Chances if getting a job out of state
Example of strengths and weaknesses
Serving in the UK Air Force
Respiratory Therapy Careers

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QUESTION  

I have been sending out my résumé to places in Michigan while living in Illinois. Does that hurt my chances of finding a job in another state? Should I put a Michigan address on my résumé so the companies I apply to think I am living in Michigan? Thanks for your help.

Kevin M. 

ANSWER

Kevin, 

Yes, it does hurt you. If you have a Michigan address you can use, then use it. Otherwise I would explain in your cover letter that you are willing to relocate AND that you are NOT looking for the company to pay for it. 

Gale Kennedy is a former Transition Assistance Program Manager. She has been a Department of Labor contract TAP instructor for two years. She continues to write and currently works for Columbia College as a test proctor, including CLEP and DSST tests.

QUESTION

I'm going to start the process for deputy sheriff. One thing they have you do is give three strengths and three weaknesses. Can you help me with this and give me some examples? Thank you for your help.

Larry

ANSWER

Larry,

Here are 10 advantages that military veterans offer to employers. We publish this list each month in the magazine on a page titled: Why Hire Military?

#1 Leadership
#2 Diversity
#3 Team Players
#4 Educated and Tech Savvy
#5 Quick Learners
#6 Drug-Free and Healthy
#7 Security Clearances
#8 Performance Under Pressure
#9 Willing to Relocate
#10 Active Job Seekers

Regarding weaknesses: I would refer to them as “challenges” rather than “weaknesses.” Regardless, several challenges veterans face include:

• Communication – Civilians don’t talk in alphabet soup like the military. You must learn to use words, not acronyms or military jargon.
• Stereotypes – Some employers think veterans are rigid, lack creativity, can’t think for themselves, etc.
• Credentials – Not all military training and experience necessarily translates to civilian requirements.

I hope this information is useful.

Good luck, and thanks for serving.

Dan Fazio
Managing Editor
G.I. Jobs

QUESTION

I moved here on leaving the UK Air Force (RAF) in 2007. I was a major/acting lieutenant colonel aerospace systems. I was employed here until last June when I was laid off. I have found it very difficult to get new employment, particularly because the U.S. does not have any reciprocal arrangements to recognise my 30 years military service, and civilian organizations do not understand the retired military skill set. Do you have any suggestions?

Tony K.

ANSWER

Hello Tony,

Not sure how I can help you with this one. First, are you now an American citizen? If you are I can help you, if not then what are your plans? Where are you living right now?

I'm sure there are British companies over here that would jump at the opportunity to connect with you, just a matter of connecting with them through career search and networking, etc.

When you state that the American work force doesn't understand the military skill sets, I couldn't disagree with you more. I suppose it does depend on where you live, though.

As part of the Transition Team here at the USAF Academy, I can tell you we are very fortunate to have such a large military population here in Colorado Springs, both active and retired, etc. We are well connected in the community with defense and corporate industries who understand what a great asset the military candidate is, to include yourself, by the way.

If you were to send me your résumé maybe I can help you by getting it networked through my contacts. Who knows – something could materialize for you.

P.S. I grew up in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

Christopher C. Alfano
Community Readiness Consultant
Transition Assistance Program Manager
Airman & Family Readiness Center
USAF Academy, Colo.

QUESTION 

Dear Sir or Madam

I'm a 6 year active U.S. Army veteran, and now a Registered Respiratory Therapist (Associates) with almost 3 years clinical experience in a small community hospital. Are there any other avenues I could explore in the world of Respiratory Therapy, other than the hospital setting? Thanks for your time.

Tim B. 

ANSWER 

Tim,

Great question!  I made a couple of phone calls and found out that some of our local Medical Supply stores also provide RT to folks in their homes or right on-site at their facilities.  These are the same types of places where folks can buy walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, and general supplies for home care.  I would also look into Assisted Living Facilities.  The kind that provide a wide range of services for each level of care in-house would be the best.  Also, check with some visiting home nursing services, or homecare aide services.  Each of them at least will have connections with RT, OT and PT services and may be able to give you some more leads.
 
Best of luck to you!!

Gale Kennedy is a former Transition Assistance Program Manager. She has been a Department of Labor contract TAP instructor for two years. She continues to write and currently works for Columbia College as a test proctor, including CLEP and DSST tests.