Hints to Help You GET HIRED™
9 civilian recruiters reveal ways military job seekers can gain an edge in a competitive job market.
By Dan Fazio
It’s no secret: This is a bad time to be looking for a job. Since the recession officially began in December 2007, America lost 5.1 million jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The good news for transitioning service members looking for a new career in such a turbulent job market is that some large companies are still hiring – corporations that value the skills, experience and desirable character traits that military veterans bring to the table. The bad news: There is more competition out there for fewer jobs as the economy struggles to turn around.
G.I. Jobs asked hiring experts from corporate America to share insights on ways military transitioners can gain an edge over the competition, what skills and qualities they look for when hiring, why they prize veterans and what their companies have to offer.
GIJ: How critical is a well-written cover letter and résumé to getting an interview with your company?
Kevin Marshall, Amtrak
In general, a well-written cover letter and résumé is essential for representing an individual interested in pursuing potential career opportunities. If relevant, organized appropriately and well-structured, these descriptive tools can actually increase the likelihood of an individual standing out amongst a group of applicants. However, in light of today’s job market many companies, including Amtrak, rely more and more on applicant screening processes before being considered for an interview. Such processes are typically job specific, but may include completing a formal application, which in many cases are online based, and participating in pre-employment testing to ensure minimum qualifications are met prior to being considered.
Mary Meisenheimer, Exelon
Résumés are extremely critical in that it is your way to showcase your diverse set of skills, abilities, and experiences. Cover letters should be used to highlight your skills for a specific position, while still noting your flexibility to consider other opportunities. Both your résumé and cover letter should state your availability to start a new position and geographic preference/willingness to relocate.
Stacy Anderson, CSX Transportation
It is extremely important to have a well-written and organized cover letter and résumé. For our management positions, a good cover letter can clearly explain some things that cannot be included in the résumé. If you are submitting a résumé online with CSX, a cover letter is not needed. A well-written résumé is imperative. Oftentimes a recruiter has very little time to look at résumés; therefore, your résumé should be organized well and easy to read. It is important to keep in mind that your résumé is your calling card. It will be at the company before you ever have a chance to be there. It’s the company’s first impression of you.
GIJ: What advice would you offer to transitioning members of the military who want their cover letters/résumés to stand out?
Sally Hart, Cintas Corporation
Keep in mind the person reading your résumé is most likely reading hundreds of résumés/cover letters every week. Your cover letter should be short and to the point, addressing what you have to offer that coincides with what the company is seeking. Your résumé should be well-formatted and include an objective directly related to the position to which you are applying.
Kevin Marshall, Amtrak
There is no one-size-fits-all cover letter or résumé, and opinions will vary. But there are some tips worth noting when preparing your cover letter and résumé. First, find out if the company requires the inclusion of a posting number on all information submitted and be sure to include this identifier on your cover letter and résumé. Second, ensure that your cover letter and résumé clearly state the position for which you are applying. Most importantly, be precise, brief, detailed and ensure there are no errors in your final product. Finally, don’t rely on your cover letter and résumé submission alone.
Holly Mosack, Advanced Technology Services (ATS)
Show results. So many times, I review résumés that are basically just job descriptions. It’s great to explain what you did in the military, but you also need to show results. Give specific examples. Also, if you deployed, show that in your résumé. I have noticed that a lot of service members transitioning out do not include their deployments and that is some of the best training/experience you received that will make you stand out from your civilian competition.
Ken Kuwamura, Union Pacific Railroad
Make sure that you use terminology that any person that reads it can understand. Leave out military acronyms and jargon.
GIJ: What will help military transitioners “nail” their interview?
Dave Ferguson, General Electric Company (GE)
One word: Preparation. The best interviewees tend to be the ones who have spent time analyzing both themselves and the position/company. I feel it is this preparation that allows them to convey during the interview why they are the best person for the opportunity.
