I received a great question from a company that I am interviewing for a Director of Corporate Communications.

2014-05-14T09:55:32-04:00

I would love to hear how you would respond. The question is "We are very impressed with your resume but are concerned that you have all government experience. How will that experience translate to the corporate world." I have about a week to draft a response but wanted to see how others have dealt with that question or thoughts.

Response by SFC Rich Carey made May 14 at 2014 10:04 AM

2014-05-14T10:04:25-04:00

First I would review the job description. Highlight what you think are the keys points. Curtail your answers to fit the key points.
Also read the company's mission, histroy, and their vision, to help you identify other key interest to the company.
USe the STAR response when answering interview question, for eaxmple, "Tell us a time you had a difficult employee?"
Reply:
(S) The situtaion was this......
(T) The task was to complete shipment......
(A) The action I took with the employee was....
(R) The results we worked out a solution and the job was completed on time.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2014 5:43 PM

2014-05-14T17:43:19-04:00

Well, if by government experience you mean military experience, I would answer as follows: I am a Navy Supply Officer so how could I go to an Army Transportation Battalion and be the Operations Officer (S-3) and start leading and making crucial decision from day 1? It's because good military officers have a common skill set that they can apply anywhere. We can break down goals or problems into a set of tasks and then assign the proper personnel to those tasks. We meet deadlines and required delivery dates with an exteremely high success rate because mission failure is not an option. And, of course, we are used to operating in a high-tempo, high-stress environment, pretty much all the time. I could go on but I think you get the point. Good luck!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2014 9:17 PM

2014-08-10T21:17:43-04:00

Ty, the first think you MUST do is find their mission statement. With in there you will be able to take info and transfer it to your expertise. ;0)
2. read and re-read the job description..right in there is your transferable skills... You have what they need, u just have to show them.. ;0)...Best of luck.....