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Screening veterans can be a challenge. Even if recruiters and hiring managers are themselves veterans, it is not always easy to interpret how a veteran’s skills and experience transfer to a civilian job. They may tell you about their military occupation specialty, rank, and job duties. Knowing they’re a 13 echo, fire direction specialist, with the rank of corporal, does not help you.
“Can you tell me where you fell in the hierarchy of your unit or section?”
“What type of work does a 13 echo do?”
Once you have those answers you will want to probe even deeper.
“You have listed that you have ‘primary leadership development course’ under your ‘training’ section of your resume. Can you tell me more about that?”
The more questions you ask the better you can determine if the role aligns with their military experience.
I’ve served over 5 years in the US Army as a 13E Fire Direction Specialist. I did exit the service with an honorable discharge at the rank of corporal. I earned Army Achievement Medals with 3 oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon x2, National Defense Service Medal. I had completed PLDC and was assistant section chief. What does all this mean to you?
Have questions about screening veterans or the military world? Let me know in the comments or email me: Sean@TalentJockey.com
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