George Wilhelmsen ⋅ Rochelle, IL Sargent & Lundy ⋅ 38 years experience

That's an interesting perspective. Candidates who use that approach may have some success, but not in my field.

We're looking for people who are willing to put themselves out there. If you aren't actively seeking a position with my company, why would I go looking for you when there are hundreds of people seeking positions with my company?

That is the dichotomy that people who wait for hiring agents may find themselves in. I'm an advocate for a strong resume, solid interview skills, and someone who wants a job in my organization. I have personally hired people with military experience, and appreciate what they bring to the table.

So craft your resume to tell the story of you. What makes you special? What makes you a good fit for the job opening? Why should the interviewer hire you?

I think if you use that approach and put yourself out there, you'll find what you are looking for, and have a better chance to be hired for a job. Since I've hired 5 people in the last year, and all of them were looking, I think that's a fair statement to make.

Gonzalo Duran ⋅ Bronx, NY Devil Dog USA Inc. ⋅ 15 years experience

George Wilhelmsen, that's an awesome answer!

So here is the way I look at it. Are you working for ACP? are you a Veteran? I am assuming both answers are no.

100's apply to your company but Veterans, most like enlisted come into the military after HS. That means we are 6 years behind when looking for a job that is in the same level of which we exited out of.

We need to get an education for the field plus experience in the real world. Many not all, certifications don't transfer from the military or work experience. With the job market now, people in Mcdonalds are fighting for jobs with Master's Degrees or entry level jobs.

This is the reality of the real work. You hired 5 this year and maybe another 2 or 3 or none by the rest of this year. Lets just say estimated 100 people applied for 1 position at your location, only 1 was hired. That's 99 out of luck. Lets say half or less of those applicants were Veterans. Lets go with 40. Those 40 basically got the same training but experience and jobs vary. On paper though they get the same outline of what to do, how to dress, and what to say......it varies but generally all the same.

Since the unemployment, homelessness, suicided, lack of medical rates and etc. numbers don't lower.....in the Veteran community. What can we do to change that? How can we put ourselves above the Harvard grad or individual that has a father in the company etc.

I like to work and show what I can do and leave people wondering many things. How, what, who, and etc. You answering this question and me replying to it....someone might see it a read it. There opinions will vary but I want them to understand.

Think outside the box. I make so that companies and individuals come to me, instead of going to them because we may be qualified, and ready for a job but theres 100's of others worse, as good or better than you.....

Gonzalo Duran ⋅ Bronx, NY Devil Dog USA Inc. ⋅ 15 years experience

The point of my question is to get the Veteran's mind moving. Now to give a short but detailed answer, basically make yourself marketable. This month alone, I have held 8 events ranging from a charity poker game to a Veteran suicide awareness campaign. My only degree is a BA in pre health. Now for me to become employed by a company, would require me to take an entry level job somewhere and work my way up. Veterans will understand that even as an NCO, we hold so much potential, yet depending on many factors, it makes it hard to land ourselves decent jobs. So, my approach, which isn't for everyone but those struggling, is to make yourself marketable.

Here's a something to think about. I applied to a city agency for a job but didn't get the job. Now that same agency is submitting my flyers to the Veteran community.

Google Gonzalo Duran and you will understand in more details what I mean.

Paul Trejo ⋅ Austin, TX University of Texas at Austin ⋅ 40 years experience

Gentlemen,

It seems that nobody is giving Gonzalo a chance to finish his opening thought here.

Gonzalo is proposing to offer something new -- a new strategy that may help more Veterans GET HIRED.

Why not ask the relevant question here -- "Gonzalo, would you please tell us in detail your new idea about how to get employers to come to the job seeker?"

Best regards,
--Paul Trejo

Kevin Horgan ⋅ Roswell, GA UPS ⋅ 28 years experience

George is 100% right. You must fit the employer's need for the job. No one has an obligation to come to you. Do not underestimate the importance of simple networking.