Military-to-Civilian Viewpoint
Why is it critical for the veteran to tailor career collateral to fit an employer’s perspective?
James,
Very well said. Just like any "game" situation, our service members need to practice. While in uniform our service members practiced and rehearsed everything from promotion interviews to military actions on contact. The job interview is the next mission and must be rehearsed just as thoroughly so that the member's worst interview happens during rehearsal . . . not during the actual interview.
Garland Williams, Ph.D.
1. Get help on what to wear and wear clothing like you would wear to an interview for a couple of weeks so you don't feel or act so uncomfortable.
2. Modify your speech yes ma'am and yes sir are fine but in moderation.
3. Don't be so stiff as far as standing (not at attention, etc.) or sitting of course don't slouch either.
4. Make a list of positive things you've done in the last couple of years at work or at home so right before your interview you can read through to help bolster your confidence.
5. When in the interview be clear and concise.
Gil, you make a great point about first impressions. If you could write an article that would give 5 tips on what veterans should do to make a good first impression, what would they be? As you know, veterans are used to using check lists. During the service they used a checklist to perform maintenance, they used a checklist to ensure safe convoy operations, and they used a checklist to make sure all equipment is uploaded and accounted for. What is the PMCS checklist that a veteran can use to ensure that he is ready to walk into an interview?
Adam, I agree with your assessment. What advice do you give your veterans on how to properly research a company so that resumes and cover letters are correctly tailored? In your role at your institution, do you have the opportunity to link up your students face-to-face with hiring managers who can offer this type of advice? Or can your HR department provide that kind of coaching to your students so they will properly alter their resumes/cover letters for their list of prospective employers?
"You only get once chance to make a first impression."
The idea that anyone, under any circumstances, will want to waste time on something that is not a good fit, or a seeming match, is the key to success for all that we do, especially when it comes to a job search. Beacuse potential employers have so little time to devote to searching for the right person for a postion, the need to take every opportunity to maximize the ROI of the search process is how a candidate can create tremendous value in the mind of the potentail employer if they are sensitive to that idea and actively pursue startagies designed to maximize their impact as the right candidate, and minimize distractions and confusion.
I think that this is a statement that can be expanded to include any person looking to find a job. It is crucial for the prospect to be able to understand and represent the perspective of the employer at all stages of the hiring process to have a reasonable chance of success. The employer will be looking for many things from the prospect during the hiring process, and the more that the prospect is aligned with the mental check list that the employer is using to vet candidates, the more likely it is that the prospect will be able to advance through the process, validating their abilities to be aligned and be successful along the way.
