Category: Featured Transition

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Guard & Reserve – Assistance for You and Your Employer

Step-by-Step Guide to Employment: Guard and Reserve – Assistance for You and Your Employer

After you find that perfect job, you might wonder how being a guard or reserve member will fit into your civilian career. What are your responsibilities and what are your employer’s responsibilities? What assistance is there out there for both of you?

The good news is that ESGR ( Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) is there to help. They are a Department of Defense office that was started in 1972 in order to promote cooperation and understanding between service members in the Reserve Component of the military and their civilian employers. They have partnered with the Department of Labor to offer FAQs concerning USERRA. USERRA (The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act) protects the civilian employment of active and reserve military personnel in the United States when called to active duty.

Is there protection from discrimination?

The #1 question many guard and reserve members have is about what protection there is when it comes to discrimination of an employee based on past or present military service. According to USERRA, an employee must not deny initial employment, reemployment, retention in employment, promotion, or any benefit of employment to an individual on the basis of their military service. There are other protections against an employer retaliating against you because of your service. So yes, within the USERRA, there are many protections having to do with being discriminated against because of your military service.

What do I have to do as an employee in order to be eligible for these protections under USERRA?

As an employee, you want to make sure you are giving your employer as much advance notice as possible for your drill and other service dates. Give your employer your drill schedule when it comes out and update them on any changes as you get them.

You also need to return to your job from military service in a timely manner. USERRA has some guidelines for returning to work. If you are gone between 1-30 days, you need to go back to work the next scheduled day after your service ends. That means if you get back on a Sunday night, you should be at work Monday morning. If you are gone between 31-180 days, you will have 14 days after you return, and with 181+ days, you would have 90 days to return to work. This will give you time after a longer period of service.

Can employers contact your chain of command?

Yes, military departments are required to verify periods of service if an employer requests that information. Employers can and do reach out to your chain of command if need be under USERRA.

Is there a limit to the total amount of time I could be away for military service?

Yes, there is actually a length of time you can be away for military service and still retain your reemployment rights. You have up to five cumulative years of military service. Now, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you as the employee are unable to obtain orders releasing you from service before the expiration date of the five-year period, and there is nothing you can do about it, that could qualify for an exception.

Does USERRA cover independent contractors?

Unfortunately, USERRA does not cover independent contractors. If you are one, you would need to make sure you are able to work something out with who you are currently working for.

On the ESGR page, you can also find sample letters to tell your employer about upcoming military service, checklists, and everything you need to know about USERRA and what that means for you in your civilian job.

Employers can also use ESGR as they have resources such as an Employer Resource Guide to help understand the law and what USERRA entails.

 

 

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Guard & Reserve – Being Discreet About Your Reservist Status

Step-by-Step Guide to Employment: Guard/Reserve – Being Discreet About Your Reservist Status

As a National Guard service member or a member in the Reserves, you could be wondering if it is okay to share your reservist status when you are in a job interview. Does a future employer have the right to that information? Are you legally bound to tell them? Why might there be reasons to do so?

These are all important questions to the guard/reserve service members looking for a new job. The truth is, some future employers will be okay with you disclosing your service and some won’t be, and you might not know if the reason you don’t get the job is because of your status if you do bring it up. In fact, it is probably better not to.

Disclosing Is Not Required

There is no legal requirement for a guard or reserve member to have to disclose that during a job interview. Due to USERRA, the employer may not deny you employment because you are in the service, however, it is a little bit more complicated than that.

What Is USERRA?

USERRA stands for The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. This was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1994 to protect the civilian employment of active and reserve military personnel in the United States when called to active duty.

Under USERRA you have:

  • Reemployment Rights – where you have the right to be reemployed in your civilian job if you have to leave the job to perform service in the military.
  • The Right to Be Free From Discrimination and Retaliation – this includes that an employer may not deny you initial employment, reemployment, retention in employment, promotion, or any benefit of employment because of your status.
  • Health Insurance Protection – which means if you leave the job because of military service, you have the right to elect to continue your existing employer-based health plan coverage for you and your dependents for up to 24 months while in the military. You also have the right to be reinstated into their health plan when you are reemployed.

