Countdown to 'After the Uniform' Day 5: Military Experience Overlooked/Ignored by Employers5/3/2012 Historically, military experience has been viewed positively by employers. Employers knew that candidates with military experience would be mature for their age, responsible, mission/job focused, punctual, efficient, and in possession of strong leadership acumen. If all else was equal, the candidate with military experience invariably received the job offer.
Not any more. I have been on the receiving end of this new discrimination. When I graduated from college in 2007 I had lots of interviews for jobs. I didn't get a single job offer. The most common response I heard from employers: I was overqualified for entry level positions. After a few rejections like this, I looked at mid-level management requirements. I was supremely under-qualified. I realized that the reason for this discrimination was that I was a veteran. I even had one employer tell me that I illustrated a lack of initiative and ambition (I graduated Magna Cum Laude, won the Outstanding Achievement in International Business Award, and was a member of a select group students investing real money on behalf of a local foundation). This new attitude by many employers that view military service as a negative don't get it. I have had many young people, especially in college say, "You are so intelligent, how did you get stuck in the Army?" The prevailing view of the younger generations of employers is that the only people who go into the service are those that:
WAKE UP FOLKS! There are thousands of vets out of work because of this ignorance! It's time for a change and it's got to start now. If you don't know what the military has to offer, teach yourself. One of the best things you can do for your business is give veterans a fighting chance - we are very loyal to those that afford us an opportunity to pursue the American Dream.
6 Comments
Ryan
5/3/2012 03:26:07 am
Wow. I've been digging into this issue a lot, but I completely neglected the pervasive negative stereotype about why people join the military!
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5/3/2012 03:54:07 am
Yup. It's a common part of the equation that people miss. So many of the folks in a position to hire vets have grown up with this stereotype. I am not entirely sure why, but I think it may have to do with who their parents are and what generation (Anti-Vietnam Sentiments) were part of. I hope we figure it out quickly.
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Mark
5/3/2012 04:01:38 am
I have also noticed this. I graduated from school with a BS in Business with a 3.5 GPA. After serving in the Active Duty Army, I signed with the Reserves. I have done a total of 12 years of military service, with 9 being Active Duty. I have deployed and have a family with 3 kids.
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Ryan
5/3/2012 04:25:29 am
You hit on a good point here about the distinction employers make between officer and enlisted veterans. In my civilian career, I've been very candid about my military service, but people give me quizzical looks when they discover that I was enlisted; almost as if to say, "Really?? But you don't seem stupid. I only expect officers to be competent and smart."
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5/3/2012 05:53:07 am
The same thing happened to Viet Nam Veterans and I guess this is a carry over. Most guys eventually got to the point they never even mentioned they were in the service and only listed where they worked or job experience. You can be creative on applications and not lie. The job interview is what is the critical part and your follow up. Especially with this economy.
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Max HarrisAs I continue my life with PTSD, I will share my challenges and discoveries on this blog. Archives
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