There’s an interesting discussion going on over at LinkedIn regarding the advantages and challenges of military experience during the process of looking for a job in the civilian workforce. It’s a very good read, with responses reflecting some very diverse attitudes and experiences. The original question posed was:

When you source candidates or consider applicants for a job, does military experience make a difference? (positive or negative) And does being a military spouse have any additional significance in a candidate selection?

In response, Jason I. writes:

I have found in the past that candidates with past military experience bring with them a highly structured and analytical toolkit with them to new positions. Yes, there can be a struggle at times to really understand what a candidate did in their past, preconceived notions on their end, etc. However, with a quick phone call you can help guide and educate these individuals when necessary to help set expectations.

At a large Biotech company I worked for, we specifically targeted a JMO (Junior Military Officer) program on the East Coast to bring aboard talent into a variety of different roles in the organization. They had no prior experience in Biotech, but brought with them skills that were easily transferrable in a lead role/situation and had much success.

Recruiting off of military resumes may take an additional amount of time and effort, however the reward can prove to be great in the long run.

However, as several users have noted, the process of getting hired for that job where military skills are highly valued is often fraught with challenges. As Jacqueline H. writes,

It’s hard to translate the skills of what veterans did while in the military~ie to know how it translates into the skills needed for the new job in question. I would suggest technical assistance for veterans writing resumes. I think that wouold probably be valuable in landing employment.

You can read the full discussion here.