Employment for "OVERQUALIFIED VETS"

2014-09-11T11:37:41-04:00

I am rolling upon 7 months since I separated from the Navy. In that time, I have applied for Federal Law Enforcement, Executive Protection, other federal positions, Local Law Enforcement, and Oil and Gas Industry Jobs. I attended a VA approved course called Battlefields to Oilfields and earned my certification as an HSE Safety Technician tailored to the oil industry. Every job interview (nearly 40 of them) have led nowhere. The hiring managers say that I am too high-speed for anything they have at their company or they laugh at the idea of paying me entry-level, but I don't have the experience to be places directly into upper-level management.

I am going to be attending a VA approved IT certification course next week for my CompTIA A+ certification and hopefully job placement with a company that actually hires veterans, no matter how "big and complex" their resume is.

Background: 13-years in Navy, former Russian Diplomatic Interpreter, B.S. In Interdisciplinary Studies (Math/Physics, Computer Science, & Behavioral Science), nuclear weapons inspector, nuclear power plant decommission monitor, and an NSA analyst). The goal of separating was to have a more stable life with my family (wife and 6 kids) while working in either law enforcement or the oil industry.

Have any of you "overqualified vets" found gainful employment worth sharing? Share your story, please.

Response by PO1 Sheldon Martin made Sep 11 at 2014 12:05 PM

2014-09-11T12:05:12-04:00

I do agree with you about that. I personally think that Hire managers use the word "veteran friendly" for a speaking point. I am, have and currently experiencing the same thing. I thought it was just me. I have seen people with little or no experience get the job before a vet. I have a job think god, and I am very grateful but it is a unskilled labor job and I have a degree in environmental science. I don't complain much but it is very disappointing when you see people doing the job what you went to college for doing that job and they don't even posses a high school diploma, no the experience.
Its hard being a vet and dealing with hiring managers.

Response by Cpl Thomas Clute made Sep 11 at 2014 5:06 PM

2014-09-11T17:06:48-04:00

I have experienced a lot of what you are going through myself. It took me a good seven months or so to land a good job with my current company. Not having my Bachelors yet made my search last longer than I expected but I am almost done with it now by enrolling while working.

What I found is that the "veteran friendly" companies out there are just saying that so they get some check in the box. Maybe they hire one or two just to say that they have. I also fear that there could be a stigma to being a veteran like anger issues and all of that nonsense.

The method I got my current job was a little unconventional I would say. I was originally denied because the hiring manager found someone who was a better fit or better qualified for the position without even interviewing me so I sent the recruiter a tactful yet nasty email asking how they would know that if they didn't give everyone the same fair chance. Two weeks later I have a job at the company. Just keep at it and be assertive!

Response by PO2 Tony Casler made Sep 11 at 2014 5:43 PM

2014-09-11T17:43:03-04:00

I wish I had a happy story to share. I've been out 8 years and heard the "overqualified" line more times than I can count. The entry-level jobs I have been able to attain all turned out to be dead ends, nothing but glowing reviews and promises of a promotion that never came true. I honestly believe that civilian managers are intimidated by hard charging vets and fear losing their job to one.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 11 at 2014 6:13 PM

2014-09-11T18:13:34-04:00

The job market today seems to be "we want your experience, but at bargain basement prices" followed by the "true value of your benefits" pamphlet to show how much they pay for health insurance, etc. If it wasn't for the fact that everything costs money, I'd gladly work for minimum wages, but that just isn't reality. I've been handed the BS line of, "if we hire you we know you'll leave if you get a better offer". I've been told, "we think the commute is too far for you". Personally I think 3/4 of the advertised jobs out there on the web sites and newspapers don't even exist.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Sep 11 at 2014 7:08 PM

2014-09-11T19:08:04-04:00

I have actually had friends omit their experience level on applications due to repeated rejections for being overqualified. The same with leaving off none requested degrees and certifications.

Response by PO1 Sheldon Martin made Sep 11 at 2014 7:22 PM

2014-09-11T19:22:05-04:00

Food for thought Veterans are 1% of the population in America and account for almost 30% of the unemployment, but "thank you for your service".

Response by SPC William Bowe made Sep 13 at 2014 3:06 PM

2014-09-13T15:06:42-04:00

Although I hate to hear this, It's nice to know I'm not the only one. I graduated in 2009 with my Masters of Business Admin and had two other degrees before that. I spent four years active duty and then eight years in college just to be told I'm overqualified for everything. I have worked volunteer positions and minimum wage jobs just to help build an already overbuilt resume.

