My position as a strategic analyst/capture manager in a small defense related R&D firm in upstate New York was eliminated due to a reduction in force. There are very few defense contractors in the area and they are all down sizing. I'm having difficulty convincing commercial firms that my experience and leadership skills will transition to commercial projects. I've sent out 100+ resumes, networked with everyone I know, and have not received any feedback. I'm also an older worker (57) with a MS and a TS/SCI Clearance.
Answers
Michael, I want to thank you for your service and offer a few ideas that might help you find a job in this very tough marketplace.
First is a research report on "The Business Case for Hiring Veterans" published by Syracuse University, which may provide some new ideas for describing and selling the skills and capabilities you offer the private sector. The website is: http://vets.syr.edu/pdfs/The%20Business%20Case%20for%20Hiring%20a%20Veteran%203-6-12.pdf
Second, several companies are in the business of helping veterans find jobs and are reimbursed by the hiring company. Here are four websites to consider:
http://www.orioninternational.com/
http://www.bradley-morris.com/
http://www.lucasgroup.com/recruiting-military/military-recruiting-firms/
http://www.cameron-brooks.com/candidates_faqs.html
Third, my posting "What are best tools for veterans to self-assess their aptitude, capabilities, and interests?" offers some tools you could use to explore your strengths and interests. Completing these could expose some new ideas for jobs.
Good luck, Bill Nobles
Michael, your skill set will be very useful to a commercial firm, you need to think in their terms and communicate that. Use terms like project manager or marketing strategist instead of narrow ones like capture manager; commercial firms need to understand their corporate strengths, and need to identify ways to apply their existing technology to new markets. You have to think broadly about how your skills fit a new situation, which is hard to do. Also, be flexible about location. And remember, you were a person before you were a vet.
With an overabundance of applicants to openings - please don't expect too much in the way of feedback; the private sector has no shortage of individuals seeking work, and HR is so busy...
If I may be so bold - sometimes, individuals' assets become their liabilities - where a person may be so disciplined, the habit of discipline itself stifles innovation. You likely have a lot to offer, so please persevere with a confident and imaginative approach. There's alway a place for persons with experience, imagination, and sound analytical skills.
Good luck.
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