The U.S. The Department of Labor, Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) is authorized to investigate and resolve complaints of USERRA violations. You can read more about USERRA here.

Should You Disclose Your Status?

In most cases, it is probably best to not disclose your status when you are interviewing for jobs. You should keep your guard and reservist status discreet. This means that you don’t have to offer that information, but you also don’t want to lie about it if it comes up.

As stated above, USERRA does prohibit companies from denying employment to you as a reservist. However, that can be a thin line when it comes to legal protection. The truth is, some employers might not want to hire you because of it. They might assume you would need time off every week or be gone more than you actually would be. An employer could also easily get around the USERRA rules during the hiring process.

That being said, in some situations, sharing your reservist status might be better to share. You might feel like your service is an asset to your work history, or you know that the company is military and veteran friendly and has hired many reservists in the past. You will need to decide if you need to be discreet about your service or not.

Keep in mind that after you do start your job, USERRA will require you to provide your employer notice of military service in a timely manner. This is so they can plan accordingly and would make for a better relationship overall.

 

 

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Military Transition Roadmap – Step 7

Step 7: Negotiating The Offer

Why is Negotiating The Offer Important?

Negotiating an offer of employment is important in making sure you are getting compensated for the experience you will bring to the role. The most common component negotiated in an offer of employment is salary. Your ability to negotiate your starting salary is based largely on how well you did in the interview.

Basic components of an offer:

  • Salary
  • Bonuses
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package

Salary

There are 3 salary points to consider;

  • Base salary
  • Midpoint
  • Top of the range

The 3 salary points of a position allow for raises based on performance. Starting at the top of the range means you can immediately fill all requirements and come with more expectations. Starting at the base or midpoint allows you to grow and learn in your new role which can lead to salary increases later on, be realistic about where you are.

Bonuses

The bonus structure is generally tied to the level and function of your role. It is only occasionally negotiable.

The important part of any bonus is knowing:

  • The average payout
  • How much is tied to your performance
  • How much is tied to the company’s performance

Comprehensive Benefits Package

An employer will usually offer medical benefits through health insurance. Not all health insurance plans are the same.

Comprehensive benefits package generally offer:

  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Short-term or long-term disability insurance
  • Paid vacation time
  • Paid holidays
  • Sick/personal leave time
  • Retirement savings plan
  • Profit sharing
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • And more depending on the company

Some elements can be negotiated, and some elements are directly tied to your position level or job function.

When to negotiate?

If the job meets your criteria, but the compensation does not, then it is time to negotiate. Treat it like a counteroffer. You will need to write it down being clear and specific on which components need to be increased. You will need to clearly communicate your value in a counteroffer.

Counteroffer Tips:

  • Make sure you speak with the recruiter or hiring manager
  • Show your gratitude for the offer and excitement about the role
  • Highlight your ability to make an impact
  • Be clear and upfront with your counteroffer

Note

  • If the first offer was below 20% of what you were looking for, an increase of 5% to 10% might be the only realistic option
  • Your personal expenses and needs are not a factor here, only the value you bring to the role

Counteroffer Example

I am excited about this role and very grateful for the offer, I have confidence that I can drive results. I am eager to join the team and if we could get to [desired dollar amount] as a base with the sign-on we discussed, I’d accept and be willing to start right away.

Not Every Job Offer needs to be Negotiated

Consider 3 things before negotiating an offer:

  • Does the offer I received meet my expectations? – If the answer is yes, there is no need to negotiate an offer.
  • Am I currently unemployed and do I have the financial security to wait for another offer? – If the answer is yes, I am unemployed and no I don’t have the financial security to wait for other offers, then you might want to take any offer you get.
  • Is my current job in jeopardy? – If the answer is yes, then consider your options if you should negotiate any offers.

