September 1st is my last official day and will be my last paycheck. I have been on terminal leave and have yet to get in anywhere. I did have an over the phone interview, but did not get the position. I thought it was my resume however, the recruiters have said it looks fine, its my location. I am in southern Georgia, right above Jacksonville. I have applied to, at least, 20 jobs, ranging from Electronics Technician on both bases to simple cable installation. Nothing.
I was HYT out of the Navy and received separation pay, went on to the reserves (Navy and Army) and finally back active into the Coast Guard. I enlisted indefinitely, which was to 2024. Well, HYT has been implemented and now I am out again. Now, I am finding out through reading articles, that I may not receive any retirement anytime soon, because they will take all that money back, and of course no one will talk to me until I am officially out, including the VA. On top of all this, I am unable to get in to see any doctor unless I go to the ER, because Tricare has a policy that if you are on terminal leave, you have to see your primary and cannot change that either.
So, I may make it a couple more months on what I have saved, but not sure what else I can do. It will be almost impossible to travel to interviews here shortly and credit has slowly been going down which could affect getting a job. Well, it fell 120 points in a matter of less than a month, without any explanation, I haven't missed any payments in 7 years.
Sorry for the long, and all over the place, question. Besides being irritated with the military, once again, I am just frustrated in the hiring process. It has become so impersonal.
I have not lied on my resume and I have a hard time answering all these "psychological personality" questions, just to get to an actual person.
Any help is appreciated in finding work. I have been an Electronics Tech for 15 years and able to learn any position.
Answers
Laron, everyone here has given some great advice. As Joseph noted above, LinkedIn can be an invaluable tool. When I search for your name on LinkedIn I get a minimalist resume. Do not short change the experience you have or the duties/accomplishments you have achieved. Network and connect with former colleagues. Follow and network on companies that interest you. Many companies post jobs on LinkedIn via their own employees so building your network is important, not only for the short term but the long. Look at volunteer work in your area as this too can be a good source of networking. http://greatnonprofits.org/city/st-marys/GA
Also, look at nonprofits as a source to employment. They may not always pay the best up front, but this work can be rewarding and lead to larger things down the road. Look at jobs that truly sound interesting. There are companies out there that will hire for your military leadership experience. They may not be local however, so be prepared to ask yourself, are you ready to move?
Best of luck and thank you for your service
Guinness
I have a few questions...
1. Are you on LinkedIn? If not, I'd recommend you get there. There are some excellent guidelines on how to improve your profile through key words, etc. use them. Sign up for some of the industry groups and follow them. Note, I see jobs for ETs in Melbourne Fl all the time.
2. Get the "Knock 'em Dead" book from your library. Look at two of the chapters, Resume Writing and Difficult Interview Questions. Write out your answers.
3. If you haven't looked at the Energy Industry, do so. You may be eligible for direct hire training programs as a Field Engineer. GE, Siemens, Toshiba, etc.
4. You may want to consider working with a military recruiting firm. They can help with all the above. Don't let them push you around, but listen to them.
I am a former MM2 and LT from the Navy (nuclear). I understand your background. Let me know if you have questions.
Joe
Thanks for what you do.
I think the most important thing to do is to take a step back and think about what you enjoy doing and the type of expereince you have enjoyed. Try to parlay them into a career that you would enjoy. It will make life more pleasant and you will probably be more successful.
Once you have done the aforementioned, it is important to create a blue plate resume, which outlines your experience, and illustrates the success you have experienced. A job objective that parallels the job you are applying for is a must..
Some place to seek employment are websites for companies that you think you would enjoy working for. Most companies post positions that are open. Don't discouraged many people see these job postings and are applying for them, but it only takes one hit. Websites such as Monster.com are another source to try. Employment agenices specializing in your field along with executive search firms are another good source. Check the Chamber of Commerce where you live to locate companies in the area, and send out letters with resumes to those companies and a contact if you are able to find one.
Good luck!
Mike
Great advice above. The first thing I thought when I read your question is "where/how is your network helping you"? It is MUCH harder to get a job through the automated systems alone ... you need a human you know to give you a "boost". If you don't yet have a network, start building one, today. Go to Meetup and see what you can join that interests you, to start building your base ... and remember that the first rule of networking is "what can I do for you" (not "what can you do for me").
With respect to Mr. Pendergast (I work at the same company, in the energy industry) ... getting into one of the big companies could be a challenge right now, given that oil has now dipped below $40 a barrel for the first time in several years. Most companies are not profitable when oil is below $65 a barrel, so the energy industry is consolidating (100,000+ layoffs since January). Doesn't mean there isn't that ONE job for you, but it's important to be aware of the market reality you may face. Hopefully, GA is in better shape than TX!
As a retiree, I understand your challenges of transition in trying to get someone to give you an opportunity, it's not an easy process. Hang in there a door WILL open up for you, since you are diligently working hard through this process.
If you are interested in becoming a millwright in the industrial/ commercial construction industry, with the union trades, then register on www.helmetstohardhats.org
I sent you an invite through Linked In, there might be a millwright opportunity for you, but you may have to travel. Call me at 713-540-4393.
The first thing I did when I separated from the Army was file for unemployment benefits. That can give you some income for several months while you continue your job search. As far as actually getting a job goes, you have to look for opportunities that are near you. I used the want ads back then but now there is other media you can use. What I did was identify several openings that were local and contacted each until I finally got a job. It wasn't what I wanted but it paid the bills. Once I started working, I continued to look for better opportunities. Found a training program and became an apprentice electrician. So I worked and went to school at night until I became a journeyman. I'm telling you this story to help you understand that the transition from military to civilian didn't go the way I thought it would but if you use the discipline you gained from service and apply some determination, you WILL succeed in making it.
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