Employment for "OVERQUALIFIED VETS"

The job market today seems to be "we want your experience, but at bargain basement prices" followed by the "true value of your benefits" pamphlet to show how much they pay for health insurance, etc. If it wasn't for the fact that everything costs money, I'd gladly work for minimum wages, but that just isn't reality. I've been handed the BS line of, "if we hire you we know you'll leave if you get a better offer". I've been told, "we think the commute is too far for you". Personally I think 3/4 of the advertised jobs out there on the web sites and newspapers don't even exist.

I wish I had a happy story to share. I've been out 8 years and heard the "overqualified" line more times than I can count. The entry-level jobs I have been able to attain all turned out to be dead ends, nothing but glowing reviews and promises of a promotion that never came true. I honestly believe that civilian managers are intimidated by hard charging vets and fear losing their job to one.

I have experienced a lot of what you are going through myself. It took me a good seven months or so to land a good job with my current company. Not having my Bachelors yet made my search last longer than I expected but I am almost done with it now by enrolling while working.

What I found is that the "veteran friendly" companies out there are just saying that so they get some check in the box. Maybe they hire one or two just to say that they have. I also fear that there could be a stigma to being a veteran like anger issues and all of that nonsense.

The method I got my current job was a little unconventional I would say. I was originally denied because the hiring manager found someone who was a better fit or better qualified for the position without even interviewing me so I sent the recruiter a tactful yet nasty email asking how they would know that if they didn't give everyone the same fair chance. Two weeks later I have a job at the company. Just keep at it and be assertive!

PO1 Mark Filter If they are going to pull a line like that, then either the position didn't exist and HR is trying to appear military friendly or they never intended on hiring you for whatever reason. It's not you, it's this economy. There are people with PhD's accepting jobs advertising AA entry level. Have some fun. The next time they laugh and say you are too high speed or too smart, tell them you will dumb it down for them and ask if you can get THEIR job.

I do agree with you about that. I personally think that Hire managers use the word "veteran friendly" for a speaking point. I am, have and currently experiencing the same thing. I thought it was just me. I have seen people with little or no experience get the job before a vet. I have a job think god, and I am very grateful but it is a unskilled labor job and I have a degree in environmental science. I don't complain much but it is very disappointing when you see people doing the job what you went to college for doing that job and they don't even posses a high school diploma, no the experience.
Its hard being a vet and dealing with hiring managers.

I know you probably can't tell me if you have or haven't applied at the CIA but speaking Russian could be of value and it not to terrible far from Williamsburg.

PO1 Mark Filter

Please take this as advice from someone with experience, not as someone being critical of you ...

From what I see about your background and training, I do not believe that you are being considered "over-qualified" for the positions you are applying for, but, rather, under-qualified as compared to other applicants for the same positions.

While your military experience is very valuable, the fact is that employers look not only at your military service, but what you did in the military and how that applies to the positions they are hiring people for.

Since retiring from the military, I have worked for a company that hires a great many former military personnel for positions such as you describe -- high-paying para-military protective forces for critical national security assets/interests around the world. We have hundreds of applicants for each job and, frankly, I doubt that you would ever make the cut, given the background you describe. There would be hundreds of applicants with backgrounds that more closely meet the job requirements.

As I stated, up front, I am certainly not being critical of you or your qualifications ... you have excellent qualifications ... just not for the positions you are seeking. To be competitive for the positions you describe (high-end security positions), you need to be, preferably, a Navy Seal or Army Ranger, or, at the very least, combat arms (i.e. Army/Marine Infantry), or Military Police. That is who is applying for those positions and, for the most part, that is who is being hired.

My best advice is for you to change your focus and seek a position that uses the qualifications you have. The general qualification of "I was in the military" just simply does not translate into making you in high demand for the high-end security/law enforcement positions available. Too much competition with those better qualified.

I was in the Army for 6 years. I was told by employers that my military experience was "invalid" because Army life was nothing like "real" life.
I've been called overqualified so many times, I could say it with potential employers. I got tired of it, so I started my own business. I'm perfectly qualified to hire myself. ;)

Food for thought Veterans are 1% of the population in America and account for almost 30% of the unemployment, but "thank you for your service".

I have actually had friends omit their experience level on applications due to repeated rejections for being overqualified. The same with leaving off none requested degrees and certifications.