Interview Tips for Veterans

As a military veteran, you possess a unique combination of knowledge and skills. Unfortunately, the unemployment rate for veterans who served in the military after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks is higher than the national unemployment rate. If you are concerned about finding a job in the current market, follow these interview tips for veterans.

1. Use Your Network

Don't be afraid to use your network of military contacts to find someone who can mentor you through your return to civilian life. Once you identify a potential mentor, explain that you are a military veteran and need help polishing your interview skills. Have your mentor conduct several mock interviews to give you an opportunity to answer common interview questions and work on your interview demeanor. Your mentor should also be willing to provide feedback on your resume or cover letter.

2. Eliminate Military Language

As a military veteran, you probably use a slew of acronyms and military-specific terms. It's okay to use these terms on your own time, but you need to eliminate them from your interview language if you want to communicate effectively. Unless you are interviewing with another military veteran, an interviewer is unlikely to understand these terms, making it difficult to get your message across. If you have to mention an acronym during your interview, make sure you spell it out and explain what it means.

3. Research the Culture

Before accepting an interview offer, be sure to research the company's culture. If you enjoyed the structured schedule of your military job, you may not want to work for a company that offers flextime or allows employees to attend yoga classes in the middle of the day. If you were tired of following such a structured schedule, you may find flexibility particularly attractive. Read as much as you can about the company to determine if the culture is formal or relaxed.

4. Translate Your Experience

As a military veteran, you need to be able to translate your military experience into something a civilian can understand. Take time to translate all of your military job duties and skills into "corporate speak" before your interview. Instead of telling the interviewer your military rank, for example, make statements such as, "I led a team of 250 people." The interviewer may not understand the intricacies of the military ranking system, but specific statements make it easier for interviewers to understand how your time in the military prepared you for a civilian job.

Finding a job isn't easy for anyone, but it's especially difficult for a military veteran who just returned to civilian life. Make the interviewing process easier by researching company culture, using your professional network to your advantage and following basic interviewing tips for veterans.

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