Congratulations on Your Military Service… Now Here Are 9 Reasons Why I Won’t Hire You

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 09:14:49 -0500

Running through my morning RSS feeds this morning, I saw this article and I have to say; it really hits on a lot key points that we are peer-supporters can speak from experience and try to help those following us.<div><br></div><div>From not being willing to accept you are in fact starting over to having too much or not enough on your resume to not proof reading that same resume, there are things that we can do for ourselves to help set ourselves up for success.  </div><div><br></div><div>Wondering how many Veterans or transitioning service members agree or disagree with this article and do you think anything should be added or taken away from this list?</div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://careerenlightenment.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/military-service-300x198.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://careerenlightenment.com/congrats-military-service-9-reasons-wont-hire-you">Congratulations on Your Military Service…9 Reasons I Won’t Hire You</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">As a military candidate recruiter, I see consistent themes in why military professionals don’t get the job. Here are the top 9 real reasons why:</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Dec 30 at 2013 2:11 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 14:11:55 -0500

Very interesting article.  Well worth the read.  There are a lot of takeaways in there.  Thanks for sharing!!!

Response by SPC Barrett Tillison made Dec 30 at 2013 2:18 PM

SPC Barrett Tillison — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 14:18:42 -0500

Definitely worth the read! It's definitely worth the time for anyone who is making that transition! Thank you for sharing.

Response by SSG Andrew Dydasco made Dec 30 at 2013 2:19 PM

SSG Andrew Dydasco — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 14:19:11 -0500

I'm not planning on getting out of the service any time soon, but a lot can be taken from this and it's never too early to prepare for it. Thank you!

Response by MSG Thomas Bogetti made Dec 30 at 2013 4:50 PM

MSG Thomas Bogetti — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 16:50:22 -0500

I agree with all 9 reasons, but disagree to a point with reason 3.

Reason 1: Is only the tip of the iceberg. Underneath the tip, are much harsher realities, such as the organization’s array of politics and culture! Doing a thorough search of the company is essential. The company is interviewing you, and you should be interviewing the company. I’ve generally look at the company’s and run it against glass door. It doesn’t hurt to get to know people who work there, as well, to get the real skinny.

Reasons 2, 5 & 6: Job boards are not very useful, except to see what’s out there and if you have the time. Because it is a hirer’s market, companies have the luxury of picking candidates and offering benefit/salary packages of their choosing. Niche job board, professional profiles (liked LinkedIn), and social media are the current wave and enable you to leverage your time. KNOWING someone to get your foot in the door, in my humble opinion, significantly increase your odds.

Reason 3: Based on the sector you’re applying. In the civilian sector yes, but the Government sector not necessarily, especially with USAJOBs a more extensive resume desired. This goes back to researching the company. Language is an important factor, depending on the company writing may need to be demilitarized. Because most companies have you complete applications online and use data fields search, your key word point is extremely important to understand and incorporate into the resume.

Reasons 4 & 7: I’m still dumbfounded that this is a reality.

Reasons 8 & 9: I agree and think are crucial to setting yourself apart.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2013 5:27 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 17:27:59 -0500

A lot of what you see in these kinds of sites are things you can find elsewhere and with State Employment Agencies. I've seen it all and really ought to write a book about it and donate whatever money to agencies who actually can help. Dress for success is great, but some things you cannot control is personal dislike. All you can do is your best and tips for what to do are everywhere. Niche politics is what I call this.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2014 4:01 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 16:01:59 -0500

A buddy of mine posted that on Facebook. I thought it was a good read that brought up a number of valid points. I know I'll be bearing a couple of them in mind when I eventually leave the service one day.

Response by SGT Christopher Barker made Jan 13 at 2014 4:41 PM

SGT Christopher Barker — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 16:41:45 -0500

I would also add that "not all Veterans are created equal" because of their time in service (or lack thereof), rank, occupational specialty and how they truly embraced the military lifestyle or not.

Some of the worst liars and thieves I have ever met were while I was in the Army. Most of these individuals had very little pride in the uniform they were wearing, much less, the task at hand. Fortunately, most of these individuals finished their initial commitment and got out.

For this very reason I would discourage some civilian companies from just hiring a Vet over someone else without an obviously close inspection of the person and character that the specific individual possesses. This should be an obvious request to our civilian counterparts, but it seems as if there is this new push to hire Vets (which in its essence is awesome and forthright). The thing I find disconcerting would be an overarching view of Veterans.

