I am an active duty SSG with 10 years TIS. I am just finishing up my Bachelors of Science in Marketing Management from Western Governors University (about 2 months to go!) and am trying to do everything I can to make sure I put my best foot forward as I enter the civilian job market.
I currently have a few months left on my last rodeo in Afghanistan, and while I have spoken to a few recruiters and hiring managers, clearly no moves can be made toward interviewing or applying until I am closer to my October ETS.
So, what can I be doing in order to gain more of a competitive edge? I feel that my degree from an online-only school may hurt which worries me. I am seeking employment in sales/marketing, specifically pharmaceuticals would be a dream come true. I am looking at job boards and studying interview techniqes and advice as much as possible (over a decade since my last interview...YIKES!). So does anybody have any advice to anything more I could be doing? I want to hit the ground running after my ETS and just feel like I'm missing opportunities instead of moving to network and create my own opportunities.
Answers
Ryan,
Since you are listing TN as your "home" location I assume you are ending your career there. If you would like to forward me your resume I would be honored to take a look and provide feedback. Also you can look at what the ACE suggests for your MOS:
http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Military-Guide-Online.aspx
Best Regards,
Ray
Ryan,
I'm very excited for you. My recommendation is to read Syracuse University's "A Business Case for Hiring Veterans - http://www.dol.gov/vets/vrap/Syracuse%20Business%20Case%20to%20Hire%20a%20Vet.pdf. It speaks to qualities veterans have that employers really want. Eileen said it well to "civilianized" your resume and also the way you speak (saying "roger that" in an interview comes off badly). Also, work on your professional network. Good luck!
Ryan, I agree with Bill. It is very hard to get the resume "civilianized". I retired after 20 years in the Army. MOS now becomes Job description, ETS becomes a "To" date. Battalion or Company now becomes either the number of emplyees you were the manager of. These types of translations are essential. Also don't overdo it. I found that I was over qualified for many positions . When you see a job listing you are interested in. Develop the resume toward that position. It's good to have a base resume that you can reword for specific positions. Sould you need any help with "trnslation" you can contact me at laferriere@hp.com
Ryan, after responding to your posting I came across Tom Friedman's column in this morning's New York Times entitled "Revolution Hits the Universities." (Internet address below) You are right to worry about how companies will view your "on-line only" degree since the concept is so new and managements can be conservative. On the other hand as Friedman points out you have actually taken advantage of the early stages of a revolution sweeping across universities—an accomplishment that demonstrates several capabilities I valued in top employees:
* hard working
* self-responsibility
* self-management of personal development and growth
* self-motivation to continually learn
* initiative to identify and act on opportunities to improve
* need for minimal supervision
I suggest working these into your resume, and also keeping copies of Friedman's article to show any employer who questions your education.
Good luck, Bill
Ryan, thank you for your long service. I have three related suggestions. First get your resume in shape. You should be a much stronger job applicant than entered the service a decade ago, so help the reader understand the skills, capabilities, and personal strengths you have developed which the private sector will value and especially those which make you a strong candidate for the sales/marketing positions you desire. Second concentrate on removing from your vocabulary military terms like ETS, SSG, TIS, and rodeo which private sector folks like me don't understand. Finally ask for comments on your resume draft on ACP. I can email a list of personal characteristics that my best employees demonstrated if that would help you get started, and will also be happy to chat by phone or email. Just let me know how I can help at billnobles@optonline.net.
Best wishes, Bill
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