Are you ready for your transition?

SMSgt Hugh Nemechek Jr — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 14:59:02 -0400

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

Response by SSG Jeremy Siebenaller made Nov 8 at 2014 1:34 PM

SSG Jeremy Siebenaller — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 13:34:38 -0500

I am not sure how so many of us haven't seen this! This is a good read! Thanks for sharing

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Nov 9 at 2014 5:45 PM

CPT Richard Riley — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 17:45:32 -0500

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

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made Nov 10 at 2014 9:01 AM

MAJ Dallas D. — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 09:01:53 -0500

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!