Landing the right job: How veterans can better navigate the hiring process

Despite the veteran unemployment rate dropping from 3.7% to 2.7% over the last year, many veterans still face unique challenges when looking for work. From translating military experience to civilian terms to preparing for tough interview questions, adapting to today’s job market can be a steep learning curve. However, with the right tools and strategies in place, you can start overcoming these barriers and land the right job.

We talked with Rachelle Chapman, a military spouse and Director of the Adecco Military Alliance, and Ken Hagler, a veteran and Adecco SEARCH Consultant who focuses on placing veteran candidates, to find out more about the issues they face. Check out their insights and top tips for veteran job seekers.

Know how to sell yourself

Veterans often struggle to recognize the unique skills they bring to the table and may be unsure how to sell themselves to a recruiter. According to Rachelle Chapman, veterans are highly skilled in key areas like leadership.

“[Veterans] know when to follow and when to lead, they can take direction well, and they have each other's back. They're taught at a very young age to carry each other. They're often the first one in and last one out.” Chapman also detailed how veterans aren’t used to having to sell their skills and knowledge, and they may not be aware of the value they bring to the table.

Research shows that 63% of companies would hire someone with transferable skills like teamwork, time management, problem-solving, and leadership – and then train them on technical skills while on-the-job. Recognizing and emphasizing transferable skills that employers are desperately looking for is a great way to stand out from other applicants.

Give small companies a chance

Veterans are used to being part of a large military organization with a global focus. According to Ken Hagler, this can mean that they look for roles in large multinational companies that appear to provide a greater sense of belonging and purpose. However, considering smaller organizations can be especially rewarding for veterans.

“Give a small to medium-sized company a chance, because especially in leadership roles, that's where you can go and be a great leader and really make an impact” Hagler explains.

Smaller businesses may be a better choice if you’re new to the job market, as they could offer you greater flexibility, a better chance to work on the type of projects that you like, and friendly close-knit teams. In contrast, larger organizations are sometimes more strict in job requirements, role responsibilities, and growth opportunities.

Effectively translate your work experience

Veterans can sometimes overlook the fact that recruiters won’t have the same understanding of their work experience if it’s presented in a military context. Chapman says “You want it to make sense for them. It can't just make sense for you. You can't use military lingo.”

This can be as simple as using the word “team” instead of “platoon” or describing your position as “healthcare specialist” instead of “medic.” Aim to use broad descriptions of tasks instead of getting into technical explanations that will require military terminology that’s hard for recruiters to understand.

Here are some examples of military terms you can translate on your resume or in an interview:

• First Sergeant – Personnel Manager
• Supply Sergeant – Supply Manager or Logistics Manager
• Mission – Task or Objective
• Reconnaissance – Data Collection and Analysis

Prepare for interview questions

Job interviews can also be tricky for veterans who are not used to the hiring process. Recruiters are likely to ask questions related to your military career, and it’s important to expect questions like “Why did you join the military?”

This can feel like a curveball in the moment, so be sure to prepare ahead of time. Think about how you can frame your answer in a way that shows a positive aspect of your personality.

Chapman explains that “Saying I wanted to join a cause bigger than myself. That shows selflessness.” This is a very positive portrayal of your identity as a person and will come across well. Also, preparing an answer can help you feel more relaxed in your interview.

Here are other examples of tough interview questions that may be asked in reference to your military experience:

• Tell me about a stressful situation and how you handled it.
• How do you like to be managed?
• What do you do in your spare time?
• What motivates you?

Get help with your job search

At Adecco, we proudly support our veterans in transitioning back to civilian life and finding meaningful employment. Whether you’re a veteran or a military spouse, our expert team offers career counseling and the tools for you to be more successful in the interview process. We also have a large database of job vacancies all over the US to match any skill set. To learn more about how we can help you find your dream job, contact us today!