Basic Training for Your Job Hunt

Basic Training for Your Job Hunt – SCI Veteran Shares

Career transition is scary, confusing, and brings up a lot of questions.
Questions like “what are my options?” “what am I good at?” and “how can I apply my skills now to my next job?” Richard Abrams knows about transition. He recently joined Southern Careers Institute as our Executive Director of Military Operations. Prior to that, he served in the Army for 25 years and has worked with employers to help fill their staffing needs. He regularly holds career development workshops and career coaching for those that are looking for their next great gig.

Post-Military and Post-Millennials are A Lot Alike
Those that are leaving the military to pursue careers as civilians are a lot like recent graduates. They have developed a certain number of skills, gotten comfortable, and now it is time to step into a completely different environment. One big difference in joining the military versus joining the workforce is basic training. No matter if you enlist in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, or Coast Guard, you’ll be going through 7-12 weeks of daily drills that are mentally and physically challenging. Following basic training, military men and women are now cemented with a toughness and discipline that make those in the armed forces their own ‘breed.’ Few understand, but many can appreciate what this means–especially those that are hiring.

“Early to the interview? That’s what I like to see.”

3 Soldier Skills that Pay the Bills
So what are the traits one acquires in the military that make you a valuable member of a team?

Being Mission-Driven
According to our expert Richard, military personnel are instilled with a drive that comes from a pride for their country and their respective organizations they represent. No one understands a ‘code of conduct’ better than someone that has served for the armed forces.

Punctuality
“‘On time’ is late,” says Richard, “and five minutes early is on time.” There is a repercussion if privates are late for drills and duties, instills them with impeccable timing. You will rarely see a veteran anything but early when arriving for a job interview.

Dedication
Would you ever halfway assemble a firearm? Neither would a soldier. Their mental discipline dictates that they fully commit to projects and ensure the job gets done. Their motivation comes in large part to their loyalty to their ‘company,’ or military unit, and the last thing they would want is to let them, or their professional colleagues down. Hiring Richard to give counsel to our veterans was one way we wanted to help those in transition understand their options. So what are yours? Don’t wait to reach out.

For more information about career or military assistance, call 844-783-6569, or click here to learn more about our programs and locations.