What are your thoughts on emailing a CSM directly when looking for a new job as a senior NCO?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 13:51:32 -0400

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2019 2:19 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 14:19:00 -0400

Absolutely. Attach your ERB and be respectful and have someone proof read the email before you send it. #SellYourself

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2019 2:25 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 14:25:58 -0400

As soon as I received assignment instructions I emailed my gaining unit’s CSM and attached my SRB and my last five NCOERs.
As SGM Oldsen stated, have someone proofread your email. You only have one chance to make a first impression.
I kept my introductory email short and concise, focusing on the capabilities I’d bring to the team and expressing my desire to fill a 1SG billet if the need was there.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2019 2:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 14:55:21 -0400

It's an absolutely outstanding idea. I always work for CSMs in my position and the times I've seen an NCO hit up the CSM about a job, it was always very favorably received.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 9 at 2019 3:25 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 15:25:52 -0400

While I always appreciated NCOs reachingvout, and do agree it is usually a good idea. Your question is a little vague, is this for a normal PCS, are you having trouble with your current unit, etc. thank you for your service.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2019 3:48 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 15:48:20 -0400

There is no thought, I always introduce myself through email and attach my Erb and last NCOER and ask for what I want. So far it has worked out for me. Just do it in a professional way.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2019 4:10 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 16:10:42 -0400

Let's ask some others CSM Charles Hayden CSM Private RallyPoint Member SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2019 4:13 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 16:13:07 -0400

Yes. Although the few times I needed to do that on active duty, my emails/phone calls were limited to just setting up a 15 minute appointment to discuss the job in person.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 9 at 2019 4:38 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 16:38:06 -0400

Some CSMs are deep thinkers, have a long reach, and have power. Case in point. I was a PL and thought why is my great PSG only an E-6, so went to talk to the CSM. A couple months later the PSG got his 7.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jun 9 at 2019 6:24 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 18:24:13 -0400

I was always supremely confident in my ability to excel no matter what job I ended up in. For that reason, I never even thought to e-mail the CSM to ask for a job.

I also spent over 10 years as a SFC, and retired at that rank. Maybe I should have....

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2019 7:13 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 19:13:59 -0400

If you're looking for a good connection, then the CSM is the man.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2019 7:22 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 19:22:23 -0400

It's a great idea. Professional Networking.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2019 9:37 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 21:37:41 -0400

Absolutely! CSMs encourage that from SR NCOs. Just attach your SRB, last NCOER or two and a small and concise bio with goals. Most likely, s/he will want to talk with you once you get to your unit to do a face to face.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Jun 10 at 2019 8:41 AM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 08:41:53 -0400

The best person to take care of you is you. For me, I sought out my future. When I got high enough in the food chain to start being asked about positions, it was generally the hard-chargers and those leaning forward in the foxhole that were doing the asking. Sell yourself, but back it up too. You'll do well -- good luck

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Jun 10 at 2019 3:52 PM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 15:52:21 -0400

Honestly speaking Sergeant, as a SSG I emailed my gaining units CSM, attached my ERB, last 3 NCOER's, brief description of what skills I bring to the team, and provided him with contact info in case he wanted further information. When I arrived, he already had a platoon waiting for me. I also had a very good NCO support channel who proof read, and made suggestions before I sent it.