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

In August, the veteran unemployment rate crept up to 3.1% in the US.

When looking for work, many face unique challenges. 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 begin overcoming these barriers and land the right job.

We talked with Rachelle Chapman, a military spouse and Director of the Adecco Military Alliance, to learn more about these challenges and her 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 employers.

Chapman points to a common example: Veterans are highly skilled in key areas like leadership.

“[They] 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 notes that veterans aren’t used to pitching themselves, their skills, or their knowledge, so they may not be fully aware of the value they bring to the table.

Research shows that 63% of companies would hire someone with skills like teamwork, time management, problem-solving, and leadership – and then train them on technical skills on the job.

As they start their search, job seekers should identify and emphasize those soft skills they developed while serving. Employers are on the lookout for them, so this is a great way to stand out from other applicants.

Give small companies a chance

Veterans are used to being part of a military organization with a global focus. When job hunting, they might be drawn to roles in large multinational companies that seemingly offer a greater sense of belonging and purpose.

However, smaller organizations can be especially rewarding for veterans, where there are more opportunities to lead and to make a greater impact.

If you’re new to the job market, smaller businesses could also offer you greater flexibility, a better chance to work on the type of projects that you like, and close-knit teams.

It’s also important to recognize that larger organizations can be more rigid in job requirements, role responsibilities, and growth opportunities.

Effectively translate your work experience

Don’t overlook the fact that recruiters most likely won’t have the same understanding of your professional experience within a military context. Chapman recommends avoiding military lingo and focusing on translating your background for your interviewer.

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 and 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 anticipate 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.”

Also, preparing an answer can help you feel more relaxed in your interview, so 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 you need to succeed in the interview process. We also have a large database of job vacancies all over the US to match any skillset.

To learn more about how we can help veterans find their next great job, contact us today!