Transitioning from active duty, what do you look for in an employer?

2021-02-19T12:59:20-05:00

This question has been asked time and time again, but with the changing world and employment landscape, as a recruiter this is critically important to know what we're missing, or what we could be doing better for our veterans. I would love to hear what folks transitioning from duty are looking for. For full time positions here at King County we have you covered already with health benefits, transportation options, compensation. In the below survey, what on this list is most important to you?

Have a great weekend everybody! :)

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 19 at 2021 1:18 PM

2021-02-19T13:18:55-05:00

Culture and values because that is the peg from which everything else hangs from. I have said this and will say it again. An organization that has bad values, does not follow rules, regulations, and laws is a corrupt organization and the employees will suffer.

Response by SGT Edward Wilcox made Feb 19 at 2021 1:41 PM

2021-02-19T13:41:13-05:00

You left one option out. The thing I look for most in an employer is "Will they hire me".

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Feb 19 at 2021 1:42 PM

2021-02-19T13:42:39-05:00

Depends on type of work

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Feb 19 at 2021 2:08 PM

2021-02-19T14:08:11-05:00

I hate to disappoint you, but there is no "one true way" for your answer. We are not Mandalorians there is no "it is the way."

When I was transitioning, I shocked almost all of the folks in my transition class because high on my priority list was uniforms. I had worn a uniform for so long that I don't have a wide assortment of business clothes, and, frankly, didn't want to invest thousands of dollars in creating a professional closet. Everyone looked at me like I was crazy because they couldn't wait to STOP wearing a uniform.

And every single person in that class had at least one "wierd" thing they were looking for. None of us had the same list of priorities. No two out of the 35 in the class matched.

Most retirees couldn't care less about your health benefits - TriCare retired is cheaper. Guaranteed. Especially once you get to family coverage. However those who are getting out prior to retirement, those health benefits may be a TOP priority.

Same is (partially) true for money. I worked until retirement so that I have a paycheck for life and I don't have to worry about finding a high-paying job. I make $25K / year in retirement (and most retirees will make more than that), and I count that as part of my income when looking at jobs. I don't need a six figure job - a $75K job means I AM making six figures. (And when you add in disability from VA, I only need a $35K job). Those who are getting out prior to retirement are much more likely to be motivated by the benjamins.

Combat Arms folks are probably looking for more physical / active jobs, while Intelligence folks are looking for cerebral jobs and Supply folks are looking for logistics job. Generally speaking, folks will want to find jobs where they can put their hard-earned skills and knowledge to use. Except for the ones who don't - I retired with 4 years in Combat Arms and 16 in Intelligence, with 5 deployments, including some REAL DEAL stuff - but I intentionally took a job as a pizza driver so that I could have VERY low stress and make decent (liveable) money (remember that part where I only need to make $35K / year to make 6 figures - I make $30K a year in a low cost of living area). I literally planned on being a Wal-Mart greeter, but I can't handle standing that long.

What I am trying to say is that if you are looking for a one-size fits all path to recruiting former service members, the ONLY path you can follow is to LISTEN and treat each person as an individual. We each have our own wants, needs, and priorities.

Response by Maj John Bell made Feb 19 at 2021 7:54 PM

2021-02-19T19:54:35-05:00

Great compensation package and low expectations.

I'm sorry. Will 5 minutes in the corner be enough?

Response by SSgt Mathew Cummings made Apr 18 at 2022 2:09 PM

2022-04-18T14:09:50-04:00

I am not ashamed to say that I had to look up what a "Mandalorian" was, simply because I didn't have a clue. I usually read some of the other comments to get a tempo of the conversation. Personally I prefer to look up the background of an organization, I want to know their structure and their development through time. None of this applies to "woke" organizations, as they more often than not cannot equate on any level that would peak my interests. I still proceed in my personal life as I would of in the Marine Corps... JJDIDTIEBUCKLE, BAMCIS, O-SMEAC, GOTWA, etc... I venture that the chaos of many of the newer organizations and leaders of the business world are still trying to figure out these constructs. I find that more than likely I will have to return to Federal Contracting to find some semblance of what I really need to use as a valid career.