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

5/3/2012

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:

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.

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!

Max Harris link

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.

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.

The one thing that I find funny is that there are a lot of companies that claim they are "Military Friendly" but yet when I submit a resume to these companies, I never seem to get a return phone call. Another trend that I see, is that a lot of these "Military Friendly" companies either hire for LOW paying jobs that won't support a family (i.e. Security Guard paying $7 an hour) or some ridiculous job like rocket scientest that very FEW people would actually qualify for. Then to top it off, they seem to hire Mid-Level to High Ranking Officers. I was/am a Staff NCO and I see very few jobs out there. I have experience and leadership abilities, but can't get a thing.

Finally, I have noticed that those that serve in the Reserves are highly discriminated against. I saw a recent study that said that Reservists (This includes Guardmen) are suffering from a 16% unemployment rate. This doesn't count those that are underemployed. Is it because they are scared that Reservists can be mobilized? I don't know but I always thought that if you joined the military, that put you a step above the rest. I am not bashing civilians, but we that have served in the military understand.

So now, I am a veteran, college educated (seeking my MBA now) and can't find a civilian job that doesn't pay above minimum wage! So much for "Military Friendly". I laugh at companies that claim that, because I feel it is slogan that is overused and gives companies the right to feel like "heroes" because they say they are helping us out. Don't talk the talk unless you're going to walk the walk.

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."

Dana Morgan link

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.

If you have a job and its a company you like, look at what opportunities or jobs you may want besides owner, and talk to HR or the owner and see what you need to do to get there. Its not sucking up. If there is no realistic time table to acheive those goals , say 1 to 5 years, start looking.

With the high tech back ground most folks actually have with out even realizing it, coming out, defense jobs would be my first choice to be looking, Either in manufacturing or sales. You may have to move. Alabama, and Texas have job websites for this purpose.

Regular sales in chemical companies and plastics need MBA or masters to qualify for sales jobs. Its tough. But once you have a few years with a big place you can go anywhere.

I dont know if this gives you any Ideas but you can e-mail me if you want or skype me .
Max has my info. I cant get you a job.

Kyle link

3/9/2013 08:44:26 pm

This is a really good read for me, Must admit that you are one of the best bloggers I ever saw.Thanks for posting this informative article.

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