Posted on Oct 25, 2014
SMSgt Hugh Nemechek Jr
4
4
0
Transition
Fellow military family,

Do not be afraid to search for positions in other industries that you could adapt to quickly. Although my career field was Air Transportation in the Logistics Industry, it is a part of the Supply Chain Management system. I have recently accomplished 6 interviews with GE's Transportation Division supporting their largest railroad customer contract. Hoping to start contract negotiations next week to become a Materials Manager for them. Here are my notes from live and phone interviews with 6 different companies in the last 2 weeks. Take it for what it is worth but the GE Human Resources Manager for the Transportation Division for the United States asked me if I thought it was a step down. I used a variety of resources to come up with numbers for contract negotiations. She made it sound like I sold myself short.

Note to self when talking to recruiters. It is experience in "hiring and removal" not "hiring and firing". Be very basic when explaining experience. Make sure your past experience has relevance. Use appropriate civilian terms in regards to "coaching instead of counseling". Hit effective communication hard and explain how you can transform your military leadership and management skills into civilian leadership. Lastly, let the interviewers know how you bring the people around you along as you reach personal and professional milestones through mentoring and coaching while being the example of expectation management. If possible, visit the location inconspicuously to base your own observations. Try to do it before any phone interviews so you have a better understanding of their questions and notes...do your homework! It can and will set you apart from other candidates. Every interview, I have asked what their KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) they use to measure success. It will tell you a lot about what they are after as an employee. Do NOT be afraid to ask questions. It lets the interviewer know how much research you have done.

The military has given us a lot of tools many civilian counterparts do not receive until they are in management positions. One example is Lean Six Sigma training or certification. Lean/Six Sigma is a very sought after skillset as it touches all industries. Feel free to add on from your own experiences to help each other out.

Nemo
"Angle Dawg"....retired PORT DAWG
Avatar feed
Responses: 3
MAJ Dallas D.
1
1
0
Edited >1 y ago
Love that someone posted a picture of me here! I am in the blue shirt. I co-owned and operated a Staffing Agency (Veteran Tech Brigade) that focused on placing US Military Veterans. We had to shut the company down 6 months ago but I spent 2 years helping my fellow Veterans and Loved it!
(1)
Comment
(0)
SMSgt Hugh Nemechek Jr
SMSgt Hugh Nemechek Jr
>1 y
Wished I could tell you who added it sir, but I can't. Although, I believe the photo is very appropriate for the conversation. Thank you for your additional service beyond the uniform! I personally have been more nervous about this transition than any other. There is no doubt in my mind your company made an impact in a very positive way to others! Long May It Wave!!!
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
CPT Richard Riley
1
1
0
I would respectfully ask permission to place this discussion in the transition section of Resources for Veterans and Service Members thread SMSgt Hugh Nemechek Jr
(1)
Comment
(0)
SMSgt Hugh Nemechek Jr
SMSgt Hugh Nemechek Jr
>1 y
Absolutely sir! Please do! Long May It Wave!!!
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Jeremy Siebenaller
1
1
0
I am not sure how so many of us haven't seen this! This is a good read! Thanks for sharing
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close