Posted on Jun 26, 2015
Why would somebody with 23 years of military experience be passed over for an entry level position with no experience required?
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Applied for a job with a cable television company and just found out I didn't get the job. I don't understand why I didn't get, did the phone interview thought it went well and the face to face interviews with the managers who stated they to were ex-military. Waited to hear something because recruiter said that training will start on June 29, kept going to the the company website checking my status which was still in "In Process" so I didn't hear nothing since my interview on May 19, so I decided to contact someone the other day to find out if I had the job, that was probable a mistake. Get a email stating they were going with others candidates. I am trying to understand why I wasn't qualified for this position, it is a entry level position with no experience required will train, my background, I have 23 years of military service in signal and a B.S. degree in IT but I don't qualify. Not mad just had my hopes up in getting this. The company advertise they were hiring veterans and that was one of the reason I applied. I know just because I was in the military doesn't entitle me to any job I want. But when you sit in the waiting room and looking at the other candidates, knowing that they don't have any military or maybe 4 years max, no experience. Have this happen to others or is this overthinking.
Jobs
Transition
Civilian Career
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 108
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Happens to me all the time. Many companies have no idea how valuable veterans can be. Look at it as their loss. That is how I look at it. Good luck!
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PO1 John Miller
It's still frustrating as hell when you don't even get any feedback on why you weren't selected for the job!
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SSG Paul Forel
PO1 John Miller - I'm sure you must know by now it is about avoiding litigation. Saying the wrong thing can get a company burned so it is safer to say nothing.
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Because you have over 23 years of experience puts you into the category of being over qualified. They are looking at someone they can groom and pay minimum amount of money too. They know that you are a leader a dedicated one at that, so they see you as a threat to someone that want remain with them long because when a better opportunity present's itself to you, 9 out of 10 you will take it.
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SFC GORDON,
NEWS FLASH!!! You're OVER Qualified. Yup, they want a laborer, someone who's not going to try and heckle for higher pay or move up the ranks to quick. They want someone young and fresh, someone who "needs" the job. You are RETIRED, the chances of you coming in one day and saying F U guys, I'm going home is greater than some dumb 22 yr old who just got his girlfriend pregnant.
NEWS FLASH!!! You're OVER Qualified. Yup, they want a laborer, someone who's not going to try and heckle for higher pay or move up the ranks to quick. They want someone young and fresh, someone who "needs" the job. You are RETIRED, the chances of you coming in one day and saying F U guys, I'm going home is greater than some dumb 22 yr old who just got his girlfriend pregnant.
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I applied for a job that required 4 to 6 years of Intelligence experience and at least an AS degree. I had 6 years experience and two AS degrees. I held intelligence positions at the Wing, Numbered Air Force, Major Command, and Air Operations Center. Needless to say they said I was "over qualified" for the position. I think, it was the Good old boy buddy system and they hooked up a buddy.
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SSG Paul Forel
Had you applied to companies like L-3 and CACI? (Just asking. Seems like they would be obvious companies to call on and would appreciate your Intel background.)
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MSgt (Join to see)
I have but contracts are never a guarantee. I got burned hard on one. I was 'hired' and the company was awarded the contract. However, about 4 days before we were suppose to start, the Air Force pulled the plug and the contract was dropped. I was without a job.
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PO1 Bill Adams
I think we'd all be amazed at how often the buddy system is employed in hiring, that is until you get into the buddy system, and it starts working for us.
Those of you who are still active, keep track of your buddies after they get out. They might be able to hook you up later.
Those of you who are still active, keep track of your buddies after they get out. They might be able to hook you up later.
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It sounds as if one of 2 things. 1) you were overqualified in their eyes and they felt that you would have just wasted yours and their time, passing the time until you landed something bigger and better. 2) They already had someone already employed and in the system that they were going to move into that job, but were legally obligated to post the job and go through the motions.
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Something in your face to face interview is what mostly likely made them go with other candidates. They were probably to intimidated by your experience and education. During the face to face interview did you or they bring up anything about you being overqualified?
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SFC Derrick Gordon
No we talked about military they were in one guy was Air Force retired and the other was the same MOS 25U as me
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Truly, the first question should be, "Why would someone with 23 years of experience - be interviewing for an entry-level position?" I'm sure this wasn't your intent - but you've created your own problem. Chin up, and aim for a higher position.
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Unfortunately "NCO" means no chance out side when looking for a job. Think about this, a college graduate who has been working in a similar field, as a civilian want to join the army. He expects his experience should count for something and he should come in as SSG or SFC. Would we accept that in the service? Nope. So the same applies on the outside I would imagine. That's why we should network and help other veterans out when transitioning. Good luck with your job hunt and don't give up!
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SFC Gordon, hang in there, something will come through for you. As others have previously stated, you're over-qualified for that position. Companies are looking for someone long-term. With your experience and knowledge, you have an advantage over the others, and will soon be looking to advance. I have gone on interviews and was told that I wouldn't fit because I had a degree and that most of the employees in that particular office did not.
Best wishes!!
Best wishes!!
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