What do most employers look for when they see an applicant who has had previous military experience?

2015-05-19T12:52:47-04:00

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 19 at 2015 12:54 PM

2015-05-19T12:54:57-04:00

It all depends on the employer and the job you are applying for.

First and foremost, you need to meet the educational and experience qualifications for the job you are seeking.

You need to demonstrate the same level of maturity and professionalism on an interview that you would show to a NCO or officer.

You need to be able to effectively translate military lingo to civilian lingo. Civilians don't understand battalions and FTXs tactical equipment names and military acronyms. It's your responsibility to tune your resume and your conversational tone to eliminate these things when talking to a potential civilian employer. If they are a fellow vet, then you can speak the language, but this won't be the case all the time.

The veteran status will be the tie breaker in a lot of cases, again based on the company and their track record with being vet friendly & vet supportive.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 1:17 PM

2015-05-19T13:17:58-04:00

Primarily, they are looking for fit within their organization. Are you right for the role? Are you right for their company culture? MAJ Petrarca's advice is great. As you get ready to interview, read up on common questions and advice, there's a truckload of advice geared towards veterans making the transition. I know the job search is intimidating, but remember that you need to interview a potential employer as well. Ask thoughtful questions about the position, company, and industry to help determine if the role meets your goals.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 1:28 PM

2015-05-19T13:28:18-04:00

My job hired me due to my experience, and that my supervisor understands how military can breed loyalty.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 1:41 PM

2015-05-19T13:41:47-04:00

Leadership, do you meet the Minimum requirements listed, Resume, and ability to quickly respond to any questions/tasks given during the interview process. Remember handing out your resume doesn't end the dating cycle. HR Reps have a lot on their plates and can't respond to everyone. Do your home and Network within in the organization. Find someone to champion you throughout the process.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 19 at 2015 2:55 PM

2015-05-19T14:55:08-04:00

In my 16 years with a private sector firm, I looked for two things from any applicant: can they do the job; will they fit in. As a government contractor, the fit-in factor was higher for veterans. Fit included with the company, with the team, and with the customer.

Can the applicant do the job mostly had to do with demonstrated skills and abilities. Education and certifications were important if the contract had minimums, for example some labor categories required a bachelors degree or equivalent experience.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 6:34 PM

2015-05-19T18:34:12-04:00

It really depends, if you go to a very veteran friendly place then they will recognize your skill set and help you transition in to that position. If you go to a "vet friendly" place where they have no clue of the difference between Captain and Sergeant then they will have a hard time figuring you out.