Atlanta-based Southern Company is one of the largest generators of electricity in the nation. It serves more than 42,000 megawatts of power throughout 120,000 square miles of the southeastern United States. The power and utilities industry is growing as the demand for energy increases, and as Southern Company rises to meet that demand it is looking for motivated job candidates. Southern Company knows that veterans are looking for post-military careers that have opportunity and a sense of purpose in their community.  That is why the utility company is eager to recruit those with military experience and create a stronger workforce that will meet power demands of today and eagerly find the solutions for tomorrow.

G.I. Jobs asked Jeremy Foshee, recruiting consultant for Southern Company, why he looks for veteran talent and what separating service members should prepare for to GET HIRED™.

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

SC: New hires who have previously served in the military bring a strong degree of organization and team focus. Oftentimes, these hires have goals and personal standards that make them highly valuable to accomplishing the mission.

GIJ: What do you find that military transitioners/veterans need to be aware of when entering the civilian workforce?

SC: Be aware of your value. Too often, candidates downplay their skills and accomplishments, when they actually have valuable experience that can work to their advantage.

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

SC: The proven ability to think under pressure and work in a team setting effectively.

GIJ: What disadvantages do you find military hires are up against in their civilian job searching?

SC: Mostly, just selling them effectively. Regardless of rank or branch of service, each Soldier has valuable assets. Military hires need to capitalize on their military experiences and accomplishments.

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

SC: Grammatical errors and omitted experiences and accomplishments.

GIJ: What are the most common mistakes military/veterans make in interviews?

SC: Military candidates do not promote their experience. Military experience is very valuable to civilian organizations.

GIJ: Is relocating essential to promote within your company?

SC: Relocating is not essential for promotion at Southern Company, but a willingness to move where needed can open up opportunities for advancement.

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

SC: Southern Company is one of the largest producers of electricity in the United States. As such we require a large staff of diverse and qualified employees to support our customers.  We recruit for a variety of positions including engineers, IT professionals, security officers, instrument and controls technicians, line workers and plant operators.

GIJ: Describe the responsibilities of one of these positions.

SC: One of the greatest needs we have at Southern Company are line workers. These employees construct and maintain power lines and substation facilities across the service territory.

GIJ: Describe a benefit of working at Southern Company.

SC: Our military Reserve/Guard policy for veterans that are called to active duty allows veterans to serve their nation and not worry about the status of their civilian job when they return home.

GIJ: Describe the typical career progression for someone in this position.

SC: A utility assistant is a union job, and the progression is structured. Utility assistants will progress to an apprentice, then to a journeyman. Some employees can achieve a lead or crew foreman status.

GIJ: What are some of the programs your company has to seek out and identify military and veteran employees?

SC: We are active participants in the ACAP/TAP briefings.  We also have programs that promote employees that once served in the military to help our organization recruit Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Marines that are transitioning into the civilian world.  We are conducting information sessions at local Reserve and National Guard units, in addition to their active duty counterparts.

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

SC: Our company benefits in several ways. We acquire great employees with a “ready-to-work” attitude, and most of these hires are physically fit to perform our more manual intense positions.

GIJ: Do you look for any specific educational requirements for this position?

SC: A basic high school diploma or GED.

GIJ: What type of educational experience do you look for in military candidates?

SC: A transitioning service members with an educational background in electricity is always helpful, but not required. Previous work experience performing manual labor tasks is beneficial. Most of our jobs require at least a high school diploma or GED.  Our on-site training programs are outstanding.  Like the military, we will teach you what you need to know to do your job effectively.

GIJ: How many military veterans work in your company and what percentage of the total workforce does this comprise?

SC: Approximately 3,160 of Southern Company’s current employees once served in a branch of the United States Military – that is just about 12 percent of our current workforce.

GIJ: Did any of the senior executives in your company serve in the military? If so, can you provide names and titles (or general responsibilities)?

SC: Reserve Brigadier General Dave Burford is the Deputy Commander for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill AFB.  General Burford has been employed with Southern Company for over 30 years.  Brigadier General C. Stewart Rodeheaver was also employed with Southern Company and is now retired. While employed by Southern Company, General Rodeheaver served as the Commander of the 48th Brigade Combat Team, Georgia Army National Guard, where he deployed his unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.