6 Critical Job Interview Tips Veterans Need to Know

Do you need job interview tips to help get through it stress-free?

As a veteran, just landing the interview is hard enough. To do so, you need a stand-out resume that will make you look as desirable as experienced civilian candidates.

But your resume can only take you so far.

If you want to increase your chances of actually landing the job you apply to, you’ll also need to deliver a top-notch interview.

These six job interview tips can help you put your best combat boot forward and get the job offer you deserve:

#1 – Show Them You Care About the Interview

Often times, the littlest things can have the biggest impact, especially when compared to other candidates. Things, like arriving on time, dressing professionally, writing a good resume, and being courteous, can go a long way in making a positive impact on your interview.

When you can show them you’re a serious applicant who truly wants the job, the recruiter will be able to seriously consider you.

#2 – Stay Away from Military Jargon

Unless the company recruiter is also a veteran, your military jargon will be lost on them. They might not understand all the terms you became familiar with and used on a daily basis. Using them in an interview doesn’t help the recruiter to learn anything about you other than the fact that you were in the military.

Make the most of your time by speaking in common language. It may take a little translating on your part if you’re accustomed to speaking military-ese, but it’s absolutely necessary to demonstrate your most valuable assets and not just your knowledge of military terms.

#3- Relate How Your Training and Skills Apply to the Civilian Workforce

You likely won’t be heading into battle or flying the company plane in your new career. As impressive as those skills are, employers would rather hear about the skills and knowledge you learned that will relate to the applied for job.

If you achieve a special certification, received recognition or an award, or underwent training in a particular area, be prepared to talk about it. But more importantly, you also need to explain why these things are essential in the interview.

Don’t just tell what you did – make it relevant to the job.

#4 – Be Confident, but Not Overly Confident

Chances are, the other candidates you’re competing against won’t have nearly the accomplishments you’ll have (unless they too are veterans). They might not know the first thing about bombs, assault weapons, driving military vehicles, or a host of other unique experiences.

However, remember that they’ll have their own competitive advantages that deserve as much consideration as your own. College degrees, civilian work history, stellar references, and other factors might make an applicant more desirable to a company than your ability to, say, load an AR-15.

It’s important to be confident when interviewing, but don’t assume you’ll be the best candidate for the job.

#5 – Provide All-Star References

Not all employers check for references (or even ask for them), but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t offer them. When a recruiter looks at your references and sees recommendations from high-ranking military individuals, you’ll look all the more qualified.

Don’t settle for a personal reference from your old bunkmate, either. The higher the rank, the more attractive it looks. Get letters of recommendations when possible and include them with your resume.

#6 – Reiterate Your Dedication and Work Ethic

The last of our job interview tips will help seal the deal and get your hired.

Being part of the United States military is no easy feat. It’s an accomplishment that not many have the desire or the qualifications to achieve. And it certainly isn’t for the weak.

When the recruiter asks why you should be hired, don’t be afraid to fall back on your military background to distinguish yourself as a qualified candidate. Service men and women must be dedicated, hardworking, punctual, loyal, and able to adapt to any situation.These are highly desirable qualities in any candidate, regardless of the type of work involved.

Use them to your competitive advantage to set yourself apart from other candidates.

Wrap Up

Applying for a civilian job is a unique experience, and it’s one that many new veterans find they have not prepared adequately. Use the above job interview tips and other resources to help you in your upcoming interview and enjoy your new career.