I can't buy an interview to begin with. When I do get an interview, or sometimes as many as six with the same company, I never seem to make the cut. I agree with Major Petrarca who said, "Personally I think 3/4 of the advertised jobs out there on the web sites and newspapers don't even exist." Sometimes there are as many as 120 people going for the same job, when the job does exist.

I think we have a really bad job market and many of the people who have been employed for decades have a horrible attitude toward those of us who have been struggling. Some people would rather toss around insults than say anything helpful. All I can say is keep pushing and keep active. That's what I'm doing. Switch up your tactics from time to time and your strategy too. Be willing to consider anything. Right now I'm stocking shelves at Food Lion, nights, and stay at home Dad, days, while I continue to look for a career. Thank goodness my wife landed a good job straight out of college or we'd be hurting.

Response by PO1 William Tillotson made Sep 13 at 2014 7:12 PM

2014-09-13T19:12:55-04:00

Have you tried "Head Hunters"? I got my current job from Orion International. The companies pay for the opportunity to talk to you and possibly hire you. All you have to do is show up in your Sunday's best!! Check them out, what do you have to lose?

Orion International, Bradly Morris, Absolutely American, Honor Bridge, Lucas Group just to name a few.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 14 at 2014 1:55 AM

2014-09-14T01:55:40-04:00

PO1 Mark Filter If they are going to pull a line like that, then either the position didn't exist and HR is trying to appear military friendly or they never intended on hiring you for whatever reason. It's not you, it's this economy. There are people with PhD's accepting jobs advertising AA entry level. Have some fun. The next time they laugh and say you are too high speed or too smart, tell them you will dumb it down for them and ask if you can get THEIR job.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Sep 15 at 2014 6:35 PM

2014-09-15T18:35:35-04:00

PO1 Mark Filter Since you broached the topic of Federal Law Enforcement, shoot me a message and we can talk. Don't have all the answers, but have "been there, done that". Vets do get hired regularly. Here is the rub. We take 40,000+ applications for say 100 jobs-you have to be special, and right place-right time.

Response by SPC Jason Tapert made Oct 5 at 2014 12:00 PM

2014-10-05T12:00:47-04:00

I'll never understand that. When I first got out I went to ALOT of interviews and every one seemed to tell me I was "overqualified" If we were over qualified we wouldn't be interviewing for the position. Just keep on trying someone will see the true worth and hire you. My first job I scored out of the service was at fast food and the only reason I got it was because the manager s dad was a Vietnam vet and he was "tired of seeing vets on the streets" All be it I was only there about 4 months before moving on he gave me the confidence I needed to keep going to interviews and bettering myself.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 6 at 2014 2:58 PM

2014-10-06T14:58:19-04:00

I was in the Army for 6 years. I was told by employers that my military experience was "invalid" because Army life was nothing like "real" life.
I've been called overqualified so many times, I could say it with potential employers. I got tired of it, so I started my own business. I'm perfectly qualified to hire myself. ;)

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 7 at 2014 2:00 PM

2014-10-07T14:00:06-04:00

Please take this as advice from someone with experience, not as someone being critical of you ...

From what I see about your background and training, I do not believe that you are being considered "over-qualified" for the positions you are applying for, but, rather, under-qualified as compared to other applicants for the same positions.

While your military experience is very valuable, the fact is that employers look not only at your military service, but what you did in the military and how that applies to the positions they are hiring people for.

Since retiring from the military, I have worked for a company that hires a great many former military personnel for positions such as you describe -- high-paying para-military protective forces for critical national security assets/interests around the world. We have hundreds of applicants for each job and, frankly, I doubt that you would ever make the cut, given the background you describe. There would be hundreds of applicants with backgrounds that more closely meet the job requirements.

As I stated, up front, I am certainly not being critical of you or your qualifications ... you have excellent qualifications ... just not for the positions you are seeking. To be competitive for the positions you describe (high-end security positions), you need to be, preferably, a Navy Seal or Army Ranger, or, at the very least, combat arms (i.e. Army/Marine Infantry), or Military Police. That is who is applying for those positions and, for the most part, that is who is being hired.