Why doing the exercise is important?

Understanding what is negotiable will make sure you are happy with the offer you have accepted. Keep in mind what components are generally negotiable so that you don’t miss out on any opportunities you may have had.

It is important to be prepared if you are going to negotiate an offer. You will not only need to be clear in what you are asking for but be able to reiterate your value and show that you are their best hiring choice. Doing the work upfront will help you navigate this portion of the hiring process with ease. Use our Counter Offer worksheet to help you navigate an offer when you get one.

Review Past Exercises

Defining Your Focus

If you need to complete updated compensation information for the role you applied for.

Research what the low level, mid level, and high level compensation is for the job you applied for. What are you willing to accept? What components do you need to negotiate to reach your ideal offer?

What Makes You Great

This will remind them of why they want to hire you and how you will be a good fit for the team and will contribute to company goals, making you the best choice for the job.

Communicating Your Value

Sometimes you need to remind yourself of your value as the negotiating process can be hard. You are asking them to compensate you for your skills and experience earned over time.

 

Download the Exercises

Step 7: Create A Counteroffer

Step 7: Components To Negotiate

 

 

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Military Transition Roadmap – Step 6

Step 6: Interview Follow-Up

 Why is Interview Follow-up Important?

First impressions don’t stop at the door when you arrive at your interview, your professional conduct before and after the interview gives the interviewer insights into who you are.

The interview was a chance for you:

  • To learn about the role
  • Gain insights into what is important to them
  • Allow you to show appreciation for their time and consideration

Complete Your First Impression

Within 24 hours of your interview, complete your first impression by sending a “thank you” note or email to each person who interviewed you and helped you get the interview.

Doing this allows you the opportunity to:

  • Continue the process
  • Find out the next steps if they were not covered in the interview
  • Build relationships with everyone who has assisted you
  • Demonstrate your soft skills

It is also important to keep in mind that your employment urgency level may differ from their urgency level to fill the role. Along with conducting interviews, your interviewer has their day-to-day functions to worry about. Be patient here, second interviews can happen within days or weeks from your first interview.

Behind the scenes, they are:

  • Seeking feedback
  • Discussing impressions from the interview
  • Discussing things with the hiring manager

These things take time so be patient and put your best foot forward by making sure to follow-up

Checking In

Depending on the role you have applied for and what is going on in the company, hearing back from the company has no timeline. Companies make hiring decisions very differently, don’t be afraid to check in if you haven’t heard anything for a few weeks. Checking in reminds them that you are interested in the job.

Why doing the exercise is important?

First impressions don’t stop at the interview, make sure you get the tips you need to complete your first impression by having a strategic follow-up plan.

Soft skills are an asset and candidates who demonstrate respect, thoughtful communication, and active listening skills will make a memorable impression. Following up allows you more points of contact and always allows you to demonstrate your soft skills.

Follow-Up Interview Tips

  • Follow-up within 24 hours of the interview
  • This is an opportunity to mention something you forgot in the interview or would like to expand on
  • Make sure to use the name of the interviewer and the company name
  • Be concise, clear, and straight to the point
  • Make sure to proofread
  • Make sure you have everything on hand if you offered a sample of work
  • Keep paraphrases between 1 to 3 sentences

 

Download the Exercises

Step 6: Email Follow-Up Template

Step 6: Email Check-in Template

 

NEXT STEP >  Step 7: Negotiating the Offer

 

 

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Military Transition Roadmap – Step 5

Step 5: Networking

Why is it important to network?

Networking is very important to your future career, sometimes it is not just enough to apply for jobs. Most jobs are obtained through employee referrals or networking. Networking is also a great way to gain mentorships from professionals.

2 Types of Networking

  • Virtual Networking – which is networking with people who share the same goals or interests from all over and/or places like LinkedIn.
  • Local Networking – which is making connections in your local community, understated but vital to your career.

