Talking AboutYour Service
Most civilians have no idea how to compare your work in the military to the work being done at their business. During the job interview, connect the dots so they get a full understanding of how your training and experiences make you an asset.
Military Schools
Your training at special military schools is much like gaining professional certifications in the civilian world. If you have gone to schools that give you specific skills in areas like information technology, engineering or logistics, discuss the depth of coverage in the subject matter. If your training was warfare-related (e.g., Army Ranger or drill sergeant training), discuss the hardships endured and the discipline of mind and body required. This shows your ability to succeed in the harshest of circumstances.
Leadership
Even if you’re not a high-ranking officer, your service has given you management-type leadership skills and experience. You have been in charge of personnel, processes, projects and/or equipment. You may also have been schooled in executive training, performance reviews, counseling or corrective actions. You’ve been tested and have had to utilize limited resources to achieve a goal. Emphasize all this.
Other Attributes
You have experience in efficient planning and organization that is invaluable. For example, if you’ve had to fill out an operations order or a fragmentary order, you know how to think through a problem and systematically execute a solution—every facet of it. It’s what you do. Also, be sure to mention if you have a security clearance. In this era of intellectual property issues and online hacking, showing an employer that you can be trusted is important.
Leadership
Even if you’re not a high-ranking officer, your service has given you management-type leadership skills and experience. You have been in charge of personnel, processes, projects and/or equipment. You may also have been schooled in executive training, performance reviews, counseling or corrective actions. You’ve been tested and have had to utilize limited resources to achieve a goal. Emphasize all this.
