The military continues to be one of the very best hands-on training institutions in the United States, surpassing most vocational and technical schools. Unfortunately, the unemployment rate for veterans is at an all time high.
Current estimates have veterans’ unemployment at 11%, two points higher than the unemployment figures for the general population.
Warriors getting out of the military come with built-in skill sets learned from some of the best.
In active-duty military, the government pretty much tells the soldier what the job will be and rank often determines positions that are available.
In the private sector, things are decidedly different. For young men and women who enlisted and had the military as their first real job, job-hunting after separation might prove daunting.
There is more than getting a resume’ and job history in order before applying for a job in today’s market.
What should also be considered is that companies are no longer just looking for the most qualified person.
In addition to a glowing resume’, job references and good work history, (for military, an honorable discharge) employers are now routinely asking applicants to take a personality test, pass a drug test and criminal background check as well as a check of their financial history, including unpaid child support and or recent overdrafts on bank accounts.
These background investigations have become standard in most fields.
With the current culture of using social media sites, such as Facebook, don’t forget that prospective employers will log on and take a look at recent and prior postings. Posting wild party photos or pictures of winning a wet t-shirt contest might be fun for friends but not-so-desirable for a new boss.
If there is any reason to suspect your background check will not be as glowing as your resume’, be up front with your future employer. It could be the only chance you have to set the record straight.
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