When networking you need to consider

  • Can this person help me?
  • Do they have the ability to say yes?
  • Can they connect me to the person who can say yes?
  • Do they have the experience and knowledge I am looking to gain?
  • Is this a meaningful connection?
  • How can I bring value to them?

Personal Brand

It is important that when you are networking that you have developed your personal brand that can speak to people without explanation and makes clear what your interests are. The best place to display your personal brand is LinkedIn. LinkedIn allows you to control your narrative and make meaningful connections with industry leaders. Your personal brand can be built using the professional summary you did in a previous exercise.

Professional Contacts

A professional contact is somebody with whom you build a genuine relationship with around a common interest or goal. This is someone who you will get to know and you will want to allow them to get to know you. A very important point to remember is you never start with an ask from someone.

You first provide them:

  • A follow/like
  • Connect them to a resource
  • Connect them with a contact of your own
  • Connect them to a group or community

Professional Contact Management

A huge part of making sure your professional contacts are leading to networking opportunities is managing those contacts. An important way to do that is by keeping records of important information about these contacts by maintaining a spreadsheet.

You will want to keep track of:

  • Where they work
  • Family information
  • Interests
  • When you last spoke
  • Ways you can help them

Check in with these contacts by saying hi every so often and sending a card for special occasions or holidays. Maintaining professional contacts allows you to have meaningful connections with those that might help connect you to an opportunity down the road.

When you do speak with a contact make sure to always:

  • Thank them for their time
  • Express your gratitude for the information shared
  • Thank them for the connections made

Why doing the exercise is important?

Studies have shown that 80% of all roles are filled through professional contacts. Making sure to put time into connecting with people you already know by letting them know you are looking for work and connecting with people you don’t know who are in career fields or industries you want to be in. This can increase your chances of landing the job you are looking for.

Professional Networking Template

Use the professional networking template to reach out and build on relationships you already have or create new ones.

It is important to:

  • Build a powerful network of genuine relationships
  • Continually invest in others, like you would a friendship
  • Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who are where you want to be

Professional Contacts Spreadsheet

Manage your professional contacts through a spreadsheet. This tool can help you throughout your career as it is a surefire way to keep and grow connections. It is not enough to just have a large list of connections if you know nothing about them or aren’t leveraging them in a meaningful way.

 

Download the Exercises

Step 5:Professional Networking Message Template

Step 5: Networking And Personal Contact Spreadsheet

 

NEXT STEP >  Step 6: Following Up On the Interview

 

 

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Military Transition Roadmap – Step 4

Step 4: Conquer the Interview

 Why is it important to Conquer the Interview?

To conquer the interview, you first need to understand what an interview is and its purpose. Knowing the purpose of an interview makes it easier to plan and your only plan in an interview is to give them reasons to say yes to hiring you. You will need to demonstrate reason throughout your interview answers that show you have the capabilities and experience to deliver value to the company.

The interview has 5 parts:

  1. Conversation
  2. Questions
  3. Closing the interview
  4. Next steps
  5. The follow-up

The Conversation

The interview is a conversation between you and the company to determine:

  • If you can perform the requirements of the job
  • Provide value worth compensating you for
  • Possess the potential to do more than the role you applied for
  • Evaluate your behavior/mindset
  • See if you can fit in with the team

Tips on Conquering the Conversation

  • How do you go about driving them to say yes?  – Results.
  • How do you showcase the results you have accomplished from past performances?  – You lead with the bottom line first. Facts, figures, and measurables are what they want to hear from you.

Give the bottom line first and then answer the “why and “how”

  • The “why” and “how” speaks to:
  • How you collaborated
  • Applied critical thinking skills
  • Applied problem-solving skills
  • Executed tasks
  • The lessons you learned

Bottom line results are your objective assets, and the “why” and “how” are your subjective assets.

Evaluating your Behavior and Mindset

Evaluating your behavior/mindset will be questions around your subjective traits and will be asked in the form of hypotheticals. Sometimes these questions can come out of the blue or catch you off guard, take a few seconds to think on the question before you answer.

