How difficult is it to find a job after leaving the military?

Matt Urban — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 15:02:56 -0400

Are there certain misconceptions employers have that you believe impact you as an applicant?

Response by SFC Michael D. made Jun 24 at 2019 3:10 PM

SFC Michael D. — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 15:10:03 -0400

It has been my experience that the employer will hire a veteran because the know we are already taught decipline. Doen't always hold true for all employers.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Jun 24 at 2019 3:10 PM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 15:10:14 -0400

Many variables depending on the employer. Many actively seek out prior military but some avoid them based on past bad experience

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 24 at 2019 3:13 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 15:13:50 -0400

Depends a lot on what you are going for in the civilian work world.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Jun 24 at 2019 3:30 PM

SFC Marc W. — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 15:30:17 -0400

I think there are a lot of soldier misconceptions about getting jobs after the military such as: I have an honorable discharge, I'll get the job.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Jun 24 at 2019 5:16 PM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 17:16:12 -0400

Depends on much. I used to believe there was some "human factor" involved...I don't any more. With some noted exceptions (govt., contract, etc.), hiring is done without much "margin of error"; companies build (or usually pay for) a profile of required skills/experience, they advertise the position on a variety of internal/external boards, then automatically screen out anyone who doesn't fit the above profile as near to perfect as possible... then interview when they're down to a very few selections. At that point, I don't think being a veteran or not is a major factor, unless you're the only one (or one of a very, very few), and the hiring company has/wants/pretends to have a policy regarding preference, points, PR, etc. Maybe there are companies who prefer NOT to hire vets...but I think most of us get burned by not having the prerequisites to get past stage one, or simply don't have the same experience as another candidate once it gets down to "finals". I think the wisest strategy is to figure out early on what you want to do when you get out...make sure you have all of that lined-up before you pull chocks, so that you're not banking on a long shot.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Jun 24 at 2019 8:13 PM

SGT Chris Stephens — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 20:13:12 -0400

It depends on the job you're applying for and the employer. I had no problem getting a job when I came off of active duty. Even years later, the fact that I have it on my resumé is something they all love to see.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2019 8:39 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 20:39:26 -0400

There are 7 million infilled jobs today in America.

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made Jun 24 at 2019 8:48 PM

1SG Clifford Barnes — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 20:48:09 -0400

No l never had a problem

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2019 9:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 21:27:56 -0400

I've gotten out of the Army before. Vets are better positioned to be hired than civilians are. The problem is most of the vets have a misconception about where they stand to their future employers. They don't know how to get hired, they don't know how to interview, they don't know how to see themselves as an employer would. They see themselves as leaving the Army and being more competitive for jobs they have no experience in because they're vets. Or they expect to walk into a job that pays an equivalent standard of living and responsibility right off the bat. Instead of selling their technical skill set from the Army they should be selling their leadership and team work and looking for a company with room to advance.
Obviously, this doesn't apply to everyone. Research and polls show that the more senior the service member, the smoother and better the transition usually is.
https://www.military-transition.org/graphics.html

Military to Civilian Graphics

Military to civilian graphics and training materials

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2019 10:04 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 22:04:54 -0400

Matt Urban To be considered for a job, you need to have the required skills and education. To land the job, you must outshine the other applicants. Researching the company, practicing possible interview questions, and having an excellent resume that lists your military titles in civilian language. Having a neat appearance never hurts.

Response by LCpl Darrell McGraw made Jun 25 at 2019 7:19 AM

LCpl Darrell McGraw — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 07:19:15 -0400

Being black in Texas...

Response by CPO Mark Robinson made Jun 25 at 2019 9:56 PM

CPO Mark Robinson — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 21:56:44 -0400

The biggest issue that I have seen is the language barrier. A lot of Vets can't translate military to civilian english. Sometimes that involves getting military qualifications converted to civilian equivalent. Telling an employer that I was an EOOW (engineering officer of the watch) means nothing. Telling them that I have a City of Seattle Grade 3 steam engineer's license with engines along with a certified Affidavit of Experience is something they can understand.

Response by SPC Matthew Birkinbine made Jun 26 at 2019 7:04 AM

SPC Matthew Birkinbine — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 07:04:43 -0400

The only misconception I seem to face is that all military personnel are the same, and not in a good way. Many have been burned by veterans who can't get right. I don't get that vibe on the corporate level, in on-boarding. I get that on a personal level from some supervisors, even from one who was former military.

All of that said, when I was actively looking, I wasn't looking long. It's not that there aren't jobs to be had, it's merely been for me that the roles I am into don't pay enough to get me back out of debt to the level I was before I exited the military. That has led me to make some shifts in thinking and somewhat diversify my income streams. Now, not only am I working, and 50% VA rated, I'm going back to school as well. It will get better. You, especially you as a veteran, but even just you, are worth it. You just have to eat s*** to get it.