Don't get me wrong, the most amazing men I have ever met, I also had the privilege of serving with in combat and I would still give my life for them.

I hope that the few bad apples that happen to find themselves with the designation "Veteran" don't give the well deserving Veterans a bad name.

(Rant complete!)

Response by MSgt Richard McKenna made Jan 14 at 2014 10:17 AM

MSgt Richard McKenna — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 10:17:35 -0500

Definitely mind boggling on the perception of experience and skills in the military vs the civilian sector.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 9:18 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 09:18:40 -0500

SGT Keen, good to know... thanks for sharing!

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Mar 7 at 2014 9:28 AM

SPC David Wyckoff — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 09:28:04 -0500

I think whether or not this article is true depends on the SM individually. I'm not sure that all those things are trends with some or even a majority of exiting SMs. I'm sure they apply to someone somewhere.

I think if an interviewer goes into an interview with that kind of mindset, they might be looking for a way to exclude veterans.

As far as resumes, that seems to be a crap shoot. If you come to a government job with anything less than every moment of your working life accounted for you are likely to be passed over. Especially if that job has any kind of clearance attachment. So knowing what kind of resume is wanted or needed is going to be critical.
Just like in the military, the best thing for a SM to do is to recon the company they want to get hired at and make sure that they are armed with as much knowledge as they can be. In this day and age of FB, LinkdIn and other media outlets, there is no reason not to be ready.

In any case, the points are something to put in the toolbox to watch out for when getting ready to transition.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 9:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 09:35:17 -0500

I read this article when it was originally posted several months ago. It definitely pulls no punches and but it serves as a real wake-up call to those servicemembers who plan on just falling into a lucrative civilian career immediately after they ETS or retire. Former servicemembers in the intelligence field, particularly, have been generally lucky with job placement, but the contractor jobs are drying up and the points that Mr. Camp makes are valid and thought-provoking. We in the Military can develop a warranted sense of accomplishment about our service that does not fully resound in the civilian sector. They might not care if we have outstanding leadership skills if we are lacking in technical writing or analysis skills. Our résumés (to include our LinkedIn profiles and other social media accounts) are our handshake to the job market and too many servicemembers neglect them. What we should take away from this is that we need to take full advantage of the ACAP program as soon as possible when we plan our ETSs, and we need to keep our egos in check until we prove ourselves. Again.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 7 at 2014 10:00 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 10:00:53 -0500

I am now 2 years out from retirement and have already started on my CV/resume, set up a linked in account and started networking with people in like career fields. I am having many people review and adjust my resume, and overall, starting the preparations for starting my life anew. While this article may not be THE answer, I think it has many truths, lots of food for thought, and overall, good planning points. The other thing I would add is to scrub your resume of military acronyms... If the hiring authority has never been military, they will never understand who or what you are.

Response by 1SG Eric Rice made Mar 7 at 2014 10:09 AM

1SG Eric Rice — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 10:09:17 -0500

Excellent information for those that are preparing to make the transition or have recently done so. Preparation is the key to success in any venture.

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Mar 7 at 2014 10:17 AM

SPC David Wyckoff — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 10:17:29 -0500

Using plain language is a challenge, Major N. You are spot on about that. Even to this day when I tell one of my people that they are a "no-go at this station" I get looks.

I would take it a step further and say that transitioning SMs are going to have to learn to speak in a group hug tone of voice. Once hired, speaking to your co-workers or subordinates in an authoritative manner can viewed as aggressive. NCOs who are used to directing and delegating can find the civilian workplace challenging when working with non-veteran employees. I guess that would fall into the "you are starting over" category of the article.

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Mar 7 at 2014 1:03 PM

SPC David Wyckoff — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 13:03:30 -0500

<P>In regards to filling out a resume...</P>
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Response by SFC James Baber made Mar 7 at 2014 2:21 PM

SFC James Baber — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 14:21:57 -0500

I have seen this article 2-3 times already on RP and I think the information in it is very helpful and has much truth related in it as well, it will give those SMs thinking about or getting close to transitioning some food for thought and hopefully give them some ideas of things to begin working on or change of mindset of what to do and preparer for as well.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Apr 26 at 2014 4:54 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 16:54:28 -0400

What does catch my eye out of the 9 reasons...is SMs are not educating themselves on organizational structure and behavior. A military retiree, for example, has been acclimated to stove-pipe, and heavy bureaucratic systems, for 20 plus years. The retiree knows the military system as collective and has not immersed in an individualized society format until he/she gets out. Two different planets, different language, values and set of norms.

