Posted on Feb 17, 2016
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Over the past two years or so that RallyPoint has been connecting the Veteran community with employers, we have discussed a lot of topics. A simple search on this site results in hits on a lot of different topics but one that I feel has not gotten a lot of attention is the underemployment of Veterans. We have discussed unemployment and such but the topic of underemployment is one that I think we need to address.
First, for those that may not understand the term; underemployment refers to someone having a job but who may be more qualified for that position. While yes, employment is a great thing, if we do not write an effective resume, our goal as Veterans to find meaningful employment may not be reached.
There are a lot of things leading to the underemployment of Veterans. From skill translators to Veterans lack of writing effective resumes, we all play a part in this crisis. Personally, I had to deal with this issue looking for my own employment. One hurdle I kept hitting was that while I ran some of the most complicated voice and data communications across some of the worst areas but employers were still looking at me as under qualified because I was missing a certification. Thankfully, while certifications are still sought after in the IT world, I have been able to find good, meaningful employment by crafting an effective resume. But crafting that resume may be some of the hardest writing we have to do.
It is no secret regardless of rank, in the military you have to do a lot of professional writings. From counselings, award write ups to after action reviews we are well trained on how to write professional documents yet, getting the resume right is hard. I will not stand here and say I am an expert or a guru on how to write resumes; however, I have been around some great professionals both here on RallyPoint and in the community that have provided some great insight and now I feel compelled to share that information. One bit advice that needs to be shared is something I have said time and time again. As military professionals, we are very proud of our awards but do they have a place on our resume? To me, I say yes but not in a list of what you got. Employers do not really care about WHAT you got, they care about WHY/HOW you got it. Listing your Bronze Stars, Commendation, and achievement medals do not speak business. Using the reason as to why you got them does. Did you effectively lead a team? Did you help save time by finding a new process for the unit? Did you effectively manage the equipment placed in your control?
Along with this idea of an effective resume comes the effective interview. I know personally, when I first started interviewing; I viewed them as a one-way discussion. I did not realize that I was passing up a great opportunity but not interviewing the company while the company interviewed me. The interview is also your chance to sale yourself as the perfect fit for that position for that company. We are taught in the military to remain humble so selling ourselves and our accomplishments is not easy but this is not the time to be humble, the interview is the time to highlight yourself because the others behind you are.
The last thing I have seen leading to the underemployment of Veterans are online skill translators. It is not the site themselves, they are a great place to start but you cannot rely specifically on them. In today's military, where we are asking to fill roles we are sometimes not trained to do; these skill translators sometimes miss some of the critical skill sets you may have. I think the overselling of these sites as a one-stop shop as the answer short sales us leaving some of our skills on the cutting room floor.
So what is the answer? Well that is why I felt the need to make this posting. For me, the answer is not easy. Sharing information is a great step but I am sure, with all the knowledge and experience gathered here, we may be able to start a dialogue that may help those starting their transition from the military or still working to gain meaningful employment. So what are things you feel leading to the underemployment of Veterans? What are steps you have taken to gain meaningful employment in your own situation?
First, for those that may not understand the term; underemployment refers to someone having a job but who may be more qualified for that position. While yes, employment is a great thing, if we do not write an effective resume, our goal as Veterans to find meaningful employment may not be reached.
There are a lot of things leading to the underemployment of Veterans. From skill translators to Veterans lack of writing effective resumes, we all play a part in this crisis. Personally, I had to deal with this issue looking for my own employment. One hurdle I kept hitting was that while I ran some of the most complicated voice and data communications across some of the worst areas but employers were still looking at me as under qualified because I was missing a certification. Thankfully, while certifications are still sought after in the IT world, I have been able to find good, meaningful employment by crafting an effective resume. But crafting that resume may be some of the hardest writing we have to do.
It is no secret regardless of rank, in the military you have to do a lot of professional writings. From counselings, award write ups to after action reviews we are well trained on how to write professional documents yet, getting the resume right is hard. I will not stand here and say I am an expert or a guru on how to write resumes; however, I have been around some great professionals both here on RallyPoint and in the community that have provided some great insight and now I feel compelled to share that information. One bit advice that needs to be shared is something I have said time and time again. As military professionals, we are very proud of our awards but do they have a place on our resume? To me, I say yes but not in a list of what you got. Employers do not really care about WHAT you got, they care about WHY/HOW you got it. Listing your Bronze Stars, Commendation, and achievement medals do not speak business. Using the reason as to why you got them does. Did you effectively lead a team? Did you help save time by finding a new process for the unit? Did you effectively manage the equipment placed in your control?
Along with this idea of an effective resume comes the effective interview. I know personally, when I first started interviewing; I viewed them as a one-way discussion. I did not realize that I was passing up a great opportunity but not interviewing the company while the company interviewed me. The interview is also your chance to sale yourself as the perfect fit for that position for that company. We are taught in the military to remain humble so selling ourselves and our accomplishments is not easy but this is not the time to be humble, the interview is the time to highlight yourself because the others behind you are.
