Countdown to 'After the Uniform' Day 5: Military Experience Overlooked/Ignored by Employers

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:

• Are too stupid to get a job anywhere else.
• Had no other option at the time due to finances or lack of jobs.
• Were criminal given the option to commute their sentence to service in the armed forces.

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.