Posted on Mar 24, 2014
What is your strongest trait that you developed in the military, and how would you explain it to leverage it in a civilian interview?
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With the current military personnel actions and the
reduction in force, I'm looking to start a thread to help transitioning Service
Members in thinking about the next step.
Transition
Civilian Career
Career Advice
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 13
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Sir,
I believe that my strongest trait that I had developed while I was in the military had to be initiative. For most employers, this is a great trait to have. In past interviews I have explained that I'm proactive, a self-starter, and that I'm ready to hit the ground running when a task comes in.
I believe that my strongest trait that I had developed while I was in the military had to be initiative. For most employers, this is a great trait to have. In past interviews I have explained that I'm proactive, a self-starter, and that I'm ready to hit the ground running when a task comes in.
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SGT (Join to see)
Sir,
One example that I had used in the past was when I was a young employee (PFC) and our shop had received several dozen pieces of electronics equipment (Aircraft Survivability Equipment). However, my supervisor (My squad leader) was not available. Instead of waiting around, I had my coworker (Soldier) to help me out to begin testing and repairing the equipment. When my supervisor came back to the shop, he was very impressed at what I and my coworker did.
Another example that I had used was (this was also when I was in the Army) when one of the brigade's helicopters had to have a certain electronic device (ASE) installed for a training mission. I was more experienced in my job, but I wasn't a supervisor (I was a Specialist). I was able to coordinate the installation with several of the mechanics and actually installed it myself, even though that was not part of my job description.
Most employers like that, especially companies that provide customer service (field service. technical support, etc.). This is one trait that I had used as a marine electronics technician.
On the other hand, some employers, especially those in the engineering & design field, tend to frown upon someone taking the initiative. They see it as loosing control over the employee- I see it as micromanagement.
One example that I had used in the past was when I was a young employee (PFC) and our shop had received several dozen pieces of electronics equipment (Aircraft Survivability Equipment). However, my supervisor (My squad leader) was not available. Instead of waiting around, I had my coworker (Soldier) to help me out to begin testing and repairing the equipment. When my supervisor came back to the shop, he was very impressed at what I and my coworker did.
Another example that I had used was (this was also when I was in the Army) when one of the brigade's helicopters had to have a certain electronic device (ASE) installed for a training mission. I was more experienced in my job, but I wasn't a supervisor (I was a Specialist). I was able to coordinate the installation with several of the mechanics and actually installed it myself, even though that was not part of my job description.
Most employers like that, especially companies that provide customer service (field service. technical support, etc.). This is one trait that I had used as a marine electronics technician.
On the other hand, some employers, especially those in the engineering & design field, tend to frown upon someone taking the initiative. They see it as loosing control over the employee- I see it as micromanagement.
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SGT Marvin "Dave" Bigham
Patience and respect for those untrained or undisciplined. I have been managing hotels for twenty years and the general public needs to be guarded and served by those of us who are willing to do so in spite of their ignorant and entitled life styles. I love my country and always pray for those I come into contact with and read about. Without this patience there's no telling what is have done in the civilian world.
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SGT Brian Patton
In my opinion, patience is a wonderful thing, it is something thats uncommon in the civilian world. Respect for elders or just plan respect,It goes so far when dealing with a potential employer or a supervisor.
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Great question Sir. The ability to adapt and overcome in any environment is the best thing I learned in the military and knowing that gives me the confidence to continue to move forward progressively in any business environment as well.
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MAJ (Join to see)
Adaptability is huge! Most of us have heard "Semper Gumby" before. Being able to drive results is part of the NCO Creed: "I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders..." Good call!
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A trait that alot of people do not mention, but got me far in intereiws was how to navigate the different worlds of the Officer Staff (translate corporate ledership, directors and executive C-suit staff) and the enlisted ranks (translate labor force and mid level managers).
In many interiews for sales and operations positions they were very interested in my ability to "sell to the labor force" who would be the users of the product and my ability to translate that to a buy from those who control the money and the organization (think corproate leadership). Same could be said for an Ops job where you lead labor and drive decisions for support from the executive leadsership.
Corporate America if most often a game of building a concensus for an intitiative. Your ability to influence people without being perceived as manipulative is a great skill to develop and exercise while you are in in the military.
In many interiews for sales and operations positions they were very interested in my ability to "sell to the labor force" who would be the users of the product and my ability to translate that to a buy from those who control the money and the organization (think corproate leadership). Same could be said for an Ops job where you lead labor and drive decisions for support from the executive leadsership.
Corporate America if most often a game of building a concensus for an intitiative. Your ability to influence people without being perceived as manipulative is a great skill to develop and exercise while you are in in the military.
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MAJ (Join to see)
Good translation to the corporate side of employment, Capt Olson. I've experienced something very similar in my civilian employment.
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