Being a veteran is something to be proud of. On behalf of Snagajob, thank you for your service, your dedication and your patriotism. We know that transitioning into private service can be a struggle, but Snagajob is here to help with your job search.
There are a lot of traits you gained from your military experience that can make you a very desirable employee. When you are working on your resume, application and cover letter or preparing for your interview, make sure you emphasize these qualities, as they can really set you apart from your competition.
1) Leadership – Pull from your military experience and give specific examples of your leadership abilities. You may be asked to give an example of what makes you a good leader in your interview, and your unique perspective will not only make you look like a great employee, it also makes you a great candidate to eventually move up in the company. Remember, hiring someone is a big investment and the company may be looking for someone who can transition to management.
2) Teamwork – Almost every job requires you to work with others, and by proving you’re a team player you will be able to show your value. As a veteran, you have the ability to give teamwork examples that go above and beyond school projects and previous employment. These types of military examples will show them that teamwork is important to you and that you recognize and respect the need for a team atmosphere.
3) Work under pressure – You’ve been trained to stay calm under pressure and to quickly solve problems that arise. No job is always going to be all sunshine and roses, and employers are looking for someone who can step up and come up with solutions when the days get tough. You have the advantage of being taught to see the bigger picture, and any example you can supply to demonstrate this ability will not only remind them of your leadership abilities, but will show them that you will not back down when things get a little hectic.
4) Work ethic – Chance are, you didn’t work a regular 9-5 job in the military. In fact, you are probably used to strange hours. Employers will appreciate this – they are not looking for someone who only wants to work the minimum amount of time with the smallest amount of effort. Veterans are known to stay until the job is done, you are probably not one to leave a problem unsolved because your shift is over. Also, you have it ingrained in you to always be on time. This is important to employers; your military training makes you extremely punctual, efficient and reliable.
Translate your military experience into desirable civilian qualities. This will really make you stand out as an exceptional job candidate. This transition may seem overwhelming, but by framing your skills and experiences in the right way, you can show off what makes you the employee they’ve been waiting for.
Not sure where to start?
Employers including Home Depot, Verizon, 7-Eleven , Schneider National and UPS are known for hiring veterans.
About Kim Costa
Would the third tip happen to be attention to detail?
Great catch, Stephen! Sometimes it doesn’t matter how many times you look at something….
I am a Senior (72+) with a necessary comment, based on many years experience of applying for jobs. FIRST, read, learn and understand Federal Law – A.D.E.A. – Age Discrimination Employment Applications! Any documented or verbal request for DATE OF BIRTH is a no-no! AGE is NOT a guarantee that any job applicant brings negative problems to ANY hiring organization. Even Snagajob application asks for D.O.B. with a rider that states (“many companies ask for this information!”) which could be a violation of A.D.E.A. You may be a member of the A.A.R.P without being a Senior because ages 50 and 60 are allowed for THIS membership so D.O.B is irrelavent! Some hiring companies MASK this requirement by asking for “DATE YOU GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL??” Major hiring factors should include: Educational experience, Job experience, Honesty, including lack of Criminal activity, and up front Intelligence, and ability!
Don’t allow ANY hiring organization or company to judge you should you offer ALL positive factors only! I, personally, have had GRAY hair for years and MOTHER NATURE is the culprit, not myself!
Stand up for your rights and GOOD LOOK no matter how old you Males/Females are!
Best
Brian
Hey Snagajob Crew, Do you have or need a full time veteran consultant on staff???? If not , I’d like to throw my name in the mix.I can include a resume if you like….