What you don’t do in the military: write resumes, interview for a job (normally), and you never negotiate salary and compensation. What you will do during your transition is write resumes, interview for a job and negotiate salary and compensation.
Can you imagine negotiating compensation for your next tour of duty? “Ma’am I am really interested in your offer but can you arrange for me to telecommute on Fridays and get me a free membership at the country club?” And that is not the only hurdle you may have to overcome…some employers have a few ill-perceived notions about you and the military:
You are rigid
You don’t understand profit and loss
You have had unlimited resources
Leading is easy because you just give orders
These misled perceptions can create barriers, but a well prepared and focused resume will dispel all of these notions and set you up for success.
In the latest installment of the eMajor College to Career Webinar Series Randy Blackmon, retired U.S. Navy Captain and eCore/eMajor Senior Enrollment Manager, discusses this and other tips to help military members transition to the civilian workforce.
Much information is available regarding interviewing and how to be a top
notch interview candidate, but one must avail toneself of the most relevant information. Knowing the phases of the interview process and some key strategies
will help you better prepare and will ultimately put you on the
"short" list with potential employers. Seems simple, but you
have to be diligent with all 3 phases of interviewing (before, during and after).
Before:
Preparation is twofold. Thoroughly research the organization, specific
department, and the job role. This requires significant time and energy. At the
same time, you will be doing some self-reflection to determine if this is a
proper fit for you. Prepping the resume for EACH job that you apply to
will help you define and determine your skill sets to see where you may be lacking for the
industry or job, and can also help you appropriately articulate your strengths.
You know your resume is done well if you get called for an interview. You should
spend ample time reviewing interview questions so that you are comfortable with how
to "sell yourself."
During:
Ask yourself if you "look the part," during the interview. Are you equipped with Skype,
conference calling, or other possible mode of connection with the interviewer
if that is part of the process? Have you paid special attention to proper
grooming, hygiene, dress and manners for the face to face interview? Are you
leaving a positive impression on everyone you have encountered in the
process, including the administrative assistant who checked you in?
After:
After-the-interview practices
can carry you over the top as a candidate and can, in some cases, salvage a
poor or botched interview experience. The same day that you have a phone
or face to face interview - sit down and pen a hand-written thank you.
Purchasing a box of 10 generic thank you cards at the Dollar Store to have on
hand for all professional encounters will demonstrate proper etiquette and
gratitude for time each person spent with you. The thank you should be sincere and mention
specific talking points discussed during your call or face to face meeting.
With a quick website search - you can locate the correct spelling of the persons' names with whom you spoke, their titles, and a mailing address. An email can also be sent and is absolutely better
than no acknowledgement at all.
For more detail on these and other interviewing tips clickhere to view the 15 minute archived webinar. The
internet is full of great material that covers all aspects of the phases of the
interview process. Plus, be sure to check in with your home institution's
Career Services Department for direct assistance with resume assistance,
interviewing practice, employer networking opportunities and career fair
information.
Success can be yours! "Success is where preparation and opportunity meet." Bobby Unser