Make sure that your answers will:

  • Highlight mindset
  • Provide the BLUF (Bottom Line UpFront)
  • Highlight your skills

Questions

Make sure that you have relevant questions to ask that help you define the role you are applying for. The best way to do this is to make sure you have read and reread the job description and research the company ahead of time. It is a good idea to come prepared with 3 to 4 questions that help you define the role but also allow you to further showcase your value and lead them to say yes to hiring you.

Everything you do in an interview has the goal of giving them reasons to say yes to you, even the questions you ask.

Question Pitfalls

During the first interview, it is not the time to ask questions that relate to anything other than performing the job. The first interview is to showcase yourself and why you are the best fit for the job.

Don’t ask about:

  • Pay
  • Time off
  • Benefits

You will have time to discuss these important topics if you are selected for the position later.

Closing The Interview

What is the best way to close the interview? It is very simple and straightforward…express your interest. Leave no doubts in their mind that you want this job.

Next Steps

An important part of the interview and making sure that it ends on a positive note is asking for the next steps, such as:

  • When can you expect to hear back?
  • Who should you email for further instructions?
  • Who should you coordinate with?

Also, make sure to ask for a business card. This further enforces that you want the job and are a forward thinker.

The Follow-Up

After every interview, it is still good practice to send a thank-you note or email for their time which gives you another opportunity to express your desire to become a part of their team.

Why doing the exercise is important?

By practicing common interview questions and questions designed to gauge your past behavior/mindset, you will develop useful techniques to frame your answers to showcase your abilities to perform the job you are applying for.

Remember:

  • These questions are often accompanied by follow-up questions that will cover the “why” and “how” you accomplished a task
  • Talking about yourself in a way that leads people to say yes is not easy, but it will get easier if you take the time to reflect on these common interview questions

This exercise will combine your answers in the previous steps. It is imperative that you write your answers to these questions and then practice them. Make sure to also be able to answer follow-up questions of the “why” and “how”.

 

Download the Exercises

Step 4: What You Want To Communicate Worksheet

Step 4: Common Interview Questions Worksheet

Step 4: Common Behavioral Questions Worksheet

 

NEXT STEP >  Step 5: Networking

 

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Military Transition Roadmap – Step 3

Step 3: Communicate Your Value

Why is it important to communicate your value?

Communicating your value is extremely important in the job search process as it shows confidence in the abilities you gained through service.

Communicating your value is vital for:

  • The interview
  • Your resume
  • LinkedIn profile
  • Professional profiles on job boards
  • Cover letter
  • Other professional bios

Let’s Talk Resumes

Communicating your value on your resume is the most important thing because you need your resume to stand out and communicate your value with no further explanation needed. Your resume’s sole purpose is to communicate that you have the experience they are looking for and entice the hiring manager to set up an interview.

There are two basic resumes that hiring managers prefer, the functional resume and chronological resume. The most recommended resume type to use is the functional resume, although it is a good idea to have both on hand.

Resume Tips

  • Resumes should be no longer than two pages, no matter what
  • Make sure that your accomplishments, competencies, impacts made, and bottom-line results can be easily and quickly identifiable on your resume

Free Resources

  • Sample functional resume, click here to download
  • Sample chronological resume, click here to download
  • Sample cover letter, click here to download

Why doing the exercise is important?

Being able to communicate your value in many forms only shows potential employers that you care about the work you do and value your own skills and abilities. This helps set you apart from other candidates. Taking the time to write down and commit to memory what makes you valuable to a potential employer can turn any networking conversation into an employment opportunity.

Complete this exercise and you will have done the work needed to:

  • Communicate your value on a resume
  • Turn conversations into employment opportunities
  • Complete a LinkedIn bio
  • Complete professional profiles on job boards
  • Complete professional bio for cover letters and other uses
  • Pick a resume type and build out a master resume with information from Step 2 and 3

 

Download the Exercises

Step 3: Professional Resume Summary Example

Resume Samples

Step 3: Chronological Resume

Step 3: Functional Resume

 

NEXT STEP >  Step 4: Conquer the Interview

 

 

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Military Transition Roadmap – Step 2

Step 2: What Makes You Great

Why is it important to know what makes you great?

