What is your best transition employment advice?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 21:29:32 -0500

I am a soldier transitioning from active duty to the reserves and I'm having a hard time finding a place that will hire me. I have like 6 different resumes for whatever different jobs I come across and I qualify for the ones I apply for. Any advice?

Response by Sgt Nichita Guidea made Feb 22 at 2015 9:41 PM

Sgt Nichita Guidea — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 21:41:48 -0500

Try Att.com fill out the online application and go with the flow from there. I got hired and they started me at almost $18 an hour, it doesn't matter if u know the job, they will trim u for 10 weeks, paid. The job title is premise technician. Lots of good benefits, rewards and discounts. Good luck

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 22 at 2015 9:48 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 21:48:08 -0500

I might have the record. 500 applications and counting on USAjobs. Hang tough, brother.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 10:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 22:11:58 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I also heard the same about Comcast, similar to Sgt Nichita Guidea with AT&T. However, Comcast may not be present around your area.

Have you checked with the temporary agency that is specialized in contractor work? Or the union?

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Feb 22 at 2015 10:56 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 22:56:01 -0500

How much mobility do you have?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 11:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 23:13:55 -0500

The Biggest thing I can tell you is to stay motivated. It is hard out there. I got out in 1999 and the market was good but still went through a ton applications before I finally got some bites.

Trust me when I say that once you get one multiple shall follow.

You can also try a temp agency but do some research before working with them.

I wish the best for you.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Feb 23 at 2015 9:42 AM

SSgt Dan Montague — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 09:42:41 -0500

I had a hell of a time getting my résumé done properly and finding employment. I was fed up with doing 2 applications a day and never hearing back. I found a job career transition service. They provide councilors and have many classes available to help you with LinkedIn, resume writing, computer classes and it was free.
The resume and LinkedIn is most important. My resume was rewritten so many times. I had a couple of highly educated friends who have never served in the military look at it. There was so much they didn't understand. So they helped me rewrite it so a recruiter could understand more about my accomplishments while serving and what my transferable skill sets are. Then on LinkedIn I redid my profile and created a good summery. Shortly after that, recruiters noticed me and started calling and emailing.
In the end it wasn't my artillery skills that got me my job. It was a little of the sales experience from when I was a recruiter and mostly the self motivation, problem solving and not being afraid of challenges that got me the job.
Good luck

Response by Joseph Wong made Feb 23 at 2015 2:28 PM

Joseph Wong — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 14:28:59 -0500

Networking is key, figure out what companies you want to work for and see if any of your networks can lead you to a person that can help you send your resume to the right person. Online submissions is the most basic way to apply, but not the most effective. Referrals are the best way, most of the time.

Also, as I work more and more with state agencies, I am finding a few highly motivated veterans that are involved with helping others get jobs. In Texas we have a Veterans Leadership Program that is part of the Veterans Employment Commission; all of their Resource Coordinators that I've met are Veterans and are closely tied to local companies that actively hire.

Some companies have apprenticeship programs established, that is a very positive thing for veteran employees. The TWC Apprenticeship programs in NC, SC and soon to be TX, let you learn to be a Field Technician, being paid by TWC, and eligible to draw on your GI Bill; for up to four years.

If you are interested in Time Warner Cable, or want to hear about our registered Apprenticeship programs, connect with me and I'll make some time. You'd have to relocate to an area with Time Warner Cable as a provider, but we have coast to coast locations (the mobility above.)

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Feb 23 at 2015 2:50 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 14:50:40 -0500

Have you looked into rewritting your resume so that civilians can better understand your experience? I've heard this is a problem. Being an NCO or Team Leader doesn't make sense in the civilian work force. Supervisor or manager are better terms.

Response by SGT James Elphick made Feb 23 at 2015 3:12 PM

SGT James Elphick — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 15:12:06 -0500

If you can swing it I recommend going to school. Letting the Post 9/11 GI Bill get away without using it would be sad, that is alot of money left on the table. You don't necessarily have to go to college though, tech schools and community college programs are great to get into good paying jobs. In fact 2 year technical degrees have surpassed the average earnings of bachelors degrees, and you usually aren't stuck behind a desk. If you feel unprepared to re-enter school check out Veterans Upward Bound (http://www.navub.org) which can give you the nearest location to you. If school isn't your thing and you want to get right back into the work force I would suggest looking for veterans groups in your area or use LinkedIn or this site to connect with Veteran-friendly employers in your area. Also check out IAVA, they have transition assistance specialist if I am not mistaken that can help with a number of issues. Finally, be persistent and read as much as you can about what it takes to get into the job market these days, for both civilians and vets. It's tough but you can do it.

Response by SFC Ken Heise made Oct 2 at 2017 2:56 AM

SFC Ken Heise — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 02:56:01 -0400

Looking for a job is in itself a full time job. If your resume is over two pages go a civilian job, it's too long. If you are applying for a FEDERAL job the longer and more detailed the better.