So what can be done to have more veterans Hired in the Civilian workforce?

Cpl David Hall — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 05:32:08 -0400

So every veteran has heard " thanks for your service" but they also hear we just cant hire you because your over/under qualified, or they hear you have not paid your dues so heres a mop to start your way up, believe it or not I heard this from a Union here in Texas that my military schools did not count, to me this is unsatisfactory and needs to be addressed at a local and national level any one got any ideas?

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 10:25 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 22:25:59 -0500

Start cooperation's that only hire Vets...or start with the civilian Career Corner on this site!

Response by SSG Maurice Wright MS/MBA made Mar 12 at 2014 9:50 AM

SSG Maurice Wright MS/MBA — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 09:50:19 -0400

Please let all veterans know about this outstanding opportunity to become home based business owners. I feel it is my duty to share all that I have learned since retiring.

http://www2.5linx.net/Maurice_Wright/opportunity/

5LINX | The Premier Home Based Opportunity!

Response by SGT James Elphick made Mar 12 at 2014 1:12 PM

SGT James Elphick — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 13:12:20 -0400

I am currently working on this very issue. I am a workforce development coordinator for a non-profit called U.S. Veterans Initiative (US Vets). I assist veterans through a program called Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project (HVRP) by giving homeless vets assistance with employment. What we really need is more resources to catch veterans early, basically as they transition out of service, to make sure they don't end up homeless or long-term unemployed. I have heard it has gotten better but when I got out I was basically given the boot. ( I ETS'd with an honorable discharge after 2 deployments with not disciplinary infractions and as an E-5) Essentially I was set up for failure. There is still much distrust of the VA so veterans leaving the service should be aware of other options to get help, especially one's that are not connected to the military or government directly. RallyPoint is a great way to disseminate this type of information but also word of mouth if you are a veteran and see another veteran struggling. Veteran's are a relatively small community compared to the general population so it is up to us to strengthen that community and work together to ensure we do not leave our fellow vets behind.

Response by CPL Jay Strickland made Mar 12 at 2014 2:15 PM

CPL Jay Strickland — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 14:15:02 -0400

I am seeing a large number of out of work veterans that have degrees. I went to Law school and became a lawyer. The problem I have is the federal government only hires Harvard or Yale for lawyer positions and the private sector thinks I am too old for entry level attorney positions.

A lot of the assistance for unemployed veterans really has no clue what to do with me. Career fairs have a lot of minimum wage positions available but no attorney, or alternative legal careers available.

Response by SGT Ryan Siefert made Mar 13 at 2014 10:12 AM

SGT Ryan Siefert — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 10:12:18 -0400

The main issue has to do with the regulatory and tax climates that are either preventing start-ups from happening or preventing businesses from hiring people. Things like increased minimum wages, the PPACA, the blocking of "right to work," and politicians wanting to spend billions in aid and send in troops to every little hotspot in the world doesn't really help the economy, which prevents veterans from being hired.

I say we organize and vote in Libertarian-minded veterans to both federal and state offices. If we can get enough of them in, we can start to see a rollback of policies that are choking the economy.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2014 5:38 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 05:38:59 -0400

More of us hiring from jobs we create.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Mar 30 at 2014 9:44 AM

SPC Christopher Smith — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 09:44:25 -0400

I personally believe people need to remember that much of what they have learned and done in the Military does not carry directly over to the civilian sector. Many of the certificates and schools we get are not accredited and cannot be used for job placement no matter how much the hiring manager might want to help you out. We also need to understand that your experience means nothing to an employer, they have a position open and you fill it, as far as paying your dues that is what you have to do in some organizations. Take the opportunity to learn and show your dedication.

As far as fixing this, we need to have more schools and certifications that are accredited so that we are more marketable in the civilian job force.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2014 10:10 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 10:10:51 -0400

The best way to appeal to a perspective employer is to first make no assumptions that your veteran status necessarily qualifies you more than anyone else. Like any other applicant, it is up to you to sell your experiences in the force, and shape them into something that is specifically well-suited to the position you are interviewing for. First and foremost, be humble about your time in uniform, and detail how it helped develop you personally and professionally. Do your research ahead of time about the company and job you are applying for, and be prepared to explain in detail what you will bring to the table compared to other candidates.

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Mar 30 at 2014 10:15 AM

SPC David Wyckoff — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 10:15:40 -0400

I think the fastest and most efficient way is to get vets in the business of HR. While I'm not advocating that someone simply hire vets over civilians because they are vets, they can also make sure that the vet gets a fair shake.

As to the schools, military vs civilian, it goes both ways. I mentioned in an earlier thread about transitioning out that this was going to be a problem. I graduated from a votech school as a mechanic. The Army didn't recognize my schooling and sent me to their school anyway. Likewise when I got out, the civilian world didn't recognize the Army schools or even relate my experience. It does need to be addressed, I agree.

