I have been having an issue with finding a good civilian career due to being in the Reserve. How can I get around this?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 20:15:59 -0500

Civilian Employment

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jan 1 at 2016 8:26 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 20:26:16 -0500

SFC Private RallyPoint Member try the Soldier for Life website and the nearest transition office, they should be able to assist.

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Jan 1 at 2016 8:28 PM

MAJ Rene De La Rosa — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 20:28:23 -0500

I would look for a career that would allow you to be mobile and available 24 hours a day. Something like nursing , morutary affairs, or the like that would allow a huge amount of flexibility. A profession that allows you maximum time off with a good pay is what you are looking for.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 1 at 2016 8:41 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 20:41:35 -0500

Career or job? Military service of any kind shouldn't influence your career choice, however it may well affect your job choices. If your reserve status closes a door, look for another. You didn't want that one anyhow.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jan 1 at 2016 8:50 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 20:50:56 -0500

I have a couple of clarifying questions. Are you having a hard time finding a job because employers do not hire you when they find out you are a USAR Soldier? Or, are you trying to find a job that gives you the flexibility to work and serve? For the former, an employer cannot legally discriminate against you because you are in the USAR. However, I also know that in reality it does happen. You are not obligated to state that you are in the USAR in an interview. It is a prohibited question like asking you about medical conditions, etc. Again, that does happen and if you lie, that could be used as grounds for termination. I would say that you will need to sell yourself and make sure they know what kind of person they are getting and how you will benefit the company. For the latter case, look at positions that do have flexible hours. I can attest that it will not be easy and you may have to decide what is most important for you. I wish you the best in your search.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 3 at 2016 3:32 PM

PO1 John Miller — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 15:32:41 -0500

Don't tell them you're a reservist until AFTER you have a job offer. That way if they try to fire you it will be harder for them to do so under the SCRA.

Response by SrA David Steyer made Jan 3 at 2016 3:34 PM

SrA David Steyer — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 15:34:39 -0500

Have you tried Hero2Hired? Link: http://h2h.jobs/

H2H - Jobs for Members of the Reserve Component and Military Spouses - Hero 2 Hired

Explore careers based on Military Skills. H2H provides Reserve, other Military and Spouses with job search, education search, resume help, and career assessment.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 3 at 2016 4:53 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 16:53:14 -0500

Look for a government job. Fed and most state agencies are required to let you do Reserve duty. Fed employees get military leave for their training duty. Can't always overcome potential prejudice from a supervisor, but you won't be officially discouraged from doing your drills and "2 weeks."

Response by Cpl David E. Jenkins Jr. made Jan 3 at 2016 5:22 PM

Cpl David E. Jenkins Jr. — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 17:22:40 -0500

Get some employment training that can help you get a job. Also see if you can use your VA benefits to pay for the training because in some cases you can get a stipend to help with your financial situation. If you need assistance with information you can call me at [login to see] ex 203

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jan 4 at 2016 7:21 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 07:21:16 -0500

The advice I will you give SFC Private RallyPoint Member is this. Mark it a point of discussion during the interview process. Explain to them the time requirements placed on you and gauge their willingness to work with you on such things as TDYs, mobilizations, and mandatory training. Thousands of Reservists, just like you, work everyday and everyday some are dealing with the exact same things you are. It is not impossible to do both; the difference is made in being open and upfront with everyone.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 1:20 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 13:20:53 -0500

In general, military status should not be disclosed on a job application. The fact that you are a Reservist should only be disclosed after a job offer has been accepted.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 3:27 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 15:27:29 -0500

There's a lot of great feedback here SGT Lewis. I would take a look at https://www.usajobs.gov/ to look for jobs that will generally be more military friendly then others. With a Masters Degree in Psychology you should be able to find a role on that site!

Look for companies like BAE, TEXTRON, RAYTHON, NORTHRUP GRUMMAN, or MITRE (Where I work!) for companies that directly work with the DOD on projects that support the troops. These companies are always excited to work with someone that puts on a uniform and will support the intricate work / soldier / personal life balance that you & I deal with.

My last piece of advice is against what other members have advised on sharing your status as an active member of the Army. My advice is that you should always share that up front with a potential employer for 2 reasons:

1. First and foremost you should be proud of your service to our country! You truly do possess skills that many citizens don't and will not ever posses. Your an asset not a liability to an employer.

2. Being BLUF with them during the hiring process covers you legally in more ways that I can explain. Check out the ESGR website for the laws concerning Reserve & NG members.

I would start with looking at military friendly employers (some mentioned above) & then finding a job there that excites & motivates you. Final bit of advice; don't give up! Everyone here knows that looking for a job is like riding a rollercoaster but with a little patience & due-diligence you'll get there. Best of luck & let me know if you find any jobs on the MITRE site that peak your interest.

USAJOBS - The Federal Government’s Official Jobs Site

Response by GySgt Carl Rumbolo made Jan 7 at 2016 5:09 PM

GySgt Carl Rumbolo — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 17:09:04 -0500

What employment are you looking for and how is your reserve status effecting that employment search are the first questions that come to mind. If employers are discriminating against you because you are a reservist there is legal recourse (hard but doable)

If because of your drill requirements you are restricted to a certain geographical area to be near the appropriate drill location that could be an issue. What are your career goals and how do you stack up against other candidates for the employment you are targeting?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 7:47 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 19:47:52 -0500

Go to the ESGR website; they have tools and resources; there are links to the state committees if you want to contact a local person. they have a network of volunteers who work with employers and Reservists/Guard members. Also, maybe you can look for AGR or technician jobs. At your grade there should be some opportunity.
Back in 70s and 80s when I looked for worked, I was hounded by these problems. I made the mistake of putting my reserve affiliation on the resume so I could count that as leadership and management experience. One time in 1987, I accepted a position as a Boy Scout executive. On the first day of work, director told me that he expected me to be available on weekends and that I can't be doing reserve stuff all the time. I should have reported that, but I was so upset because even before that comment, I felt I was subtly being rebuffed by my supervisor and the director...and the pay was ridiculously low. Even though I enjoy working with youth, I knew that wasn't the job for me so I quit the very day.
Whatever you do, don't give up on your job search and also stick with the Army Reserves. Your service is appreciated!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2016 9:44 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 09:44:05 -0500

SGT Lewis-I'd suggest not thinking of it as "getting around" the issue. Rather, look for positions where your Reserve career is a compliment to your civil career...possibly even a direct benefit due to certs and training you may receive. Either way, it's a challenge to have a full Reserve and Civil career at the same time these days.

Response by Vikki Nicometo made Feb 14 at 2016 11:05 AM

Vikki Nicometo — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 11:05:31 -0500

My question is: do you know for sure that it's the Reserve status causing you to not find a job? If you know for sure, would you please share how you know this? Have they said this to you, directly?

Response by Cpl David E. Jenkins Jr. made Feb 18 at 2016 2:55 PM

Cpl David E. Jenkins Jr. — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 14:55:00 -0500

The reserve status should not be a issue. The only thing an employer might be concern with is that if you're a key-worker that you might get deployed. But you shouldn't have a problem getting work.

Response by CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR made Apr 29 at 2016 9:23 AM

CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 09:23:40 -0400

Curious to know Keisha what are the indications that you believe it has something to do with your reserve obligation?