Preparing for a Military Job Interview

What should I do to prepare for an interview for a civilian role that values military experience? Are there any specific questions or scenarios that are typically focused on for these types of roles?

When preparing for an interview for a civilian role that values military experience, it would certainly help to articulate your military skills in a way that is relatable to civilian roles. You'll want to highlight your transferrable skills and leadership experiences gained during your military service.

To prepare, here are some steps you can take:

1. Understand the Job Description: Review the job description thoroughly and make a list of the required skills and qualifications. Reflect on your military experiences that align with these expectations and prepare specific examples to highlight during your interview.

2. Translate Military Jargon to Civilian Terms: Many civilian employers may not be familiar with military terms or acronyms, so try to translate these into terms that people without military background will understand. Many resources exist online to assist veterans with this language translation.

3. Focus on Transferable Skills: Pay special attention to your leadership experience, ability to work under pressure and in a team, and your persistence, discipline, and reliability. These are crucial qualities you’ve developed in the military and they're sought after in the civilian workforce.

4. Prepare for Behavioral Questions: These are scenario-based questions designed to assess your skills and experiences. You can use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) to organize your responses. Examples of such questions could be "Tell me about a time when you lead a team in a high-stakes situation," or "Describe a situation where you had to make a tough decision under pressure."

5. Dress Appropriately: For a civilian job interview, typically a formal business dress code is expected. Even though you're emphasizing your military background, you'll want to adhere to civilian norms in this case.

6. Research the Company and Role: Understand the culture, mission, and vision of the company. Be ready to explain why you’re interested in transitioning to a civilian role, specifically at this company in this role.

7. Prepare Questions to Ask the Interviewer: This can include asking about the company culture, opportunities for advancement, and how the company values the skills of veterans.

Finally, it's key to remember to express your appreciation for the opportunity and your eagerness to contribute your skills to a civilian role. Highlighting your respect for procedure, your adaptability, and your leadership skills can go a long way in presenting yourself as an appealing candidate for the role. Good luck with your interview!