BNSF Railway
Corporate Recruiter John Wesley offers advice for military job seekers. 
By Joshua Hudson

BNSF (formerly the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway) is not only one of the largest railroad businesses in the country, but it is one of the nation’s top military-friendly employers. The company relies on veterans to keep its business running. Veterans are some of the most valued employees because they possess the characteristics that are needed for success: strong work ethic, how to follow safety procedures and an unwavering “can-do” attitude.

“Those with military experience are dedicated, mission-focused, high skilled, motivated and possess unique experience and technical knowledge,” said John H. Wesley III, BNSF’s military staffing manager. “Recognizing the talents, skills, and abilities associated with those who have served has been our pleasure; employing them remains our honor.”

BNSF has been a perennial G.I. Jobs Top 50 Military-Friendly Employer®, and earned the No. 1 spot in 2007 and the No. 2 position in 2008.  In 2006, the company received the Secretary of Defense’s “Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve” Freedom Award. The company offers enhanced and extended benefits for employees who are called to active duty. Taking care of its company’s veterans and Reservists is more than just patriotic: it is just one of the many reasons BNSF employees feel invested in the success of the company.

G.I. Jobs spoke with BNSF recruiter John Wesley about what it takes to

GET HIRED™ at BNSF and why veterans should consider BNSF as their post-military career choice.

What are the most important non-technical military skills that you look for in a veteran?

Our military candidates often bring important technical skills to the table; however, it is equally important for a recruiter to be able to identify with the many non-technical attributes candidates possess, such as safety mindedness, teamwork, remaining focused under stress, personal courage and integrity.  

GIJ: What are some immediate disqualifying mistakes most military candidates make when submitting a résumé/cover letter? 

JW: Job seekers may fall short of the basic qualifications for the job to which they are making application.  Be sure to read the job posting carefully.  Pay particular attention to the “qualifications and experience” section of the posting.  If you meet and/or exceed those and are interested in the type of work and the location, continue in the application process.  If not, research other job opportunities.

GIJ: Is it OK for a job seeker to send a résumé/cover letter to a company he wants to work for, but doesn’t currently have an opening for an advertised position in their field?

JW: To be considered for a job, job seekers must apply online for the particular job (s) of interest.  During the online application process, candidates may submit a résumé/cover letter.

GIJ: What do most military job seekers fail to take into consideration when planning their post-military career?

JW: Our veterans should know that job searching as well as employer hiring is a process that requires time. Transitioning service members should plan in advance as the service member’s availability dates may not coincide with the timing of the company’s hiring needs. 

GIJ: How early should military job seekers start looking for their post-military position?

JW: Typically, jobs with BNSF Railway post online via the careers Web site 45 to 90 days in advance of the anticipated job start date. Consider making application when you are or will be available to start work. A primary reason for candidate’s failure to advance in the process is that their work availability date is inconsistent with the job start date.

GIJ: What is the most important piece of advice that every military job seeker should know? Determine which of the available jobs most closely align with your goals.

JW: Consider elements such as:

        1. Your work availability date vs. the anticipated job start date
        2. Your interests vs. the duties and responsibilities of the job
        3. Your career goals vs. available opportunities
        4. The work environment (outdoors, all weather conditions, office)
        5. The schedule (travel, rotating shifts, on–call, traditional, day shift) 
        6. Your desired geographic location vs. the job location
        7. Compensation and benefits