Many job seekers don’t know what makes them great. Not knowing what has contributed to your success can make it impossible to sell yourself in an interview. Knowing your leadership style, problem solving methodologies, and even translating your military experience are all things you didn’t have to think about while in the military, you just did them. What made you great in the military will make you great outside the military.

Do you know what makes you great?

Great accomplishments on your resume is not going to be enough if you cannot describe them and your contributions to the team in terms a civilian hiring managers can understand.

You need to be able to answer questions like:

  • What differentiates you from other candidates?
  • What can you contribute to the team?
  • Why should I hire you?

Make a List of Your Subjective and Objective Assets

  • Subjective assets – descriptors or adjectives such as humble, team player, resilient, problem solver, or creative.
  • Objective assets – are points of fact that are quantifiable, such as having a bachelor or master’s degree, language proficiency, and 40% increase in readiness. Objective assets will be put on your resume.

This is a very important step in the transition process and is often overlooked. It is important to define your strengths so that you can:

  • Highlight how your skills can contribute to the organization
  • Highlighting opportunities for improvement
  • Shows that you are aware of areas that you are not naturally good at
  • Demonstrate your ability to improve yourself

Knowing what makes you great is how you stand out among other applicants-it is not just about stating what you have done on a resume.

Why doing the exercise is important?

Completing “What Makes you Great” exercises will require some self-reflection conducting a personal inventory.

These exercises will be:

  • The foundation for your resume
  • Your LinkedIn profile
  • Prepare you for an interview

You will be able to:

  • Speak to your growth areas more accurately in an interview
  • Provide you examples of your subjective assets
  • Define your leadership style
  • Develop a list of objective assets to use on a resume

 

Download the Exercises

Step 2: 5 Subjective Traits Worksheet

Step 2: List Objective Assets Worksheet

Step 2: Self-Assessment Worksheet

 

NEXT STEP >  Step 3: Communicate Your Value

 

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Military Transition Roadmap – Step 1

Step 1: Defining Your Focus

Why is it important to define your focus?

The first mistake people make is to start the process without defining their focus. Defining your focus allows you and your family to visualize what success looks like before beginning your transition or new career search. You must do the work and take the time to write down what your focus is, this process brings clarity and direction.

Key Areas to Define:

    • Location
    • Career Focus
    • Industry

Defining these key areas of focus gives you more insight into:

    • Where to find a job
    • Salary ranges in that area
    • Connections you might need to make
    • Cost of living to name a few

Industry and Career Research

It is important to put your time into researching your career options and what is available on the market. Take the time to research the industries you are interested in and companies within those industries and roles of interest.

Benefits of Industry and Career Research:

    • Help narrow your focus and give you a direction
    • Give you an idea of how you should market yourself to potential employers
    • Eliminates industries or career fields that you thought you might be interested in.
    • Insights on average compensation, and role requirements
    • Consider work atmosphere from employee reviews
    • Discover education and experience shortcomings that you can work to overcome
    • The advantage when tailoring your resume and interview responses to terms that are meaningful to them

Why doing the exercise is important?

Securing the optimal career path requires work upfront. Spending time defining your focus will help narrow your efforts and be more effective in the long run.

This first task should be completed with anyone who will be influencing your career choice or move (spouse). Completing this task together will help make sure everyone is aligned toward your success.

Take the time to fill out the “Defining Your Focus” Worksheet to help your job search be more strategic and geared toward your goals.

 

NEXT STEP: Download the Exercises

Step 1: Areas of Focus Worksheet

Step 1: Industries of Interest Worksheet

Transition Roadmap Checklist

 

NEXT STEP >  Step 2: What Makes You Great?

 

 

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