My best advice is for you to change your focus and seek a position that uses the qualifications you have. The general qualification of "I was in the military" just simply does not translate into making you in high demand for the high-end security/law enforcement positions available. Too much competition with those better qualified.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 7 at 2014 2:17 PM

2014-10-07T14:17:06-04:00

I know you probably can't tell me if you have or haven't applied at the CIA but speaking Russian could be of value and it not to terrible far from Williamsburg.

Response by PO1 Arthur Rin made Oct 7 at 2014 6:37 PM

2014-10-07T18:37:06-04:00

Hello Mark,

I am Arthur Rin, recruiter for Military4Hire. Visit our website: military4hire.com see if any of the opportunities interest you, let me know what you think. I look forward in hearing from you soon.

Arthur Rin
[login to see]
[login to see]

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Oct 8 at 2014 12:59 PM

2014-10-08T12:59:44-04:00

PO1 Mark Filter Welcome to the civilian life. Since your going to take the CompTIA A+ certification course, one thing I do have to say is study and don't worry about a job during that time. That course is easy to grasp if your into computers, but the amount of information involved is extremely great. In that course you will not only know about computers but you will also know about the OS, not one but all to include servers and networking. Study and memorize as much as you can.
Hold off on the job search and worrying about work because you will not need that.
Why study? Because the only thing you will not know is what's on the actual exam.
No one will know, not even the school. Know the files in every OS (Tip).

When you pass, most likely you will go into a job placement, were you will have to gear your resume to reflect that. May be your experience in computers is zero but that ok, you will enter in Entry level if that's the case. Perhaps when you start to work you will be a contractor doing something in IT, such as Windows 7 Migrations. These people hire many new people because they have experts like me to teach them how to set up the bios in a computer or laptop for a build, How to provision Windows 7 for that PC and how to start the build. Then its deployment, talking to the users, getting them ready for a replacement backing up there computers files and restoring it in the new PC.

I have allot of years experience working IT I am an A+ Certified Tech and have been working in that field since I got my certification.
I was unemployed on May 1 2014, because the 5 year contract ended.
I had an interview Monday, 10/6/2014, for a position in doing Windows 7 Migration and since I had experience working in a bank here in NYC as IT, I already knew the job.
During the interview I was dressed with a blue pinstripe suite, blue collar shirt and tie with black shoes and socks. I looked like a Wall Street Attorney at law. But during the interview I was asked questions about my resume, but rather then just answering questions I turned it into a conversation, meaning I ask how do they provision there software, when I get answered, I would then tell them how we did it in the bank, we rolled into how we dealt with people, how the back up are done and I managed to teach them something new about deployments they never know.
I was recommended by a senior technician who works there, whom by the way also worked with me and I taught him how to do the job. So thing was that when I was asked "Do you have any more questions?", I said yes "When do I start?" lol
I came home and about 2 hours later I was offered the position and I accepted it. My start date is 10/20/14.

But when I actually start, there are allot of things I will need to know, that I haven't seen before of which I'm highly interested in, I told them what it was, but along with that I will treat each client with equal respect and equal service.
It is a temp position until I can find something permanent, but that will go into my resume.

Response by 1SG Mark Colomb made Oct 8 at 2014 2:19 PM

2014-10-08T14:19:27-04:00

PO1 Mark Filter, if you want into the security profession, join professional organizations, such as ASIS International. Since you have indicated you are willing to pay your way for education, take the Certified Protection Professional course and get certified. From there you can branch out into IT security, Personal Security, and Physical Security certifications.

In today's market, third party certifications carry significant weight in most industries.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Oct 10 at 2014 8:37 AM

2014-10-10T08:37:28-04:00

PO1 Mark Filter, My question to you is "What do you really want to do?"

In reviewing your comment, it seems that you do not have a specific goal in mind. If you are interested in LE or Executive Protection Services, then make that your goal. If you are interested in the Oil and Gas Industry, make that your goal. To be honest with you, I do not see how a computer certification can help with either one of these goals, especially law enforcement.

If your resume is as scattered as your statement here, that is part of the problem. Being "Jack of all trades, Master of none" as your statement implies, does not present a good and stable applicant to the hiring manager, etc..

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 24 at 2015 8:14 PM

2015-04-24T20:14:55-04:00

Hang in there. Sometimes things we want takes a good fight because it is worth it.