The James Dicks Blog

As a former U.S. Marine, I am extremely proud of my military background. Many of the men and women who are responsible for protecting our country are now being placed in a position of searching for their next career. Some of them have been fortunate enough to come back home to a job after a stint of active duty but many others have nothing but hope and anticipation to come home to once they are separated from the military.

In my own company, I have personally hired former Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard personnel to assume the management and technical responsibilities of my company and for good reason. Military people understand the importance of the mission. They have a keen sense of loyalty and are technically competent to handle just about any situation thrown at them. If they don’t know how, they quickly adapt and accomplish the job professionally.

As the economy starts to recover and companies are looking to hire again, I urge you to consider hiring the skilled veterans from all branches of the military. Last year the U.S. Army Reserve created the Employer Partnership Office, a public-private venture that encourages companies to hire the nation’s one million current and former Reserve Soldiers, and assists in the process. According to military sources, more than 800 organizations have already joined this group. According to reports, Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, retailers, local police departments and hospitals have signed on as associates in this pioneering partnership designed to satisfy personnel staffing needs in all 50 states.

I am one who always practices what he preaches. Recently I became a committee member of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense organization started in 1972 to promote cooperation between Reserve component members and civilian employers. Through this important role, the ESGR increases public awareness of the role of the employer, and works to develop a dialogue among employers, the ESGR Committees, and local National Guard and Reserve unit commanders and service members. The organization is the lead advocate within the Department of Defense for Reserve Component employers.

As you can see, the military puts a huge importance on taking care of the well being of their personnel, both while they are actively serving, as well as upon their departure. Now we need more HR Professionals and corporate management teams to understand the urgent need, as well as the benefits of hiring qualified military veterans. Military members have learned how to easily assimilate themselves into any situation; they’re always willing to do more than is required of them and do so without complaint. It’s just part of their character. They are accustomed to sacrificing for the good of the unit and usually bring that characteristic along with them when they enter the corporate community.

Recently, Major General James Sholar, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve Command wrote in an article supporting the Employer Partnership Office. He said, “As our economy grows strong again – and signs of a rebound in hiring are emerging more sharply month by month – more employers should join our efforts to find jobs and build careers for Soldiers and veterans. Beyond being good business, it serves a higher purpose. It lends stability to our families and strengthens our communities. It’s a smart, patriotic investment in our country for 2010. Above all, it gives us a chance to express the gratitude we all feel.” I couldn’t have said it better. Those individuals, who served and sacrificed for our country, deserve our gratitude and support. Contact the Employer Partnership Office at (703) 601-0898 or the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at 1-800-336-4590.

If you are in a position to help, I urge you to do so.

I know there are a lot of people out there today who have recently found themselves without employment and I also know it’s an “employers market” when it comes to who gets hired and who doesn’t.  Much of the cream of corporate America is searching for a position that will get them back in the workforce.  But before you go applying for everything you run across online, seriously consider your personal desires and talents. 

If you just left a corporate management position in a major U.S. city, are you ready to become management in the fast food industry?  Probably not.  But don’t get to the point where you compare your previous position to one that’s being offered to you today.  You might not make as much money, you may have to travel more (or less), and you may not have a corner office.  But consider whether any new employment opportunity fits your personality and your professional capabilities.

To begin with, get ready to do your homework.  Speaking of homework, you might consider going back to school to get a higher degree or take a vocational course; it can’t hurt.  But by homework, I mean, determine what it is you’d like to do.  This will give you a better idea of where to start looking.  Maybe you might consider getting into a different sector of you field or perhaps you’d like to completely change your area of expertise. 

One good lesson is to establish what your passions are and then guide your search in that direction.  What is it that you’ve always wanted to do but never had the chance because you were too busy “working.”  Now that you have that obstacle out of the way, maybe it’s time to write your novel, or paint your masterpiece, develop your catering business or buy that Bed & Breakfast in upstate New York.  What are you dreams – could be the time to start living them.

If you still want to get back into the traditional workforce, there are a variety of ways to find your new position.  Use your network.  Who do you know that can help you find your next career move?  Start calling them and reconnect with some people you haven’t talked to in months or years. 

There’s always the Internet.  While some people aren’t too excited about the Internet job boards, they just can’t be ignored.   Go on to some of the majors (Careerbuilder, Monster) and post your resume and create a personal profile.  Many of these sites will allow you to create a personal job search that will automatically send you an email highlighting the newest jobs that fit your specialty.  The government is doing a lot of hiring and there is a website specifically for finding government jobs (www.USAJobs.gov). You may also visit an actual company website or go and apply in person. 

While your personal goals and your unique personality will ultimately determine the perfect job for you, never forget that it is your professional (and personal) abilities and liabilities that will determine your performance.  Highlight your strongest abilities to the greatest extent possible and while you’ll never be perfect, there are probably some liabilities you can improve upon.  You’ve heard it said that finding a job is a full time job.  But let me add this, finding the “right” job adds to the process.  This will not happen overnight but when it does happen, you will be glad you searched and took the extra time to do so. You need to spend the time and energy in order to better assure yourself, and your next employer, the best outcome. It is always more beneficial to find a position where you can fit in and find personal contentment.  If you enjoy what you do, you’ll never “work” another day in your life!  Consider that when selecting your new position and good luck on your job hunt. 

One more thing – never give up – it will happen for you.