Sir, Yes, Sir! Advice When Transferring from Military to Private Sector

I recently conversed with an old friend regarding employment challenges for recently discharged military personnel.  When it comes to making the transition, some former military applicants may find it a bit challenging being able to find a competitive and challenging position.  It’s certainly not a result of lack of real world experience.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

“So, Kathleen,” you ask, “Why is it tough for me to get a job in the private sector with all of this great training and experience I gained from my time in the service?”

It's All In How You Say It

Here’s my opinion:  I think it’s sometimes a challenge for HR folks, who have not been in the military service, to be able to feasibly understand how your skills and experience can translate to their needs.  So, you have to help them with the translation.

Some tips for you:

• Take some time to communicate your work skills.  Don’t assume that titles easily translate for the average HR person, with no time or exposure to the military.  You have to “dumb it down” for us.

• Focus on the things you have learned from your military tenure.  Things such as:  Responsibility, Tenacity/Perserverence, Ability to follow directions, Teamwork, Decision-making, Planning, Preparation, Leadership.  Any company, in their right mind, should want to snatch you up because you’ve learned these things already in the line of fire, and these qualities cannot be taught!

• Remember that an interview is just as much about chemistry as it is about qualifications.  Do yourself a favor and show how you have personality and drive and initiative.  As an interviewer, I want to see these qualities come through when I meet with you — don’t assume that I will see these things through your record.  The interviewer also wants to see your humility and gratitude for what you have been given by the military experience.  Make sure you shine proudly upon your service, and speak highly of your experiences in the military. 

• When interviewing, spell things out – avoid using abbreviations — to describe your work, your training and your experience.  The military is chocked-full of abbreviations, like many organizations, but you want the HR person to understand what you did.  

• Take a copy of your DD214 with you to your interview.  The HR Manager will likely need it anyways, and it shows you were prepared and able to produce this document right away.  It distiguishes you from your other former military contemporaries who don’t think about offering it.

• When you interview, think of it as you would sitting in your service review board.  Dress professionally, sit up straight, offer good eye contact, but don’t forget to smile, and be engaging. 

Summary: 
As an HR Manager, I want to understand that you know more than how to rebuild an M16 in 30 seconds.  You have to overcome some ignorance on my part, and convey to me that you are the type of ideal employee that I would be a fool to let you out of my “line of sight!”


Kathleen Lapekas – PHR
Action HR Consultant
For Personal Attention to Personnel Matters…
www.actionhrconsultant.com