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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Sometimes during job interviews, you can tell during the interview if they really want to hire you. I had an interview with Coca Cola, I new after the first minute that I wasn't getting that job. She mispronounced my name twice, I knew then that she was just going through the motions. And another time ( and this one really stung ) I applied for a position at a Subaru car factory. I came with 18 yrs. Of auto manufacturing experience, and I didn't get the job. Later I found out that the main reason I didn't get hired, was during one of the interviews. They asked if anyone had ever held or ran for a Union office? And I remember raising my hand, that was a mistake because I was a threat to both company and the union. I learned that day to not devulge certain things to anyone when vieing for a job.
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I agree with the other comments. Over qualified, which I also had issues with many several times. I never was able to use a thing learned in my army time besides discipline and hard work ethic. I made a life doing construction over 25 years now. And despite extensive knowledge of electronics AND home construction I’m still, and possibly more so, over qualified to install cable or internet. Six more years I retire with memories and suppressed anger.
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Over educated, over qualified, high standards = you are a threat! God closes one door and others will open!
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Welcome to the Private Sector. As you are undoubtedly aware, it's a bit of culture shock for people coming from a military background where you say what you mean, and mean what you say, and the pecking order is easily identifiable... to where you have to second-guess whether or not you are being told the truth by your bosses, and the pecking order is something you have to feel out and it isn't necessarily the same as the org chart. Don't assume anyone has an appreciation for what you did in the military. Some might, but it helps to stay humble. You are starting back at almost ground zero and for a person that is used to being in charge that can be a hard pill to swallow. Also, people tend to take offense at anyone or anything that might threaten their job security. Be careful lest you get burned.
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SFC Derrick Gordon - Checking back to see if something finally developed for you and how you are doing. There did appear to be a few good responses to your question on RP. Pls update. Thanks
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Over qualified... Resume needs to fit the job description to a T. Let them find out the rest of the details after you are hired.
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You had more qualifications than maybe your new boss and its a treat to job security.
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Attend IT Conferences and network (meet people) within your industry. You need a job a bit higher up, & for that you need to know people in the industry...then the jobs will start to materialize.
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This happened to my dad when he retired. Companies will often pass you over because they feel you will use it as a stepping stone or wait until something better comes along. Continue to look for things that you enjoy and the opportunity will afford itself.
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