Going into the unknown, who would you want to show you the way - someone who's been where you've been or who's been where you're going?

2016-02-14T10:13:40-05:00

I'm curious because I see people who are former military offering coaching and programs to those who are transitioning, but I'm not sure they have the employers' perspective to offer. I'm curious if you had to choose, which ONE would you pay for - the former military person's perspective or the former corporate recruiter's perspective? Thanks!

Response by SSgt Mark Lines made Feb 14 at 2016 10:21 AM

2016-02-14T10:21:19-05:00

That is a tough question. On one hand I would want someone who is former military. They understand how we think and put the knowledge in terms we would more readily understand. On the other hand, having a former corporate recruiter's perspective would also be helpful. Ultimately, I would prefer someone who had served in the military. Simply because of the above reasons. Especially if this former service member was successful in civilian life.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Feb 14 at 2016 10:36 AM

2016-02-14T10:36:37-05:00

I'm with Senior on this one. I'd want the wisdom that someone who walked my walk to explain to me what needs to be done next. There's no way a HR rep or hiring manager with no military experience other than COD, can really understand me when I answer questions asked. So far with my limited interviewing experience as a vet, my first one was with a military heavy business, and they understood what I was saying and even gave me pointers on moving forward. Something as trivial as in the military, everything is based off the Team principle, well you go to an interview with that mindset, you'll probably not be hired being that HR has no clue that I'm speaking about myself, but in the military mentality I say WE instead of ME. On my second one, I had a handicap going in; under the voc rehab program a prospective employer knows they're getting a disabled vet. That right there gives some the chills. When I got hired where I am now, I had talked to three people to be hired and my supervisor said that others in the hiring process were "nervous" being I was a disabled vet, and the first they've had to deal with. That is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with (perception vs. reality), but another vet could mentor and guide the other through the process making the transition smoother and nowhere near as painful.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 14 at 2016 10:37 AM

2016-02-14T10:37:06-05:00

Neither. I'd go for actual hiring managers. Recruiters are essentially HR wonks who do the up and down lifting, get things in front of decision makers, etc. Recruiters frequently can be the decision makers for low level entry positions. But for positions a good Vet can come in and do well at mid level, the section or department boss is the decision maker. They'd be the best to get to but are also the hardest to get to. My experience is very heavy on hiring civil service employees and contractors. Transition programs are long on the what to do piece and very short on the how to do piece, landmine recognition, etc. Many Vets are good at working on changing how the transitioning SM thinks and perceives. That's only half the equation. You need to know how people who make decisions about hiring you think and perceive.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Feb 14 at 2016 12:34 PM

2016-02-14T12:34:10-05:00

I am not sure why this as framed as an OR condition. There are veterans and Reserve folks that are familiar with both words. Bottom line is results: we need veterans to have opportunities to work after their Military careers. I hope to assist and mentor others, I want some one who can show veterans the way.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 14 at 2016 5:02 PM

2016-02-14T17:02:47-05:00

It depends on who is badass.

Response by MSgt Lionel (Leo) Rondeau made Feb 14 at 2016 6:43 PM

2016-02-14T18:43:33-05:00

I agree with SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas CAPT Kevin B.. I prefer someone who sat in my seat and is the hiring manager. I am now in the hiring manager position and find that the recruiters don't always get the right applicants in front of me. You can try to explain the position requirements to the recruiter, but they don't always get it and with military applicants, they don't always know how to draw the right information out of the military experience.

Response by CPO Barry Ward made Feb 14 at 2016 11:38 PM

2016-02-14T23:38:35-05:00

To be honest, any one of the options you listed in this post that expected payment, I would avoid.

Response by Vikki Nicometo made Feb 15 at 2016 11:01 AM

2016-02-15T11:01:16-05:00

I find this so interesting. If I didn't speak a particular language, I would hire a translator who spoke both my language AND the language I needed to understand. What I see in these answers so far is that most of you would hire someone who only speaks your language to try to translate. Tell me where I'm wrong??

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Feb 15 at 2016 11:33 PM

2016-02-15T23:33:00-05:00

In a perfect world I would want both in one person. If I only get to chose one trait it would be the one who has been there. When I went through highschool we had educated teachers. When I played football our coaches knew from experience what needed to be done. In the Army all my leaders knew the path to their position. In the civilian world why would it be any different. If you want to succeed, listen to those who have successfully walked the path you want to travel.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Feb 16 at 2016 1:29 AM

2016-02-16T01:29:33-05:00

Terror incognita has been my name, I would had preferred someone whos been where I'm going.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 16 at 2016 10:46 AM

2016-02-16T10:46:41-05:00

That really depends on the career path you are choosing, the backgrounds of the coach and mentor or recruiter. To say one over another is self limiting, if you are going to Silicone Valley to be some super code writer, I would want someone from that field of expertise to be my Sherpa. If I am going to work for XYZ military defense contractor, I may wish to have some retired military person experienced with the company.

Response by MSG Tim Donahue, M.Ed. made Feb 16 at 2016 1:29 PM

2016-02-16T13:29:26-05:00

Vikki - I retired from the Army and now I am a HR recruiter and hiring manager for the federal government. Your resume is what will get you in the door - both for federal and civilian sector jobs. I coach college students and student veterans in my area on the federal job application process...but I include a lot of information about resume and interview skills. Find a good resume coach.

Response by Sgt Sherry Taylor-Bruce made Feb 16 at 2016 5:11 PM

2016-02-16T17:11:18-05:00

After I lost my great job in 2010 I was introduced to our State Employment Office. Ours was called "Work Force Center" at the time. I found they had several specialists working with Veterans only. They have classes, résumé writing and Veteran Internships at local colleges among other programs. Before you spend a lot of money going to Headhunters, give them a try.