Dale Krysinski ⋅ Zelienople, PA Hatch Mott MacDonald ⋅ 33 years experience

Ty - first, thank you for your service - my son and daughter are both active duty USAF. Please try to stay positive about your job search. When I have interviewed veterans looking for work, I believe (in general) their greatest assets are the discipline, pride, respect and ability to learn and follow orders - veterans are head and shoulders above non-veteran candidates in those areas. With your lengthy career, I am sure you are too.

I know you said you tried looking in the oil & gas industry, but I encourage you to keep looking there. The market in South Texas is just booming - I worked there for the past 3 years as a consultant. Once you get in the door with a company (if you take a lesser job), there is a lot of opportunity to move up in a booming marketplace. And also consider companies that servce the industry, not just the producers. There are equipment companies like Exterran, SouthTex, Valerus; pipe suppliers like Edgen Murray; and numerous trucking companies that need good people too with logistics or financial background. That might be your best best for a position involving logistics. And consider Houston - that's where I was most of the time, and I think there may be more positions available there (plus, I think the Rockets will do better than the Spurs this year!) Good luck!

Joyce Stein ⋅ Santa Clarita, CA Bank of America ⋅ 25 years experience

Ty, I would focus on matching your resume to the job you want. I suggest a skills focused resume that speaks to the job you are applying for. Recruiters are trying to reduce their workload and if the buzz words they are looking for are not in the first 2 paragraphs of your resume, your resume is dumped. They don't have time to look through the myriad of experience to find that one nugget that matches the job description. So make it easy for them to find the answer. The job of the resume is to get you an interview. If you aren't getting interviews, then your resume is not hitting the mark. When I look at resumes the first thing I ask for is a sample job that they would be applying for - this way I get the terminology into the resume. The chronological work experience is just - Company, Job title, Time in the job... I leave all the description into the skills part of the resume.
Good luck to you.

Po Wong ⋅ Orlando, FL Johnson & Johnson (retired) ⋅ 40 years experience

Hi Ty and Jamie,
I came across his post and I am very surprise especially Jamie that you are will to move to any state. Are you guys aware North Dakota can’t find enough workers to support their oil industry boom?
It is well documented that their state unemployment is <3.5%. Not only they need direct oil industry related workers, they can’t find enough truck drivers that pays $90K or over $15 per hour work in MacDonald to support the boom.
Put aside your political view, many used to unemployed people are calling in Shawn Hannity radio to confirm that. Some stated that they could not find jobs for few years and moved in from other states. Today they are making over $90K and a good living (especially low cost of living). He has frequently help and promote these jobs are available on TV.

Sure ND is cold and not your best culture center in U.S. You may have to settle for a lower level job in the beginning but with your experience, MBA degree and if you can true show your can deliver a great result, who knows where it will ends.

Check it out and good luck!

Ray Martinelli ⋅ Flanders, NJ U.S. Marine Corps, Sergeant ⋅ 8 years served

Ty,

I have been in your shoes and it downright sucks. I do not have any answers, but would be honored to assist you by reviewing your resume and providing feedback.

As a fellow logistician are you open to relocate? San Antonio may be a little limited in positions, but closer to Houston may provide a bit more opportunity and is the chemical mecca; just a thought.

You can try the veterans service officers regarding different opportunities and perhaps the vocational rehabilitation (VR&E) program might be something for you.

http://www.tvc.state.tx.us/

One suggestion I have that assisted me is to take a look at the ACE Guide and look up your different MOS/Billets, MCI's and resident courses. This can give you a listing of responsibilities that you may want to incorporate into your resume.

http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Military-Guide-Online.aspx

Logistics is a very broad target for a resume, but can transition well into any and all industries. Identify the target companies & fields you want to transition to and research their documents to assimilate their "language" and key words into your vernacular and resume. You will need to speak & write same as them if you want to be hired by them.

Hope this helps. If I may be of any other assistance please look me up on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rmartinelli1/.

Semper Fi

Ray Martinelli

Ty Butcher ⋅ San Antonio, TX U.S. Air Force, Master Sergeant ⋅ 20 years served

Thank you all for your great advice, I know that I just need to buckle it up and continue on my search, I just get frustrated at times. I had a much better plan when I first left the Air Force and it has been getting worse the longer I look for a job. I realize that I will probably have to take a lower level job than I am used to, I just have a hard time really knowing what that level is, and a hard time thinking I have to start from the bottom again. I will continue to look over everyone suggestions and get my search back on track. If anyone has any leads in the San Antonio area I would appreciate the information.

Charles Ferree ⋅ Charleston, SC Boeing ⋅ 6 years experience

Ty
You have received excellent advice. a couple of hints about interviews.
Be excited. Show your potential employer that you really want to work for them. Go in with a ho-hum attitide and they may get the impression that you really do not want what they are offering.

Loretta mentioned a mock interview. Look at the job description and qualifications (to get you started). Base your mock questions off of that.
for example, they need someone who can operate the widgetmaker 2000.
Make that into a question for yourself.. What kind of experience do you have with Widgetmaker 2000's?

it is not enough to say that you have experience with it.. Make your answers stand out.
Show what positive outcomes resulted from your being trained to operate the widgetmaker 2000

Loretta Carter ⋅ Sugar Land, TX HCA ⋅ 9 years experience

Hi Ty,

I know exactly how you feel. Going to a search firm like Jaime suggested is a good plan. They will make sure you are ready to go out for your interview and that your resume looks good. One thing I would say it to try a mock interview with someone that can ask you some of the questions you are likely to hear. Then when you give your responses in the interview they will sound strong and confident. If you don't have anyone nearby, i will be happy to help. You can email me and we can do a mock phone interview. I have done many of these before with my students and it would not be a problem. Thanks so much, Loretta

Jamie Doud ⋅ Houston, TX JRD Consulting; (Prior): Easton Sports ⋅ 20 years experience

Hi Ty, thank you for your service to our country. My Father was also in the USAF.

