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Did you make it to the top or close to the top of your military career? Did you lead and supervise subordinates either in the office or into battle? Are you able to manage and make key decisions in stressful situations? If yes, then stop window shopping at career fairs and start talking to all the employers there. You have the skills we are looking for, whether you know it or not, and they may not be in the last career or job that you did!
Through out my 14 years of recruiting I have noticed one common trait among job seekers... Most become introverts at career fairs and seem to be just, "Window Shopping" when attending career fairs!
To Expand, I am a people watcher, always have been, always will be. When I watch candidates enter career fairs, they are talking to their friends, have anxious and excited smiles, but then, for some reason, they see that first booth and their eyes go down and they walk right by...and the second booth, and the third booth and so on. It seems most are only looking for that one job, that one booth among the hundreds there. And just like them, all of those employers are looking for that one or two special candidates that they can hire onto their team.
So as simple as it is, my advice to all job seekers is this... stop and smell the roses. In other words, check out all your opportunities. So many people walk right by employer tables that could be a perfect fit for them...letting that "opportunity that was knocking" slip away because they are either too scared, shy, or think that career isn't for them. How about in the future, just for curiosity’s sake, walk up to one of those tables you don' think has anything for you and say, "what opportunities and growth can you give me, here is my resume and this is what I can give to you." You might be surprised at what you may learn about that company as well as what skills you already have that could be a perfect fit for them. Remember, you probably had little experience with the jobs on your resume when you first started with them, but you learned the job and maybe even excelled at it.
So, my message is...don't sell yourself short, you might just have been the next CEO of that table you just walked by... "Stop Window Shopping and Smell the Roses!"
Through out my 14 years of recruiting I have noticed one common trait among job seekers... Most become introverts at career fairs and seem to be just, "Window Shopping" when attending career fairs!
To Expand, I am a people watcher, always have been, always will be. When I watch candidates enter career fairs, they are talking to their friends, have anxious and excited smiles, but then, for some reason, they see that first booth and their eyes go down and they walk right by...and the second booth, and the third booth and so on. It seems most are only looking for that one job, that one booth among the hundreds there. And just like them, all of those employers are looking for that one or two special candidates that they can hire onto their team.
So as simple as it is, my advice to all job seekers is this... stop and smell the roses. In other words, check out all your opportunities. So many people walk right by employer tables that could be a perfect fit for them...letting that "opportunity that was knocking" slip away because they are either too scared, shy, or think that career isn't for them. How about in the future, just for curiosity’s sake, walk up to one of those tables you don' think has anything for you and say, "what opportunities and growth can you give me, here is my resume and this is what I can give to you." You might be surprised at what you may learn about that company as well as what skills you already have that could be a perfect fit for them. Remember, you probably had little experience with the jobs on your resume when you first started with them, but you learned the job and maybe even excelled at it.
So, my message is...don't sell yourself short, you might just have been the next CEO of that table you just walked by... "Stop Window Shopping and Smell the Roses!"
Civilian Career
Jobs
Command Post
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 8
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I went to a few military only job fairs in 2008 when the economy tanked. Not having an active security clearance was a major hindrance. With the abundance of active members getting out with clearances, most companies had a plethora of choices. Needless to say, for me trying to get back into the defense industry, which most of the employers were defense related, was not good for me.
Oddly enough, the day I got a job, 6 months later, I received 2 job offers from defense related companies that I found through usajobs dot com. In both interviews I was humble and answered everything I could while admitting when I didn't know the answer, but let them know I knew how to research when needed.
As a developer without a sheep skin who competed for a position against people with masters degrees, I am happy to say I work for a company that was just listed in the S&P 500 last year.
Oddly enough, the day I got a job, 6 months later, I received 2 job offers from defense related companies that I found through usajobs dot com. In both interviews I was humble and answered everything I could while admitting when I didn't know the answer, but let them know I knew how to research when needed.
As a developer without a sheep skin who competed for a position against people with masters degrees, I am happy to say I work for a company that was just listed in the S&P 500 last year.
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Thank you all for the Great Responses!!! I am hearing a constant theme on the employers that come to these events and what type of people they are looking for. I couldn't agree more that I have personally witnessed some of the employers with tunnel vision as far as who they are looking for and who they are not.
A couple key problems I have seen from employers are these:
1. They aren't' recruiters! They are actually employees of the company and were picked, or volunteered, to be at the event. They may have HR background, however, that is a lot different then having Recruiting background.
2. They sit behind the table at their booth and wait for potential employees to come to them. Personally, if you sit there like a bump on a log I wouldn't walk up and engage them either...boring!!!!
3. Freebies...the more freebies they have the more they are there for "Public Awareness" instead of recruiting. Public awareness is great but how many people actually call them because they received a foam basketball or some other novelty item. Those items usually end up as pet toys :)
4. They disappear! I can't tell you how many empty tables I see through out career fairs or how many empty tables I see near the end of a career fair. Employers that want to be there and that are actively recruiting will stay for the whole event if possible.
5. Finally, Background Clearances. At Farmers we have to do a background check on every prospective agent, regardless if they have a current one from another company or even the Government. More then likely, most other civilian companies will have to do their own also as we don't have access to Government Clearances. This is one of those "It is what it is" things.
For me, I personally stand in front of my table/booth so, if you are within reach be prepared for me to engage and talk to you. The material on my table is geared towards hiring people. I have awareness items too, however, these are normally brochures and visuals displays. I may break down and buy candy also :)
Once again I understand your frustrations with some of the employers and all I can say is there are some there that truly want to meet you and possibly set up a follow up interview...like me!
Good luck to you all and if you are ever thinking about a possible career as a Farmers Agency Owner hit me back. I don't sugar coat the job and back up my words by setting my candidates up with current agents so they can talk to them about the position and also validate what I have told them.
Al
Thank you all for the Great Responses!!! I am hearing a constant theme on the employers that come to these events and what type of people they are looking for. I couldn't agree more that I have personally witnessed some of the employers with tunnel vision as far as who they are looking for and who they are not.
A couple key problems I have seen from employers are these:
1. They aren't' recruiters! They are actually employees of the company and were picked, or volunteered, to be at the event. They may have HR background, however, that is a lot different then having Recruiting background.
2. They sit behind the table at their booth and wait for potential employees to come to them. Personally, if you sit there like a bump on a log I wouldn't walk up and engage them either...boring!!!!
3. Freebies...the more freebies they have the more they are there for "Public Awareness" instead of recruiting. Public awareness is great but how many people actually call them because they received a foam basketball or some other novelty item. Those items usually end up as pet toys :)
4. They disappear! I can't tell you how many empty tables I see through out career fairs or how many empty tables I see near the end of a career fair. Employers that want to be there and that are actively recruiting will stay for the whole event if possible.
5. Finally, Background Clearances. At Farmers we have to do a background check on every prospective agent, regardless if they have a current one from another company or even the Government. More then likely, most other civilian companies will have to do their own also as we don't have access to Government Clearances. This is one of those "It is what it is" things.
For me, I personally stand in front of my table/booth so, if you are within reach be prepared for me to engage and talk to you. The material on my table is geared towards hiring people. I have awareness items too, however, these are normally brochures and visuals displays. I may break down and buy candy also :)
Once again I understand your frustrations with some of the employers and all I can say is there are some there that truly want to meet you and possibly set up a follow up interview...like me!
Good luck to you all and if you are ever thinking about a possible career as a Farmers Agency Owner hit me back. I don't sugar coat the job and back up my words by setting my candidates up with current agents so they can talk to them about the position and also validate what I have told them.
Al
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