Maybe the military could work with the civilian sector to try and standardize the basic curriculum for, say cooks, mechanics and electronics.

The only other way for vets to get hired, is for vets to start businesses and make it a point to hire vets.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2014 10:18 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 10:18:34 -0400

You must make yourself stand out, in a good way. Don't simply rely on military schools; go out and get a degree.

Response by A1C Joe Metcalf made Mar 30 at 2014 12:50 PM

A1C Joe Metcalf — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 12:50:22 -0400

The Civilian world may claim to prefer Veterans , but this not true in many cases. We are a threat to Civilian worker. We have better work ethics, than most civilian workers. We go beyond normal worker, and we climb the ladder faster than most.. After so many years of trying to get back in the work force. My only solution was to self-employ myself.. Its very scary to transition from a world of Teamwork to a world of Cut throats.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2014 1:01 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 13:01:33 -0400

Here's a little something I read one time that all the civilian companies should read and heed:

Hiring MBAs? You Should Be Looking at NCOs

This article is by Col. David Sutherland (Ret.), who commanded a combat brigade in Iraq, has served as special assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,

and is co-founder and chairman of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Community Services, an enterprise of Easter Seals .

When I speak to corporate leaders I explain that the difference between a master sergeant and an MBA is that the master sergeant has been doing it for 20 years.

Companies that hire MBAs planned to take on an average of 14.6 of them in 2013, up from 11.4 in 2012, according to a Graduate Management Admission Council survey of

corporate recruiters. But why do consulting firms, financial service corporations, and energy giants look to hire more than 100,000 newly-minted MBAs when more than

1,000 soldiers leave the military every day and bring as good, if not better, skills to the table?

The GMAC survey said that U.S.-based companies planning to hire MBAs are focused on both growth and efficiency. But you won’t find anyone more qualified and with more experience than a non-commissioned officer. These are senior enlisted personnel, truly the backbone of the U.S. military, including master sergeants and chief petty

officers, and they typically have a minimum of eight years of experience under their belt. NCOs know how to problem-solve, under deadlines and often in the throes of

crises. They have managed large teams of varying ages and skills while ensuring that multi-million dollar equipment stays in fighting order.

Here’s what NCOs bring to a business through hard-fought experience:

• As an extension of senior leaders, they ensure that the job gets done. An NCO ensures that the officer’s commands are carried out correctly. My brigade command

sergeant major in Iraq, Don Felt, expanded my decision-making ability and command in the field. He got the job done before he was ever told to do so.

• They are a vital link between top leadership and the factory floor. Regardless of the commander’s physical location, the NCO makes sure work is done to the standards

prescribed and that resources are available. A master sergeant holds responsibility for thousands of people and serves as an essential mentor. How many recently

graduated MBAs can say as much?

• They ensure a solutions-driven approach. The NCO serves as a senior adviser to the commander, determining the causes of the obstacles between the present problem and

the desired outcome. The NCO then comes up with the solution to achieve the desired result. I have witnessed NCOs in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the sergeant for

whom my nonprofit is named, uncovering intelligence and taking action to protect the force. Often this means putting themselves at risk, saving another’s life while

giving their own. What other employee in the world guarantees their job with their life? And what CEO wouldn’t prize a manager with such critical thinking and loyalty?

• They provide feedback that translates into opportunities. The dreaded annual performance review in the private sector is an everyday responsibility for an NCO, who

is responsible for developing subordinates to take his or her place on the battlefield. NCOs are the ones who develop the bench of future on-the-ground leaders.

• They are motivated by incentives beyond money and instill the same motivation in others. In both the private sector and in the Army, gone are the days of bonuses or

performance-based compensation. What, then, motivates a person to show up for work? In the military, it’s a commitment to the team and a loyalty that has been

ingrained in the organization by the NCO. Regardless of the means, the NCO knows how to boost morale beyond monetary compensation.

The Army NCO creed begins with the line, “No one is more professional than I.” It’s not just talk. It’s living. To all hiring managers considering an MBA, I ask that

you consider an NCO. Don’t fall into the trap of tossing aside a résumé because the service member lacks the pedigree of an MBA. There is a powerful case for hiring

NCOs. And there is no better day to start than today.

Even though this was written by an Army Col. - it's message spans all service branches. The civilian business community as a whole (especially if there are military vets already in their ranks) needs to read this with an open mind and let the words of wisdom sink in. Degree's are a necessity for medical or nuclear fields, but a majority of other career fields 'experience' would be worth it's weight in gold compared to a degree that looses it worth after a few years unless the knowledge is constantly updated.