Another point is that the retiree now has a name....Joe, Tom, Mike, Cherie, Jen...etc. Instead of SGT, CPT, Maj ... the retiree now has to get used to his/her real birth name.

Response by Capt Christian Olson made Jul 31 at 2014 1:26 PM

Capt Christian Olson — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 13:26:22 -0400

Good article.

Every job candidate, vet or otherwise needs to ask themself how they are better than another candidate with 10yrs in that job. Why? Becasue the enviroment today has many highly qualified candidates looking for the same work. The pool is large & talented for employers to hire from. Have a good answer for this question and you will get hired.

Response by MSG Cassandra Wilds made Aug 6 at 2014 10:41 AM

MSG Cassandra Wilds — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 10:41:34 -0400

I retired in 2013 and have had my resume tweaked many times. It was a little difficult at first getting used to the civilian way of things again, but it's imperative that you do. Civilians don't understand the average military CV/Resume. My resume WAS filled with military acronyms that the average civilian has never seen. Civilianize your resume and you will have a better chance of receiving that interview.

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Aug 6 at 2014 11:07 AM

SSG Robin Rushlo — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 11:07:33 -0400

I hire disabled VETS and Wounded warriors for I SPY CIGARS. I require you can add and subtract use a smartphone and Tablet, Smoke cigars and willing to learn more about cigars. Otherwise it is just if you can get along with the BOSS.

Response by SSG John Erny made Oct 8 at 2014 10:08 AM

SSG John Erny — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 10:08:22 -0400

We often do not fit in with civilians at first, it takes some time. Get some college credits while you are still in to expand you knowledge base

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2015 3:43 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 15:43:47 -0500

good read but, their loss if they dont want to hire a good veteran

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2015 5:09 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 17:09:39 -0400

I wish I could say all of these are without basis...unfortunately, I'm not surprised by this list. However, I will say this...having "learned" to accept the "rules" as detailed out by the author's nine points; The private sector could learn a thing or two as well. First off, just because someone's prior experience is different, doesn't mean it's non applicable. A leader is a leader...a self-starter is a self starter...a technician is a technician. Anyone who can grow in a military climate can grow...faster...in a civilian climate. Why? Because while the private sector measures education and experience, they don't do it under the chaotic circumstances the services do. Anyone can handle a negotiation with a customer given the basics...few can negotiate with a foreign national tribal leader while under constant threat of imminent harm. Second; You don't become Apple or General Electric without "someone" at the top with a spine. Veterans probably aren't the best pick for "revolving door" jobs where you intend to work someone to death five years then spit them out for an HR issue...they are good hires for thankless, often risk laden positions which require the ability to see things through. You want someone who'll jump ship the first sign of better salary or commission? Go ahead and hire the personnel with the "credentials"...you want someone to help you build, stay the course, and make a respected brand? Hire a veteran.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2015 7:09 PM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 19:09:02 -0400

I was all set to be offended and go off on a rant - but the author's points are spot on and well worded.

I don't know HOW many Senior NCO's and Officers over the rank of O3 believe that they deserve to be CEO's, CFO's, and COO's... with nearly zero experience doing those jobs for a civilian company. And the number of vets that write up a SINGLE resume - using info they got from a book written in 1973 - using an IBM Selectric Typewriter - and didn't give it to ANYONE to proofread or to get a sanity check on the danged thing.

The few that do have a successful resume - most of those have _A_ successful resume - and try to use it for every company and every position. That won't and don't cut it at all. The military has winter-issue, jungle-issue, desert-issue, sea-issue, everything you need for a SPECIFIC PLACE OF DUTY. Can you imagine if we had to take Mickey-Mouse boots to Iraq? We set up our lives to go different places and do different things - why should we build a single GO-bag for a potential job?

And then we have the former military folks that can't explain what they did in the military to a civilian, using the "Civilianese" language. It's amazing to see eyes glaze over the moment someone mentions, "OPFOR," "COMLANSPLANTWAFFLES," and "AOR."

I may have made some jokes about this, but I've seen it over and over - and I've made some of those mistakes myself.

Good article.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Nov 4 at 2018 1:27 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 01:27:55 -0400

Are some veterans not hired because they overqualified them selves for a job that does not require 16 certifications?