Mary Meisenheimer, Exelon
Every company utilizes different interview techniques and it is beneficial to understand the various types of interviews – use the Internet as a source to find sample interview questions. Obtain specifics on the interview process from the company contact in order to properly prepare. Based on the individuals you will meet with (i.e., human resources, recruiting, hiring manager) you can better prepare for the types of questions that may be asked – technical vs. behavior based. The interview begins the minute you arrive at the property and you never know whom you will encounter in the parking lot, lobby or elevator. Remain professional and energetic throughout the interview day. It is true when they say first impressions are everything. Your appearance includes clothing, hair, make-up, nails and shoes, and all should be tasteful and appropriate.
Holly Mosack, Advanced Technology Services (ATS)
Relate to your interviewer. If you’re applying for a job that is not related to military/law enforcement, then you really need to show that you can make the transition, so limit the military jargon and show some enthusiasm. Many veterans are too stiff in their interviews, which makes civilian employers feel uneasy and they end up hiring someone that they feel they can really make a connection with. Show your confidence and when asked a question, give some specific examples that show your experience. Rehearse! Look online for sample interview questions and practice your responses. The more prepared you are, the better you’ll do.
Kevin Marshall, Amtrak
If a qualified individual makes it to the interview stage, it is paramount that the individual does a little homework prior to the interview. First, research basic facts about the company you’ve applied for. Practice articulating your knowledge, skills, abilities, experiences and qualifications based on the job announcement posted by the company when you heard about the position. During the interview, be prepared to provide detailed examples on how you would manage particular situations, pulling from you own experiences. Behavior-based interviews are becoming increasingly common in today’s competitive job market. Finally, prepare your own questions for the interviewer(s).
Ken Kuwamura, Union Pacific Railroad
Sell YOURSELF. Many times when I interview a military person they tend to sell themselves short. They have a problem bragging about themselves. They need to understand that many times the person that is interviewing them has no idea what they do or have done. Make sure that they highlight all of the responsibilities and duties that they have been involved with. Take this opportunity to explain what you have done.
GIJ: How important is an education in getting hired at your company?
Marreena Appleton, Southern California Edison
This depends upon the position. While engineering positions require an engineering degree, skilled craft positions require experience in the particular craft and entry level positions require aptitude and ability. Formal education is very valuable, but it is not the only method of education that allows individuals to bring skills to their career.
Stacy Anderson, CSX Transportation
That depends on the position they are applying for. Many of our management positions require a bachelor’s degree. Our union positions do not; however, it is always beneficial to have in order to advance in the company. For some of our skilled trades, a technical certificate such as a welding certification is very helpful.
Kevin Spain Sr., Fugro
It holds a lot of weight in all our positions, specifically more high-level professional positions; however, direct experience will always be supreme in most cases.
GIJ: What gives members of the military searching for a job an advantage over their civilian counterparts?
Sally Hart, Cintas Corporation
Maturity, real-life experience, training, teamwork, flexibility and leadership skills that are above and beyond what most people (peers) can get on the “outside.”
Kevin Spain Sr., Fugro
Their ability to adapt to changes, step up to the plate and work as a team member or lead the pack. They understand how the chain of command works; they seek challenge and mission accomplishment.
Mary Meisenheimer, Exelon
We have found military personnel to be highly trained individuals that possess valuable skills and competencies. Studies have shown that veterans possess a strong work ethic, are drug-fee, procedurally driven, reliable, adaptable to change, quick to learn, and good leaders.
GIJ: Is there anything that puts them at a disadvantage?
Marreena Appleton, Southern California Edison
When military personnel create their résumé, it should be tailored for their non-military audience. I have received résumés with military language and this may not always be understood by a recruiter in the civilian world.
Dave Ferguson, General Electric Company (GE)
Most military veterans do not have experience in the recruiting and interviewing process. Even though they have many advantages over their civilian counterparts, they often struggle to convert those advantages into job offers.
Kevin Spain Sr., Fugro
They have to re-invent themselves to be competitive in the market they have selected.
