Posted on Jun 24, 2019
Hiding service from employer due to affirmative action?
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Hey, y'all. Ive got a problem. I recently applied at an international company for an armed security position here in the states. They set up an interview for tomorrow, and said to bring all my DD214s. The issue is, I never disclosed any of my previous affiliation with the military. It wouldn't be a problem since I was only ARNG, that's easy to hide. But I have 3 deployments, and 4 DD214s on my record. This company is an affirmative action employer, and aside from my hatred for my "service", I don't want to end up getting hired just because of a law that requires it based off my part time employment with the state, and fed government. They're going to do a thorough background check, so they would find out anyway, but at that point its up to them whether to hire me or not, instead of some law requiring it. It seems though they've already found out. Even though I answered no on all the vet and military questions.
How do I politely admit to them I am "prior service" (even though I was just NG), while at the same time declining to make that a part of my resume, and not come off as shady? Should I email them back today telling them so? I've never had a problem before because the employers just did a very basic check if any. I really want this job, but I only want it if I'm hired for being me not because of an 8 year mistake I made after high school.
Do I confess to it, or just keep hiding it?
Thanks.
How do I politely admit to them I am "prior service" (even though I was just NG), while at the same time declining to make that a part of my resume, and not come off as shady? Should I email them back today telling them so? I've never had a problem before because the employers just did a very basic check if any. I really want this job, but I only want it if I'm hired for being me not because of an 8 year mistake I made after high school.
Do I confess to it, or just keep hiding it?
Thanks.
DD214
Employment
Interview
Resume
Jobs
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 179
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I'm not understanding why you want to hide it. Were you discharged with less than an honorable? Or is it just that you are trying to get the job on your own merit? I don't know what went on during your enlistment but it is part of your life and like it or not, it's out there for all to see if they look. I really hope you get the job and do understand what you are saying. When we do hiring, Texas says that we have to concider veterans preference. We do. If we see a dishonorable, you won't get hired. If it is not mentioned on the application, it still gets found out through the back ground check. Even if the person doesn't know, it is looked at. Much luck to you.
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SFC Michael D.
SGT James Graham - Then do nothing about mentioning it and let the chips fall as they may. I get it, but if you really like this job and want it then go for it. Getting Veterans Preference doesn't get you the job, you do. All it does is, if theres a tie on the interview, you'll get picked. Veterans Preference won't get me a job as a surgeon. If you're not qualified for the position you won't get it anyway, vet's pref or not.
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LTC (Join to see)
SGT James Graham - that service is part of what makes you who you are. and therefore is part of your "merit" for the job. veteran's preference is not a hand out.
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PO2 Jeni Clancy
SGT James Graham Plus, if they are looking at multiple Veterans, it’s your background that will get you in the door anyway. But you still have to do the job to keep it. In this climate today, do you really want to pass on a job offer because you don’t appreciate the fact that you served your country for 8 years. And, By the way, to me your lucky for the job offer after lying on the application. I worked in HR for many years and I would NEVER hire someone who lied on their application...if they cannot be trusted to tell the truth before I hire them...what do I actually expect from them after they are hired... to change their ways? I don’t think so!
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If your background check does not match your application or resume, most employers will either rescind the offer of employment or terminate you for cause. Good, bad, or ugly, your time in the ARNG is part of what makes you....you. Additionally, most employers have to consider other factors when making hiring decisions and one of those things they are often judged on in the market place, is whether they are Vet Friendly employers, so the chances of your 4 deployments affecting you employment to your dismay may be great. However, you indicated you really want to work for this company, why would you care if you get a leg up on someone who has not served.
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SGT James Graham
Because, I want to be the guy who was good enough for the job, not the guy who got a leg up because of a label the government slapped on him.
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MSG Gary Eckert
I don't think there is anything I could say to change your mind because you seem to be OK with losing the job. I will give it a shot though: As my TAC in ANCOC used to say, "It is easy to be hard, it is hard to be smart". That may be the only thing a learned in 12 weeks. Best of luck.
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LTC (Join to see)
SGT James Graham - have you ever considered that that 8 year "mistake" you made is part of what makes you "good enough for the job"?
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First, I don't think you really understand how veteran hiring preferences work in the civilian world. At best, it is if you are as qualified as their best candidates, you get hired. Most of the time on the civilian side, it doesn't even have that effect. What is more likely to bit you in the ass is blank spots in your resume during your deployments and most armed security jobs will at least require a national background check, where all of that stuff shows up.
Three deployments in eight years? That's one hell of an operational tempo for an active unit, let alone in the Guard. You apparently weren't happy in the service, I would see no reason not to at least list this stuff on your application.
Most employers simply look at military experience as a record that you know how to show up on time, work a schedule ,follow instructions and work as part of a team
Three deployments in eight years? That's one hell of an operational tempo for an active unit, let alone in the Guard. You apparently weren't happy in the service, I would see no reason not to at least list this stuff on your application.
Most employers simply look at military experience as a record that you know how to show up on time, work a schedule ,follow instructions and work as part of a team
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You likely already sealed your fate, you lied on an employment form. I would not hire you and refused many on the same basis. Other than that, you get no respect from me for hating your service...… are you nuts or just another left wing nothing?
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Why are you even in this forum if your military service was a mistake.. if its a bad episode in your life and you despise it that you want nothing to do with it or having it attached to your history, then why even try to get advise from us Vets here? Without your military background, what Civilian qualities did you have that will qualify you for that security job aside from being an air-soft ranger?
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I think you should consider finding another job. Something that doesn't require the possibility of your having to aid service personnel. Besides, you have shown that you are willing to tell a lie about your prior service in the military..... what else are you willing to lie about? You don't "politely admit" to them that you originally lied instead of telling the truth the first time. You lied on an employment form, and doubt they'll take you now anyway.
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I do not understand your reluctance to disclose your military experience. You should be proud of this experience. If they have a contract with DoD, they are required by contract to provide Veteran's preference. So, if you do not exercise your legal right, then a Veteran who also applied for the job maybe the one selected with all factors equal.
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SFC (Join to see)
...not making assumptions here, but me smells something fishy with this original post, and I too cannot understand why this guy came to us here at RP with his (questionable) question.
Warriors Forever!
-Ed Boles
Warriors Forever!
-Ed Boles
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The fact that you refer to being "only National Guard" shows your skewed grasp of the strategic principles of national defense.
I wonder how your appointment went...?
I wonder how your appointment went...?
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"How do I politely admit to them I am "prior service" "! You DON'T! What you do is admit to them that you are a LIAR. You provided false information on your application. As a prior hiring manager, that would be my first clue that you are not trustworthy and I would pass on you for any position. If this job requires a background check, the purpose of that check is to determine if you are trustworthy. You have already proven that you are not. As an added note..... if it took you 8 years to discover that you had made a "mistake", you apparently aren't too bright either. Disgusting you are!
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Why are you even part of this group? The last time I checked, we weren’t drafting anyone.
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