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Frequently Asked Questions

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This is a common question, and like any other person making a career transition the key is identifying your transferable skill sets. Two ways to approach this is to identify your career interests and review those skills sets – or – brainstorm what knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) you currently utilize to complete your job. Some KSA’s will relate to leadership, communication, office skills, PC skills, etc.

 Not sure what YOU bring to the table in a job search situation? Check this out:

 Interpersonal Skills

         Accelerated learning curve - Veterans have the proven ability to learn new skills and concepts. In addition, they can enter your workforce with identifiable and transferable skills, proven in real-world situations. This background can enhance your organization's productivity.

         Leadership - The military trains people to lead by example as well as through direction, delegation, motivation, and inspiration. Veterans understand the practical ways to manage behaviors for results, even in the most trying circumstances. They also know the dynamics of leadership as part of both hierarchical and peer structures.

         Teamwork - Veterans understand how genuine teamwork grows out of a responsibility to one's colleagues. Military duties involve a blend of individual and group productivity. They also necessitate a perception of how groups of all sizes relate to each other and an overarching objective.

         Diversity and inclusion in action - Veterans have learned to work side by side with individuals regardless of diverse race, gender, geographic origin, ethnic background, religion, and economic status as well as mental, physical, and attitudinal capabilities. They have the sensitivity to cooperate with many different types of individuals.

         Efficient performance under pressure - Veterans understand the rigors of tight schedules and limited resources. They have developed the capacity to know how to accomplish priorities on time, in spite of tremendous stress. They know the critical importance of staying with a task until it is done right.

         Respect for organizational structure - Veterans have gained a unique perspective on the value of accountability. They can grasp their place within an organizational framework, becoming responsible for subordinates' actions to higher supervisory levels. They know how policies and procedures enable an organization to exist.

         Technology and globalization - Because of their experiences in the service, veterans are usually aware of international and technical trends pertinent to business and industry. They can bring the kind of global outlook and technological savvy that all enterprises of any size need to succeed.

         Integrity - Veterans know what it means to do "an honest day's work." Prospective employers can take advantage of a track record of integrity, often including security clearances. This integrity translates into qualities of sincerity and trustworthiness.

         Conscious of health and safety standards - Thanks to extensive training, veterans are aware of health and safety protocols both for themselves and the welfare of others. Individually, they represent a drug-free workforce that is cognizant of maintaining personal health and fitness. On a company level, their awareness and conscientiousness translate into protection of employees, property, and materials.

         Triumph over adversity - In addition to dealing positively with the typical issues of personal maturity, veterans have frequently triumphed over great adversity. They likely have proven their mettle in mission critical situations demanding endurance, stamina, and flexibility. They may have overcome personal disabilities through strength and determination.

         Responsible – Military employees know what it means to be accountable for valuable human and material resources and prove themselves reliable early in their careers.

         Physical conditioning – On the battlefield or in the work place, military employees know the value of being in top physical condition and drug free.

 

Leadership Skills

Enlisted Personnel- E1-E4 Apprentices or Trainees

The lowest four ranks of the enlisted corps are dedicated to learning and developing a skill. This includes basic training, technical school, and on-the-job training in a specific military occupation. Close supervision is provided while military members learn their crafts. Those in the E4 ranks are considered to be highly skilled and starting to assume higher levels of responsibility and supervision. These ranks equate to line staff and  front line supervisors. Generally, they have GEDs or HS diplomas and less than four years’ experience in the organization.

Enlisted Personnel- E4-6 Journeymen and Supervisors

The middle enlisted ranks are those of working supervisors. In these ranks, people have the responsibilities of shift supervisors, team leaders or trainers, and are technical experts in their fields. They represent their offices on cross-functional teams and work closely with managers to see that organizational performance is in compliance with the leadership’s goals and strategies. They have anywhere from 4to 15 years’ experience, may hold AA or AT degrees, and have basic supervisor training.

Senior Enlisted Personnel- E7-E9 Activity Coordinators

The middle senior enlisted ranks include those who have moved from being technical workers to those coordinating the activities of many. They may hold direct supervisory responsibilities over those who supervise others. They coordinate activities to ensure organizational goals are met. They are equivalent to shift or operational managers, have from 15 to 30 years’ experience, may hold BS degrees, and have advanced leadership training.

Warrant Officers- Highly Skilled Technicians

Warrant officers are highly skilled, single-track specialists. They may command aircraft, vessels, or armored vehicles. They provide leadership with unique skills, experience, and consultation ability. They could be considered equivalent to internal consultants, quality or performance auditors, and equal to others with their very specialized skills, education, or backgrounds that help organizations move foreword. They may hold specialized degrees or certifications.

Company or Junior Grande Officers- First Line Managers

The lower three officer ranks are managers of individual units. They supervise the Senior Enlisted staff and have organizational level responsibilities to include levying punishment. They would be office or unit managers overseeing all functions of management. They would not be union members and represent the organizational leadership. At the 0-1, level they attend Basic Officer Candidate School and learn the fundamentals of management. Most hold BS degrees.

Field Grade Officers- Middle Level Leadership

Field grade officers manage larger or multiple units that work closely together. They hold operational positions that ensure strategic plans are implemented and provide management counseling to lower level officers and staff. Most hold graduate degrees and have advance leadership training. They could be Regional Managers or heads of an individual or multiple Divisions.

General Officers- Strategic Planners

These officers hold the highest levels of management and leadership. Generals and their equivalents develop and implement strategic plans and are responsible for divisions with disconnected missions. In business, they may be division managers, directors, or board advisory members.

 

An article in U.S.A. Today spoke about candidates for jobs wearing jeans, purple sweat suits, and spike heels or sneakers. Other applicants weren't afraid to show pierced body parts and spiked hair. Still others chewed gum or showed up in rumpled clothes or with their pants falling down. One recruiter even told a candidate with his trousers down below his hips, to "Pull your pants up." According to the article, the outlandish dress costs some candidates the job.
Does it really make a difference how you dress for an interview? In many cases, it does. I'll never forget the gentleman I interviewed for an accounting position. He had been out of work for a few months and wanted to show me why. He took off his jacket, unbuttoned his shirt and started to pull down his pants (this is a true story) to show me the scar from a boat propeller that had injured him. He didn't get the job. Neither did the young lady in a bright red skirt so short and tight that she could hardly sit down!
In the conservative business climate I worked in at the time, appearances did matter. In other environments it isn't as important. However, it does make sense to dress your best for the interview, regardless of the dress code at the organization. If you're in doubt about how to dress for an interview, it is best to err on the side of conservatism. It is much better to be overdressed than underdressed (or undressed). If you're not sure, check with the person who scheduled the interview and ask.
According to Kim Zoller at Image Dynamics, 55% of another person's perception of you is based on how you look. Her Dressing for Success information gives some tips on how to look your best, without necessarily spending a lot of money. Here's a quick look at the basics:
Women's Interview Attire
·         Solid color, conservative suit
·         Coordinated blouse
·         Moderate shoes
·         Limited jewelry
·         Neat, professional hairstyle
·         Tan or light hosiery
·         Sparse make-up & perfume
·         Manicured nails
·         Portfolio or briefcase
Men's Interview Attire
·         Solid color, conservative suit
·         White long sleeve shirt
·         Conservative tie
·         Dark socks, professional shoes
·         Very limited jewelry
·         Neat, professional hairstyle
·         Go easy on the aftershave
·         Neatly trimmed nails
·         Portfolio or briefcase