Military to Civilian Translation

Posted by Ms. Babble

May 13, 2007

Yesterday I had a job interview for a position at a distribution center. Nothing about it relates to my degree in English. This sort of technicality doesn’t concern most graduates anyway. I found myself incredibly nervous as I hadn’t had an interview since the last traditional job I held (I interviewed for them in 2003). I worked at that place for two years and was then sent to Iraq for a 14 month stint. I’m now an interviewing greenhorn and completely unpracticed in the form of ass kissing.

My interviewer literally read off a list of questions for me to answer which obviously didn’t account for the fact that my last “job” was being in a war.

“Did you ever have any safety accidents in your previous job?”
(Do bullets and mortor rounds count?)

“In your previous job, were there any policies that you didn’t agree with? If so, who did you talk to about it?”
(Where do I begin. Government policy? Unit policy? Should I have written the president?)

“How many times did you call in sick?”
(There’s no such thing as calling in sick. If you can walk, you’re at work.)

After a half hour of trying to mold my answers into something this job could identify with, I was exhausted. I was suprised at how mentally taxing it was. Not to mention how exhausting it is to be a suck up. I’m crossing my fingers.

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Military, My Life in General

Comments

Comment by Nicole B on 14 May, 2007 @ 10:42 am

Good luck.

Comment by Jack on 16 May, 2007 @ 4:26 am

Haha, I read this the other nite and forgot to comment.

But it’s lame the way they are employing folk, but aren’t savvy to the fact that a lot of people are gonna be vets. If I was hiring, I reckon I’d be able to instantly see that you’d be a good employee based on my reading of your blog for the last couple of years or whatever it is.

And if I was hiring, I’d be ready for all the vets looking for a job. Anyway, post-Bush there will be a need for people with military experience and degrees.

Comment by Pixie on 17 May, 2007 @ 12:28 am

I will own my own business some day. I will hire people like you. In the “mean” time… I know. I’m so sorry. Kinda like a mom going back to work after 15 years at home with the kids.

How to explain that you are so super-capable of multi tasking… how to explain that in any situation presented you are capable of handling and resolving…

How to explain that you are actually hyper-qualified for the job you’re applying for without shooting yourself in the foot (being disqualified because you’re OVER qualified).

I adore and respect you Ms. Jami.

Remember: YOU are choosing where you WANT to work… it’s not up to them, it’s up to you.

Follow your bliss, sister.

LOVE.

Comment by Amy on 22 May, 2007 @ 10:54 pm

Hey-
Good luck with your post-collegiate job! I have been reading your blog for the past few weeks; I started to after I saw it on the card for the falconer. I was in your lit class, apparently, and just graduated as well. So sorry I did not get to know you then. I, too, am older (30 in April!) than most undergrads, and just graduated. I really enjoy your blog, and admire you in a “virtual” sense. I am just sorry that I had no idea someone like yourself was in my class, struggling through “Piers Plowman” with me. Maybe I should look around more. Keep writing! Really enjoyed the Qatar stuff- but that’s another story. Wish you the best. Hope you are well and happy.