I have been in the military ever since I got out of high school and right now working part time military. Finding a civilian job has been one of the hardest things that I am still struggling to this day. The problem that I am facing is that there is a huge gap between my unemployment dates which in my opinion, really worries potential employers.
My last previous civilian job in 2010 I was working for a Home Mortgage corporation through a temporary agency. This job was perfect for me and everyday I did the best I could just so I could get hired. I got fired because they told me that I was distracting other employees because I 'talked too much'. For everyone who personally knows me, I dont talk a lot at all. When I was at work, I was the one who talked the least and I was the one who got the most work completed(Nobody else got fired but only me). I believe the real reason they wanted to get rid of me was because I am in the military and could not 100% commit to their work and I was leaving to WLC(2 weekend military Warrior Leadership Course). Was it a coincidence that they fired 'ONLY ME' two days prior for me leaving to WLC?
Now, when applying for jobs I can barely get passed the interview portion. I may not be good at interviewing, but I do know that I have some experiences that can benefit the company. The problem goes back to my previous civilian employer, who will probably tell them that they fired me because I was a 'distraction' to my former employees. This really concerns me, because I do not know what goes behind the scenes through these potential employers and my previous employers. There is always two sides to a story, but with employers this is not the case because I am just another 1-200 candidate.
So with that off my chest, what can I do at this point? I am a high school graduate, I am very helpful and a quick learner whose learned how to deal with a fast paced environment. I believe it is time for me to start new, but I just dont know where to look anymore. I feel like I am wasting time applying for jobs because when I call them about me finishing an application for a job position, all I get for an answer is, "we are looking at all our candidates and will choose the best one that fits our position". Pity me if you will, but help me find an employer who will look at me for who I am and not what some previous people who I have worked for had on record saying, "he is a distraction".
Thanks!!!!
Answers
Kong
Alan makes some good points. As I read through your short overview I noticed you stated that your previous employer would probably share, if asked, that your were a "distraction". In reality, former employers rarely do share anything other than your time with them and leave it at that.
Why? Because it is legally safer that way.
The best advice I can share is this....take what you think is appropriate from that previous expereince and consider their side of the situation, then move on. Be aware of the perceptions other may have of you and if in doubt ask your peers what they think. If they are honest with you, which may be difficult to hear, you'll learn how to be a better co-worker. Constructive comments are sometimes tough to accept but if they come from a trusted source, they are very worthy of serious consideration.
Now to your next job. Rather than just choose any job, what is it that you love to do? What is your passion? Is it cooking? or accounting? Do you like working outdoors? Would you rather work for a small company or a large corporation? If you can define those things you love to do, then seek out jobs in the field, you'll be much better in the interveiwing process because your joy, and knowledge will show through.
As a veteran, take advantage of any or all of the VA programs that exist to assist us former service members on how to apply, interview, and find a job that fits your skill sets.
Once you start to find those opportunities, ask your friends to help you with mock interviews. Let them look at your resume and cover letters. The more honest they are with their feedback, the better your delivery and answers will be and you'll get some valuable experience hearing questions and answering them which is a learned skill. Also practicing talking in front of a mirror. That may sound odd but the more you make eye contact with yourself and speak clearly about the content of your resume, the better your delivery will be during the interview process.
Most importantly...do not give up. Have faith and know that you'll find that right job only if you continue to try and apply. Believe in yourself and know you have something great to offer to your next employer. I will keep good thoughts that you will find that position you are looking for.
Best of luck to you.
Craig
Project Manager with 33+ years experience within PC MFG business.
Kong, I would first like to suggest start talking about your strengths, not dwelling on what may or may not be a weakness. You seem to be beating yourself up a little. Hey, you graduated High School and have been defending this country for 7 years. You are a proud member of the Army National Guard. Your version of quiet and does not talk alot to me translates into works diligently and does not require constant supervision. Focused employee dedicated to the tasks at hand. Leadership training is a plus. Have you checked with your fellow guard members and your unit. They often help each other out finding work. In your discussion about yourself, I still do not know what you do in the Guard. Focus on your positives and not what you think others may believe. And yes, good chance the firing in 2010 was due to you leaving for Leadership school. Employers, especially in todays job world have problems keeping their staffing levels and can afford to let go of good people for small conveniences when there are so many out of work. Hey, take pride in your accomplishments, coming to this forum for help shows you want to work and that is a very good thing.
What does your resume look like? That's what actually gets you in the door. They don't talk to past employers unless they are interested and usually after the first interview.
Kong you have gotten excellent feedback here. I would like to add to it.
I agree that your previous employer may not say much if anything per the comments above. It is possible when you get interviewed that they may ask why you departed. Don't go out of your way to bring that up, but you need to be prepared should that question come up. It is important that you have a response that is as impartial as possible and honest. It is equally important to be ready to share what you learned from that experience, and frame that in an honest and positive light.
Also, about interviewing. Yes you do need to practice. It could help to practice with someone else who can give you feedback on how you are representing yourself. Practice with a friend or maybe a career counselor.
Good luck to you Kong!
Barbara Crosser
Kong, thank you for your long service. I want to open with constructive criticism that builds on the excellent advice Craig offered. You have to let go of your negative feelings about the termination from your first job. As Craig notes it's highly unlikely that employer if asked will share any information other than your time worked. However, your feelings cloud the many positive attributes you have to offer future employers. If you doubt this just review this posting in which you ventilate for three paragraphs before getting to the heart of your issue. Second I reinforce Craig's suggestion to define the things you love to do and the types of jobs that involve such activities. The resulting positive mindset should impress job interviewers. Finally identify and document how your military experiences have produced a stronger and more attractive job candidate than graduated from high school seven years ago. The results of these three actions should purge negativity, build your self-confidence, and produce an attractive resume that describes the strengths you offer your next employer.
Best wishes, Bill Nobles
Kong, There is no such thing as a "great employer" as the term is very subjective. That you got fired may not be for the reason they gave or you thought. When it comes to "internal selling" that goes on in any business is very difficult to define.
It seems to me that getting work, any work, (from cleaning restrooms/washing windows, etc) through a temp agency is a way to find one's spot in the business world. Temp agencies are a way to get past the gatekeepers who are smothered with applicants. When a temp agency gets a call, there is a need for someone. Forget what the job is, just get your foot in the door. If you've the talent/skills to do something else, the employer will see it IF it goes with what they are doing, planning to do, would like to do.
Another way is to go to the Yellow Pages and go down through each category and see if there is one that fits your talents or interests. Do some research on each industry and each business so you can speak their language. Send in a resume tailored to that type of industry or business.
In your resume, other than the "normal" categories templates list, add sections on your hobby, your cultural interests, types of reading, sports interest and/or participation.
Btw, most businesses have jobs that need filling that are not advertised. When they run into someone who fills these niches they are open to hiring.
Alan
Consultant, speaker, author of "Elements of Selling.
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