BNSF Railway
We picked the brain of BNSF Railway’s military recruiter for his best job search insight.

A subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, BNSF Railway Company operates one of the largest North American rail networks, with about 32,000 route miles in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF plays a vital role in the U.S. economy, hauling the products consumers use every day and the raw materials manufacturers need to make those products. BNSF is among the world’s top transporters of intermodal traffic, serving over 40 ports.

About 8,000 BNSF employees have served in the military, and the company is actively recruiting more. We talked to John Wesley III, a retired Army first sergeant and Bronze Star recipient who now serves as the manager of Military Staffing for BNSF, about civilian job opportunities at the company, job search advice and why you have an edge over your civilian counterparts.

G.I. Jobs asked John what it takes to Get Hired

GIJ: What do military veterans bring to your company that you like?

Wesley: Veterans have identifiable and transferable skills and are proven performers. The military candidate embodies the core competencies essential at BNSF: Efficient performance under diverse work conditions, mission-focused, teamwork, respect for policy and procedures, and safety mindedness.

GIJ: What advantages do military personnel have over their peers of the same age and education level?

Wesley: Those who have served – more often than their civilian counterparts – tend to have more experience and have learned to work well in diverse environments, with different cultures, through wide-ranging situations and with a variety of personality types.

GIJ: What disadvantages do service members and veterans face in their civilian job search?

Wesley: In some industries, certain veterans making the transition may not possess specific transferable work experience or education required for certain positions. However, at BNSF we provide opportunities in a variety of skilled and non-skilled crafts, along with outstanding on-the-job training and other hands-on programs.

GIJ: What are the most common mistakes you see on military/veteran résumés?

Wesley: Transitioning veterans should take advantage of the assistance available at their local Transition Assistance Program (TAP) offices to assist in creating a résumé that clearly articulates their career objectives and identifies their skills and capabilities without using military jargon. Most employers have no idea what military acronyms mean or represent.

GIJ: Do most military candidates dress appropriately for their interviews?

Wesley: Yes! In the military, veterans are trained to exude confidence, have respect for themselves and others, and always display a well-kept personal appearance. Veterans tend to stay true to those principles even after they become civilians.

GIJ: How would you recommend a military candidate research your company to see if it is the right company for them?

Wesley: Interested veterans should visit the BNSF military web page at www.bnsf.com/careers/military and contact me with questions at john.wesley2@bnsf.com.

GIJ: What types of positions does your company recruit military for?

Wesley: BNSF recruits for all types of positions, both skilled and non-skilled crafts, including opportunities such as conductor trainee, diesel mechanics, electricians, welders, shop laborers and experienced first-line supervisors.

GIJ: Summarize the responsibilities of one of these positions.

Wesley: Diesel Mechanic - This position is responsible for the inspection, repair and maintenance of the engine and mechanical components on diesel locomotives.

GIJ: What is the beginning salary range for this position?

Wesley: Journeyman pay rate is approximately $25.10 per hour. Apprentice pay rate is approximately $21.08 per hour. Journeyman status is commensurate with three years of related experience and/or training or a current journeyman card. Employees receive an annual benefit package valued at $22,000. The terms of the collective bargaining agreement apply.

GIJ: Are there any specific educational requirements for this position?

Wesley: The basic educational requirement for this position is high school diploma or GED.

GIJ: How has your company benefited from an active military recruiting program?

Wesley: By further strengthening our work force with mission-focused, highly skilled, motivated personnel who possess BNSF’s core competencies like leadership, teamwork and the ability to perform safely in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

GIJ: Are there any other special non-military specific incentives?

Wesley:

• The average pay at BNSF is more than $60,000 per year.
• The benefits package is valued at approximately $22,000 per year. For most employees in the skilled crafts, there are no monthly premiums.
• BNSF offers enhanced and extended benefits for employees called to active duty, including make-whole pay and company-provided sustained health care benefits for the duration of the orders. This includes health care coverage for family members. These benefits are for those who volunteer and for those who are involuntarily called to active duty. When members return, they are returned to their jobs.
• BNSF offers 15 days of make-whole pay to National Guard and Reserve employees when they attend military training. Additionally, those employees do not have to use their earned vacation days.
• Tuition reimbursement, and much more!
  

GIJ: Did any of the senior executives in your company serve in the military?

Wesley: Yes 

John Wesley III
Manager of Military Staffing
BNSF Railway
Military Service: U.S. Army (1986-2007) Nine conflict deployments,Bronze Star recipient
Highest Rank: First Sergeant (E-8)
MOS: Combat Engineer (Sappers)
How long have you been in employee recruiting/HR? 2½ years
How long with this company? Since 2007

BNSF Railway
HQ: Fort Worth, Texas
Employees: About 38,000 employees
Veteran Employees: Approximately 8,000 employees (about 20%)
2010 Revenue: $14 billion
www.bnsf.com/careers 
www.bnsf.com/careers/military   

Honored by G.I. Jobs as a Top 100 Military Friendly Employer®

Wesley’s BEST Advice

1. Do not wait to begin investigating and exploring industries and careers you may be interested in. Service members should begin their job search six to 12 months before they transition out of the military.
2. Use TAP services to assist in a smooth transition.
3. When in doubt, ask the recruiter!