Response by CPO Jim Summers made Mar 31 at 2014 8:47 PM

CPO Jim Summers — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 20:47:36 -0400

Here's a suggestion, when you retire or separate from the Military, leave your uniform in the closet. Thank You for your service, but I interviewed a Retired E-8 just a couple weeks ago. His "you owe me" attitude was a real turn off. He back peddled once I he learned I was Retired Navy. Thanks for your service, but don't expect to get a special position because of it. Face it, your starting over and "Yes, there are things you don't know".... Just 2 cents...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 9:58 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 09:58:06 -0400

We have some good network opportunities here, what are some of the other options available?

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Apr 13 at 2014 5:04 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 17:04:34 -0400

Give me your experiences and desire to make things happen, so I have some more folks to help me run Vets-Help.org. Then we make our own jobs without relying on anyone else. Check out our website, and other than seeing I am not a website guru, you will see we are out to make a serious difference.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 14 at 2014 11:58 AM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 11:58:02 -0400

Encourage them to obtain their degree while in the service.

I worked on it after getting out. I took classes at night while I worked full time. it took me 12 years to get through my Masters. Had I done some school in the military, I would have leveraged my earning power and years much better.

Employers today look toward a college education being on the resume. It is a weeding process they use. Combine education with military experience and you have a powerful candidate.

Response by Sgt Christopher Collins made May 15 at 2014 9:45 PM

Sgt Christopher Collins — Thu, 15 May 2014 21:45:10 -0400

I hear ya and I have been unemployed for awhile now. IMO, no veteran should be employed. Some of these companies advertise how military friendly they are but yet, many do not hire veterans as often as they should or just don't. I know of one large chain but I won't mention it here.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Jun 16 at 2014 1:51 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 13:51:11 -0400

When I go out looking for a job, I try to bring positive energy to the table. My service in the military was honorable. My continued service with military organizations as a civilian is also honorable. I get that.

In the civilian world, especially in the corporate world, bosses like to ask the question, "what can you do for me?"

This question alone has killed more interviews, IMO because it is implying selfishness, greed, and it implies a different moral compass. It goes against the grain and fabric of military culture.

This question is what veterans are up against. This is why we vets are homeless, unemployed, or even incarcerated. Vets are not accustomed to the "Me" phenomena.

Civilian culture is highly individualized in a free and open society. It is the "Me" world.

Organizations have been making progress in this area of "Me World" and have been developing a more business professional approach so that veterans can compete in the job market.

In contrast, the military has adopted also a business culture, but not all ranks; mostly the staff NCO and officer ranks are developed in a business consortium. I may be subjective in this area.

There is a shift to bring veterans into the civilian workforce. Employers are on a learning curve which is long term.

You may have all the right stuff, however, that Me World will determine the outcome of your next career. My advice is to find a company that does not adhere to that phenomena.

Develop positive energy that is readable, socially acceptable and employable.

Response by SSG Shawn Dodd made Jun 17 at 2014 1:53 AM

SSG Shawn Dodd — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 01:53:23 -0400

What I don't see near enough is the vets knowing what to do when they get out of the service. I think each vet needs another former vet mentor who can provide them with real support to help them on their journey. I would like to see every major company in American set up a mentor program that will align vets with another and help them become successful. Just a thought anyway.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 17 at 2014 9:14 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 09:14:56 -0400

CPL Hall,

You are right. The sad part is that civilians are so broke they do not realize they are broke. There was a time when the civilian sector was at least aware of the value of veterans, those days are in the past...to a large degree. There are some people and companies that tap into the veteran resource.
Where I have my bigger issue, is with organizations that claim to have a veteran hiring policy who fail to follow their own policy. I see it all the time.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Jun 17 at 2014 12:04 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 12:04:30 -0400

Pro-Veteran articles like the one below go a long ways to supporting positive aspects of hiring veterans.
http://www.businessinsider.com/habits-that-great-military-leaders-practice-2014-6

23 Habits From The Army That Will Make You A Great Leader

Build esprit de corps.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 2 at 2014 1:15 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 01:15:40 -0400

I would start with giving USAjobs a common sense enema. 3 months from job offer closing until notification is insane. That is in addition to however long it takes to close the job openings, so it is more like 4-5 months. If you doubt my math, I have about 350 examples I can show you in the last year.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Aug 9 at 2018 7:50 AM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 07:50:33 -0400

develop as system to create resume in the force so veterans are not trying to create the wheel when they get out of service.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Dec 17 at 2018 12:08 PM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 12:08:43 -0500

get more Veterans online with RESUME writing classes or have other PR members help them get on board with their resumes.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Dec 17 at 2018 12:18 PM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 12:18:18 -0500

One thing you may want to consider is Federal Government or State Government employment. I believe the Feds credit all your active service time towards their retirement system and many states do also. I myself retired from NYS Government and you can now purchase your active duty time to be credited towards retirement. The cost is to do this was pretty modest and is deducted from each paycheck until paid in full.