Posted on Feb 12, 2016
How do I stand out as a reservist in a competitive civilian workforce?
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This is not directed towards a specific MOS, but rather towards any soldier serving in the reserves, regardless of which branch they serve in. As we all know, many companies have reservations about hiring a current drilling reservist, basically because of the time off they will need for training. This goes above the standard 2 days a month, 2 weeks a year. Many of us have severe ambitions to excel in the military, and most of the time that requires going to numerous schools. However, I've been told on a couple different occasions by my employer that my obligation to the military is much different than what was told in the interview. My question here is, when going into an interview that you feel is a career job, how do you approach it? You know as well as I know that they will ask you about your military obligations and whether it will have an impact on your position in the company. That is to say if you even get that far, because there are many of us who have sent out countless resumes, even after having them checked for errors, yet still get no call backs. Is it because civilian hiring managers are getting more aware of our obligations? Companies such as Starbucks and Walmart thrive on hiring veterans and current reserve service members, however the pay is barely minimum wage. Try sending out a resume for a position where there is a good salary and benefits involved. We have all been there before, and in some situations I have seen soldiers get out of their contract early so that they have a better chance of landing a civilian career. So what is it that we need to do to stand out positively in the civilian workforce? What great details need to be on a resume that separate us from others applying for the same position? All in all, what do WE need to do to prove that we are the best and brightest this country has to offer?
Army Reserve
Jobs
Civilian Career
Employment
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 17
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Stick to those companies that are "military-friendly." Although it is sometimes challenging to balance the civilian/military lifestyle, it is important to use strengths in both backgrounds with the roles. Take the strong work ethic, teamwork, and technical skills from the military and apply them to the private sector.
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You gotta throw yourself out there and hit the ground running. Have a good Resume, go to workshops and stuff , just get yourself involved.
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I would ask yourself if a civilian life is your only option, or would you consider a military career? I for one regret leaving the Army. I was good at what i did, well respected, and on track to E-6 if I had stayed in. Instead, I gave in to pressure from a spouse I later divorced and gave up a career, only to spend the next 2 years looking for decent work. I always had work, but not well paying jobs. If I had it to do all over again, I would have stayed in, applied for WOC school to fly choppers, and retired years ago. I was born into a military family, so maybe that had something to do with it. I was the 6th generation of my family to serve. But I miss the job, I miss the team, and I miss being a part of the family.
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To piggy back on what SSG Pawel Przeszlowski said, Throw yourself out there.
But, I've run into this problem time and time again and have found that without any good experience and background in the civilian work force, you're not a viable asset to any company. I was fortunate enough to have aircraft maintenance experience when the air force cut me. I went straight into a $14 hr job. But when I got home from AIT, no job was available except a security position. Which I excelled at and moved up in 4 months to supervisor. Going from $9 hr to $10 hr is not great, but it built experience. I took a pay cut but gave myself some time to look fr a job that was more my level (mechanic) and found a $16 hr job working on fork lifts.
So, with all that said, you need to go evaluate what skills you have, review what jobs are available to you, then eliminate the ones that aren't, per say, "military friendly". And to achieve that last part, you need to study the final companies on your list. No matter what, there's going to be a ladder to climb and starting out at minimum wage may be a sacrifice. If it doesn't pan out or you have reasons to believe it isn't the right company, keep your resume out there for others to look at and share.
JSfirm.Com is a great place to look and so is USA.com. they'll keep your resume for companies to check out while you're busting your ass for some paycheck in the meantime.
It could take a week, it could take 6 months. Be patient and update your resume every 6 months. You'll find something or they'll find you.
Simple.
Civilian life is rough
But, I've run into this problem time and time again and have found that without any good experience and background in the civilian work force, you're not a viable asset to any company. I was fortunate enough to have aircraft maintenance experience when the air force cut me. I went straight into a $14 hr job. But when I got home from AIT, no job was available except a security position. Which I excelled at and moved up in 4 months to supervisor. Going from $9 hr to $10 hr is not great, but it built experience. I took a pay cut but gave myself some time to look fr a job that was more my level (mechanic) and found a $16 hr job working on fork lifts.
So, with all that said, you need to go evaluate what skills you have, review what jobs are available to you, then eliminate the ones that aren't, per say, "military friendly". And to achieve that last part, you need to study the final companies on your list. No matter what, there's going to be a ladder to climb and starting out at minimum wage may be a sacrifice. If it doesn't pan out or you have reasons to believe it isn't the right company, keep your resume out there for others to look at and share.
JSfirm.Com is a great place to look and so is USA.com. they'll keep your resume for companies to check out while you're busting your ass for some paycheck in the meantime.
It could take a week, it could take 6 months. Be patient and update your resume every 6 months. You'll find something or they'll find you.
Simple.
Civilian life is rough
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SSG (Join to see)
Also, keep an eye out on AGR positions. Seeing as you're a human resources qualified, you could be picked up at a local fort or camp.
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Also, in regards to giving employers notice for training requirements, find out about their military leave policy (which they should have), give them your TY Unit training schedule memo which will have a POC they can call to ask questions, and for other trainings not scheduled ask them how far out they would like to receive notice of days that will be missed for training. then try your best to communicate with your commander and your employer and have them communicate, they might be more supportive and understanding after all that
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Include an official DA or equivalent military photo. I posted mine on a Facebook job search group page and received multiple contacts from owners and CEOs looking to hire vets and employees with govt/military background
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LTC Yinon Weiss
That can be a double edged sword. Other vets might appreciate it, but civilian employers might be intimidated or turned off. So just know the audience.
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Thank you all for the advice. Currently, I'm still in college and working as a security guard for a local hospital. It's more along the lines of when I finally get my degree and plan on starting an actual career. That's what makes me nervous.
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CPT (Join to see)
Sorry it sent before I was done typing. If you show them good time management skills and are willing to do anything for them, then they should have an issue with you taking time for Usar
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I would like to think that employers would look at a reservist as dedicated, committed, organized, and with a great deal of experience and strengths. I came to the position I am in now in the fall of 2001, just after 911. My VP asked if I thought I would get mobalized and since I was a CSM for a CSH, I thought, yeah, they certainly would want the nurses and docs but me? Long story, short, I was mobilized to FT. Dix but did not deploy with the unit. My VP said, no worry and they continued to support me with anything that was needed. One of the things that stuck out on my resume was my military experience. Of course, my boss was a former CID, which helped. Best of luck SPC!
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Find a company that supports service members. there are many businesses large and small that get recognized for their support and will advertise it. It will put you a step ahead in the company. I selected a company that has been awarded for their support and receive recognition often for my service.
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