GIJ: What characteristics do you look for in new employees other than technical or specific job-related skills?
Ken Kuwamura, Union Pacific Railroad
The ability to work well in a team atmosphere, flexible, reliable, and willing to learn.
Sally Hart, Cintas Corporation
I search more for behavioral and personality traits because we can teach the skills needed in our positions. I want candidates with enthusiasm, strong leadership ability, knowledge of the position (i.e., Did the candidate research the company before contacting me?).
Stacy Anderson, CSX Transportation
Technical skills are very important, however, good interpersonal and soft skills complete the package. Employees who can communicate well with others are a valuable asset to a company. Some skills such as leadership skills, the ability to work well with a team, a strong work ethic and flexibility/adaptability cannot be taught, they must be learned over time. These are some skills that we look for in addition to technical skills.
GIJ: What kinds of positions are available at your company?
Dave Ferguson, General Electric Company (GE)
There are many different types of positions perfect for military talent. On the officer side, we have the Junior Officer Leadership Program, a unique two-year rotational leadership program designed specifically for exiting junior military officers. In addition, we also offer officers leadership opportunities in services/maintenance, supply chain management, engineering/technology and financial services. On the enlisted side, we have opportunities in field services and financial services representatives.
Kevin Spain Sr., Fugro
Professional and technician positions in navigation, survey, electronics, engineering, software, GPS/GIS, and various support positions.
Marreena Appleton, Southern California Edison
At any given time, SCE is hiring for positions including office support, engineers and technical specialists, linemen, electricians, machinists, helicopter pilots, mechanics, information technology specialists, supervisors and managers – the list is endless.
Kevin Marshall, Amtrak
Amtrak offers a range of employment opportunities across the country, in both operational and non-operational categories, including: call center support, business development, engineering, environmental, finance, government affairs, human resources, information technology, inspector general, labor relations, marketing, mechanical, operations, procurement, police, security strategy and transportation.
GIJ: What salary range does your company offer to new employees?
Marreena Appleton, Southern California Edison
Our entry level positions start around $14/hour; skilled labor positions begin around $25/hour. Professional position starting pay depends upon the position and level; entry level is approximately $60,000/year. We also have a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, 401(k), cash balance plan, vacation/holidays, and disability leave.
Stacy Anderson, CSX Transportation
The salary for union employees ranges from mid-$30k and mid-$40k, which does not include overtime or our outstanding benefits package. Management employees are offered a generous compensation package based on the position and the applicant’s skills and qualifications.
Holly Mosack, Advanced Technology Services (ATS)
It all depends on the position and the location. We continually conduct salary analyses on our positions to ensure that we are very competitive and we provide an outstanding benefits package as well.
Ken Kuwamura, Union Pacific Railroad
Salaries vary on position, experience and location.
GIJ: Considering the economic difficulties, what is your best piece of advice for military transitioners looking for a good job in the civilian work force?
Sally Hart, Cintas Corporation
Network with everyone and everywhere you go. Don’t assume there are no openings if you don’t see openings posted. Ask friends, family members, etc., to put in a good word for you with their employers.
Mary Meisenheimer, Exelon
Start researching companies and putting together your job search strategy about six months prior to when you wish to begin your new job. Network with everyone you can, including anyone you know currently working at an employer and everyone you served with who now has a job in the civilian sector.
Dave Ferguson, General Electric Company (GE)
Be prepared to work hard in order to find an exciting and challenging career. Opportunities are still out there, but it is most likely going to take more dedication and perseverance. Also try new things. Don’t get locked into one job or field. There may be a great growth opportunity for you in another industry.
Holly Mosack, Advanced Technology Services (ATS)
Do your homework early. With so many hiring freezes occurring, service members need to make sure there is actually a desired job in the desired location before they get out of the service. Flexibility is key – if a service member is willing to relocate, he will have a lot more opportunities. Before interviewing with a company, do your homework – be able to talk about the company – that will set you apart from other applicants.