vet helped me get my job. Plus with the tattoo I have on my forearm, it is hard to hide the fact.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2017 5:34 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 05:34:06 -0400

I'll let them know outright.

If they have issues with it, I'll terminate the interview before hiring ever occurs.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 13 at 2017 9:53 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 21:53:30 -0500

I tried to hide it for a long time, but my 1SG eventually figured it out...