I have been applying for jobs since April of last year. While deployed, I tried to apply to at least one, if not two, jobs a week. That number fluctuated from week to week based on my own schedule, internet connectivity and motivation. That number also obviously increased once I got back. So in about nine months, I’d say that I’ve applied to well over 100 jobs. That’s a lot of jobs. But, the frustrating number is that only two of that 100 responded positively to the resume or application I submitted. The first was while I was deployed and they needed to fill the position immediately. The second only came a few weeks ago.
When I went through the Navy’s transition program to help prepare me for life “after the Navy”, they fed me a week of confidence building statements. ”Your experience is incredibly valuable to civilian employers.” ”You will get hired immediately based on your military experience.” ”Your resume will speak for itself when you list your military experience.” I admit that I had a mini panic attack during that week because I was faced with a pending six-month deployment followed by immediately separating from the Navy without any job prospects. But the transition advisor helped me see the quality and value in my resume and said not to worry. ”Ok, cool,” I thought to myself. ”I’ll have something lined up in no time.” WRONG. Almost a year later and with only two bites at my resume, I’m less than confident that those “assurance statements” we were fed in transition class were any bit of value. It’s hard to believe that any of what we learned in transition class and all of POTUS’s Veterans employment initiatives are actually reaching Veterans and helping us find jobs within our skill level.
I just completed two retail applications to work in the mall. Not to sound incredibly self-important, but I’m a highly functioning and professional adult who has spent the last four years in mid-level management, responsible for millions of dollars of high-tech equipment and coordinating events and functions involving heads of state, military leaders and civic professionals in foreign countries. But yet, I’ve received countless rejection emails telling me I’m not “qualified” for the position. It’s as if I’m being punished for putting a potential career on hold and choosing to serve in the military. I know I am incredibly fortunate because I was able to afford to take time off, play, have fun and romp through Europe when I got back from deployment. But now that reality has started to settle in, I’m beginning to feel the stresses of unemployment and have resorted to positions that are well beneath my capability level. Have I ever worked a cappuccino machine? No, but I’m pretty sure that if a high school student can be a Starbucks shift supervisor, then so can I. But regardless of what the job is or isn’t, it’s a paycheck and a source of income, no matter how little.
Being unemployed by choice was fun for a bit. But now it’s time to grow-up and get a big-girl job. The only question is, who is going to hire me?
Ali, Have you had an unbiased non-military career professional take a look at your resume? I know that a common issue for peeps coming out of the military is translating what the military does to civilian speak. You might have the experience, but it’s written in a different language. Disregard if you’ve already done so
Very well said and very true. I had to take a 50% pay cut and feel significantly under employed. I wish more people would help raise this issue.
Ali, Where are you right now? Are you in PA? I’m only asking because my dad is an HR consultant here in Reading and he might be willing to look at your resume if you are in Reading area. He could either look it over, chat with you, or maybe could look for something for you! He gives great advice. You can email me at afream78@yahoo.com if you are interested. I don’t check your blog super often, but just happened to check out what you were up to today through it!