I've been in H/R & Accounting/Finance & General Business for 30 + years, with an MBA and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certification.

You rec'd some good advice above.

I understand and feel your frustration/burnout/rejection concerning your job search activities and lack of the results you expect. I too, have been looking for full-time employment (in the H/R field) over the last 12 months (I've closed my consulting business down to get back to a "full-team" type environment once again). I've applied to approximately 600 jobs during this period. I've had approximately 20 phone interviews, and 3 in person interviews. I even moved from NYC to Houston, TX (hot labor market in oil/gas) to try and find a job. I'm now looking to work in any state, in any city, besides just Houston (everyone want someone with oil/gas experience).

What I ususally hear is that someone else has more experience in a particular industry, or is a better "fit" gets the job. Also, most employers want to "hire away" employees from other companies (they want someone who is currently working in a similar job/industry). They don't like hiring people who are out of work, or who are consultants like me. And finally, the economy is still not at a place where it needs to be. There are approximately 50-100 people applying to every job that I'm also applying to (big competition). I'm not giving up, I'm pressing ahead, and I know if I persevere, I will find a job that matches my goals, experience and skills. I'm making sure I get on the lifecycle, take walks, and exercise as much as I can to help reduce my frustration and make sure I stay in good physical and metal shape. I also have a good network of my wife and friends to help discuss/network about the job search issue.

With that said, here's some suggestions:

1) If you haven't already, sign up with a temp agency, and try and get some temp/part-time job(s) in the particular industry you are interested in going into (even if they are low paying, etc.). You can still look for full-time work, but this may help you get a foot in the door, and/or you may hear something else due to this type employment.

2) Try doing some "volunteer" work that may be in the industry you are interested in. This may help something "break" lose as well, and let you feel you are helping others during your job search challenge.

3) Get a profile up on LinkedIn (great place to be seen, look for jobs, and network with others), and make sure your profile matches the information in your resume.

4) Make sure you put together a concise 1 page generic cover letter, that you will modify each time to match the job you are applying too (most companies won't even look at you unless you have a good cover letter). You can google cover letters to get some samples.

5) Make sure your resume starts out with a short goal/experience statement. Then have a double column bullet points of your skills. Then list your employment experience in chronological order starting with the most recent experience first (employers want to know what you have been doing during the past 1-3 years). A chronological resume will allow you and the person interviewing you to have a logical method to discuss your experience (usually over the phone initially). Make sure you have the proper "buzz" words in each resume you submit to each particular employer that corresponds to the key words they have put into the job description (# years experience; college degree: MBA, etc.; financial statement analysis experience, etc.). Most big companies have a computer system that reviews the resumes and "mines" for specific "buzz" words. Those resumes that match enough/key "buzz" words by the computer system get put into the "review" pile for the recruiter to reivew.

6) Research the industry you are interested in, and look for the top 5-10 "search firms" that supply employees to those particular employers. Get on the search firm websites and fill out their appication, and provide your resume/cover letter to their database (you never know when there may be a match). You may be able to talk with someone as well by calling the receptionist and try and get through to the appropriate person (even leaving voice mail may help).

7) Try joing an industry specific group of professionals (logistics groups, etc.) that you can network with. I belong to HR Houston, and The Society for Human Resources Managment (SHRM), which allows me to search for jobs through their websites, and network/blog with others about jobs, careers, and H/R related labor law issues, etc.

Sorry to "babble on", hope this provides some insight, suggestions, motivation. I'm keeping my head up, and moving forward, I know a USAF vet will do the same and be a huge success.

Good luck Ty!

Rick Baron ⋅ Sarasota, FL Coca-Cola ⋅ 16 years experience

Hello Ty:

Charles has some good points and I would like to affirm one thing he said. That is, decide on the job or field you want first, then focus on that position. Often seekers get bogged down on the applying that they forget what they want, then create a plan. If you want logistics, then focus on networking and tailoring your resume for that. Business, the same thing.

Also, remember that although you have great experience, your transition to the civilian workplace will require you to step back from a senior leadership position and consider more entry-level type positions. The good news is that with your qualifications, you will rise quickly - but it does start with a plan.

Something else to consider is that today's workforce is more about specialization versus generalization, so look to what you did in the Air Force, what you want to do, and then create the bridge between these steps.

I'm also happy to help and can be reached at rmhbaron@hotmail.com.

It's slow and steady/patience and persistence that get the job. Be methodical, consistent, and focused and you'll get there.

Rick

Charles Ferree ⋅ Charleston, SC Boeing ⋅ 6 years experience

Ty

Thank you for your service to our country.
here are a few tips.
1. What is it that you want to do? You have mentioned a few different career paths, and they seem very different. Is there something in the local area that really interests you?
2. Make a "Master Resume". This resume will have all of your accomplishments, qualifications, skills, talents, and any information that you may find pertinent to add. For each job, there is a list of skills and qualifications that each employer is looking for. Submit a resume specific for each job that you apply for. Show your potential employer why you are the best fit for the job.

I will be happy to review your resume and provide some pointers for you
charles.a.ferree@boeing.com

Good luck