The last thing I have seen leading to the underemployment of Veterans are online skill translators. It is not the site themselves, they are a great place to start but you cannot rely specifically on them. In today's military, where we are asking to fill roles we are sometimes not trained to do; these skill translators sometimes miss some of the critical skill sets you may have. I think the overselling of these sites as a one-stop shop as the answer short sales us leaving some of our skills on the cutting room floor.
So what is the answer? Well that is why I felt the need to make this posting. For me, the answer is not easy. Sharing information is a great step but I am sure, with all the knowledge and experience gathered here, we may be able to start a dialogue that may help those starting their transition from the military or still working to gain meaningful employment. So what are things you feel leading to the underemployment of Veterans? What are steps you have taken to gain meaningful employment in your own situation?
Command Post
Employment
Transition
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 13
5
5
0
Having a exit plan is crucial. But that is only part of the solution. The other critical areas are good resumes and networking.
Throwing out a generic resume will only lead to some success. I have a baseline resume that I tailor to each job that I am applying for. Having a solid resume that matches the employers needs is key.
Networking is also huge. Its still all about who you know. Get your name out there, meet people, talk to friends, neighbors, fellow veterans. Having a "in" goes along way.
Developing people skills is also important. Everyone is taught the importance of working as a team in the military. Those same skills are important to the civilian world too.
The last thing. Luck and persistence. Having good luck helps. Don't give up because you cant find your dream job in 6 months. Many folks settle on a mediocre job. If you need the money, take the job, but continue to look for the one that will use your skills accordingly.
Throwing out a generic resume will only lead to some success. I have a baseline resume that I tailor to each job that I am applying for. Having a solid resume that matches the employers needs is key.
Networking is also huge. Its still all about who you know. Get your name out there, meet people, talk to friends, neighbors, fellow veterans. Having a "in" goes along way.
Developing people skills is also important. Everyone is taught the importance of working as a team in the military. Those same skills are important to the civilian world too.
The last thing. Luck and persistence. Having good luck helps. Don't give up because you cant find your dream job in 6 months. Many folks settle on a mediocre job. If you need the money, take the job, but continue to look for the one that will use your skills accordingly.
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Vikki Nicometo
How about instead of luck we add being clear on what type of job you want and then strategically targeting veteran-friendly employers who offer those jobs. Otherwise, I'd say your response is pretty spot on. Approach your transition strategically
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I'd like to offer that there are differences in "skill development" between Civilian and Military cultures.
The military tends to develop skills in a very "steep curve," whereas the civilian side tends to be more linear. It puts military in sort a of a "front loaded" ability, especially considering age. At 10 or 20 years of work experience, our level/scope of responsibility is generally not comparable to a civilian counterpart. We just expect to do more.
If you look at compensation... this also tends to pan out. An E4-E5 (with Benefits and Allowances) is comparable to the US Median Household Income. That's at 22~ years old. How does that compare to your average civilian? It creates a very "strange" dynamic when we try to convert between the two worlds.
The military tends to develop skills in a very "steep curve," whereas the civilian side tends to be more linear. It puts military in sort a of a "front loaded" ability, especially considering age. At 10 or 20 years of work experience, our level/scope of responsibility is generally not comparable to a civilian counterpart. We just expect to do more.
If you look at compensation... this also tends to pan out. An E4-E5 (with Benefits and Allowances) is comparable to the US Median Household Income. That's at 22~ years old. How does that compare to your average civilian? It creates a very "strange" dynamic when we try to convert between the two worlds.
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While I agree with most of your post, there is a few more points that I would add, as a result of my job search after my retirement from the military. First, I did the usual and found a mediocre job with civil service. That was how long it took me to find a serious job with opportunities not available with civil service. and, it provided an income while I searched. Depending on your status, age becomes a factor, like it or not. A 30 year retiree is not as valuable to the private industry as one with 20 or less, due to the desire of companies to look at your future potential in the business. Doesn't mean you can't find a job, just that it is a factor. Go for the best opportunity you can find, look at it as a possibility, while you consider where you really want to be. DON'T worry about military facilities, I haven't used them for years and do better than any commissary/exchange. Besides, you have a choice of on line military stores with no taxes. Don't use a shotgun approach in your resumes, focus on your strengths, leadership and technical proficiency. From what I have observed, those that were successful in the military will also be in private industry. Be prepared to put in a full days work and show initiative, kind of like what got you to where you are in the military. The interesting thing was, I paid my technical education staff more than the median income, yet had very few military resumes come across my desk. Two of my managers were military retirees, one USAF, the other Army. Communications, written or verbal, are critical. During interviews, the hiring manager is testing you to see how well you can interact with customers or fellow employees. This is critical when promotional opportunities come up that you may qualify for. If you think leadership is important in the military, wait until you start managing with civilians that can leave you at the drop of a hat. You would be surprised how difficult it is to manage a business that requires you maintain a quality workforce. Just my .02 worth.
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