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Job hunter

Veteran

Michael Cleveland Eau Claire, WI

With a resume covering 14 years of Army including leadership and office work, additionally I have almost five years working in VA hospital systems in a office position. Since graduation in October 2015 I have been working outside of even an office job, but instead more of a factory production position. Unfortunately I have not worked specifically in a computer involved environment since graduation. Now, I'm in a situation where I am physically unable to continue with a labor intensive position.

I have been doing a lot for applying for a multitude of positions for employment since graduation in October 2015. I have an IT degree from University of Phoenix, I'm not sure if the lack of attention I get is normal, because of my work experience or whatever. I'm wondering if I should seek assistance with a individual who would get paid for my placement with a portion of the first years wages, and if so how best to select the best person for the job? Otherwise I could use assistance from someone else to take time to help me overhaul my resume and cover letter! Any advice?
I really could use it!
Mike

18 February 2019 5 replies Resumes & Cover Letters

Answers

Advisor

Scott Gagnon Winthrop, MA

This is a great resource in your search. It is run by my employer (Navisite)

https://www.veteransjobexchange.com/

Good luck

Advisor

Steven Mathews Spring, TX

The answers above relate to locating a job. Your next challenge is to present a resume that shows that you are the most qualified out of all the other applicants. That will get you an interview. I can help you for free through that process. slmathews99@gmail.com

Advisor

Emanuel Carpenter Alpharetta, GA

Michael - Try using job boards that specialize in hiring people who can work from home like this one: https://www.virtualvocations.com/

Also, search for telecommuting jobs on boards that specialize in helping veterans like Hire Heroes USA and Hirepurpose.

If using LinkedIn for your job search, ask to connect with the person who posted the job. After connecting, send your resume to that person through LinkedIn and include a very brief cover letter in the text of a direct message. Then, apply for the job by following the link provided. This will double your chances of getting an interview.

Best of luck.

Advisor

Susana Moraga Hayward, CA

Michael,
Thank you for your service.
As you follow-up with Andrew's advice consider how you present yourself from the employers perspective.
It's not the degree but what have you been doing in IT?
How are you using and developing those skills?
It doesn't have to be in a job, experience is experience.
Employers want to know you are motivated to continually learn and grow.
Regarding your resume, every resume is tailored to the position you are applying for to show how you have used your skills that employer is most interested in.
Best,

Advisor

Joseph Hawthorne Brooklyn, NY

Hi Mike,

That's a really good question, and I'm sorry you have had difficulty getting responses thus far. In terms of overhauling your resume, I recommend looking into Purepost (resume builder for veterans) and Jobs Scan (program designed to optimize the language in your resume).

https://www.jobscan.co/
https://www.purepost.co/

And in terms of getting personalized advice, I recommend looking on the `Community` tab for Advisors in IT. You can message professionals directly to ask for feedback. If you have served 180 days of Active Duty after 9/11, you can also apply for a one-on-one mentor via ACP's home page below.

https://www.acp-usa.org/

I hope this helps! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

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