As a prior service soldier, I am interested in everything related to soldiers.
"Where are you from?"
"What's your MOS?"
"Where have you been stationed?"
"Is this a career?"
"What will you do when you get out?"
No doubt for many this will be their last deployment as they make the decision to transition from the military following numerous years of honorable service. For some, however, this transition will be a challenge.
Veteran unemployment has long been an issue facing this country. I am a bit disheartened by these statistics and believe that part of the problem is a lack of understanding of how our veterans can contribute to the success of an organization. I feel a sense of responsibility to be a part of the solution and would like to offer a list of things you should remember to highlight about your time in service and why you'd be a benefit to civilian companies.
1) Goal Oriented -- Veterans are habitually focused on accomplishing the mission and needs only a clear task and purpose to become energized. We are not only interested in learning their mission but are accustomed to knowing the mission two levels up. This allows us to have a firm understanding of how individual success contributes to the larger organization's success.
2) Accountability -- During our military service, we are charged with tracking and maintaining millions of dollars' worth of government equipment spread out across multiple facilities in numerous countries. The tremendous amount of attention to detail that goes into ensuring that all of their unit's equipment is accounted for and operational is impressive and a skill valued by any company.
3) Composed in stressful situations --Whether officer or enlisted, our service members returning from deployment have had to make numerous decisions in the face of uncertain situations and under the threat of physical harm.
4) Ultimate Team Players - From the day you enter the armed forces you are taught to think as a member of a team.
5) Disciplined and dependable -- "Be at the right place, at the right time, in the right uniform!" From the first day at basic training to the last day when you hang up the uniform, we know that others are counting on us to do the job whether someone is watching or not.
By no means is this list all-inclusive, but these are certainly skills you should highlight when filling out your resume or applying with a potential employer. What you and your skills bring to an organization far exceeds any financial incentive they may receive. Your Army values bring value to their organization. Be sure to remind them of that!
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