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Started By
Message
Looking for resume and negotiation advice
Posted on 4/14/19 at 4:01 pm
Posted on 4/14/19 at 4:01 pm
Good afternoon members of tMoney Talk Board. I come here looking for advice with resume/cover-sheet and interview advice.
Background: I am a veteran who spent 10 years in the Marine Corps and afterward became a full-time student. I am finishing my bachelors this semester (General Studies) and have a Communications Associates. My studies have been primarily in business, management, and economics during the whole time. I took the associates in communications to complete school as fast as I could. I also chose to do a general studies degree since it allowed me to study what I wanted without having to do some prerequisites. It also allowed me to complete it in two semesters, only having to complete 26 hours of study. This was because of credits from my military experience and associates work. I have over 200 credit hours from military, associates and bachelors work combined.
Goal: I would like to achieve a job in HR, management, or strategy this fall. I have a resume completed by Hire Heroes - a seminar I attended - and I have been through many mock interviews and familiar with interviewing methods.
The resume points out the leadership experience over the 10 years of military, management experience, recruiting experience, quality assurance experience, maintenance/production control experience as well as the accomplishments that I was responsible for in those billets/positions. This experience that I listed was related to aviation in the Marine Corps.
Also to note, all of my college work was done in class at a community college and university.
Situation: I am graduating and this will be my first true look at the civilian market. I will be editing my resume to better reflect the job markets that I listed and tailor a cover sheet for those jobs as well.
Where I am lost is not knowing how valuable I actually am and what I should be shooting for. I met with the university career office and they told me to shoot for at least 50k, but when looking at what I have done and accomplished, I feel like I should be asking for more, especially with these goal positions.
I have not sent out any resumes yet, as I am planning on taking the summer off, with my wife having our third child in July. We are financially stable and have little debt. Basically, our only loan is our house payment and a small payment on a civic that I bought as a commuter. I will also graduate debt free, as I got paid to go to college. I am also considering going to grad school since I still have education credits left and if I did, I would be applying for MBA Management Program.
I know how to sell myself because of the experience I had selling young men and women on joining the military. I am curious if a masters would be worth it in my situation. I know an MBA would definitely up my salary, but I am ready to enter the workforce. I also am wondering what I should put for the last three years that I have been in school for the gap on my resume. Either way, any advice would be appreciated. TIA
Background: I am a veteran who spent 10 years in the Marine Corps and afterward became a full-time student. I am finishing my bachelors this semester (General Studies) and have a Communications Associates. My studies have been primarily in business, management, and economics during the whole time. I took the associates in communications to complete school as fast as I could. I also chose to do a general studies degree since it allowed me to study what I wanted without having to do some prerequisites. It also allowed me to complete it in two semesters, only having to complete 26 hours of study. This was because of credits from my military experience and associates work. I have over 200 credit hours from military, associates and bachelors work combined.
Goal: I would like to achieve a job in HR, management, or strategy this fall. I have a resume completed by Hire Heroes - a seminar I attended - and I have been through many mock interviews and familiar with interviewing methods.
The resume points out the leadership experience over the 10 years of military, management experience, recruiting experience, quality assurance experience, maintenance/production control experience as well as the accomplishments that I was responsible for in those billets/positions. This experience that I listed was related to aviation in the Marine Corps.
Also to note, all of my college work was done in class at a community college and university.
Situation: I am graduating and this will be my first true look at the civilian market. I will be editing my resume to better reflect the job markets that I listed and tailor a cover sheet for those jobs as well.
Where I am lost is not knowing how valuable I actually am and what I should be shooting for. I met with the university career office and they told me to shoot for at least 50k, but when looking at what I have done and accomplished, I feel like I should be asking for more, especially with these goal positions.
I have not sent out any resumes yet, as I am planning on taking the summer off, with my wife having our third child in July. We are financially stable and have little debt. Basically, our only loan is our house payment and a small payment on a civic that I bought as a commuter. I will also graduate debt free, as I got paid to go to college. I am also considering going to grad school since I still have education credits left and if I did, I would be applying for MBA Management Program.
I know how to sell myself because of the experience I had selling young men and women on joining the military. I am curious if a masters would be worth it in my situation. I know an MBA would definitely up my salary, but I am ready to enter the workforce. I also am wondering what I should put for the last three years that I have been in school for the gap on my resume. Either way, any advice would be appreciated. TIA
6
Posted on 4/14/19 at 10:19 pm to momentoftruth87
If you wanted to go into HR, why didn't you get an HR degree?
This post was edited on 4/14/19 at 11:30 pm
Posted on 4/15/19 at 12:01 am to momentoftruth87
quote:
I know an MBA would definitely up my salary,
Really common misconception. It may help you achieve a raise/promotion once you’re an established contributor in an organization, but it’s not going to be some huge bump in a starting salary. Experience is more valuable than an MBA (or any degree, but that’s a personal opinion).
My advice: Focus in on what you’re looking to do and get after it. You’ve already got a generalized degree but you need to be able to convince a potential employer how you can provide value. Bland/general (I’m looking for something in this or this or this) answers are not good. Have a vision on what you can do and become the best at it.
Lastly — Don’t price yourself out. Obviously you’ve got to come up with a number that makes you and your family comfortable, but nobody is paying you for the 10 years you spent in the Marines if you’re not going into some related field (law enforcement, security, etc). For the work gap, that’s not an issue if you list the years of education and include the time spent in the military on your resume. Any HR/recruiter who isn’t an idiot should see that.
Posted on 4/15/19 at 7:39 am to momentoftruth87
You have little to no ground to negotiate pay unfortunately, unless you go to an employer that knows a lot about military work and can have that translate into your new job description
Also I’d start applying now if I was you. With how long it takes most companies to act on resumes and the length of a hiring process, you may not have a chance to start a job before the end of summer
Also I’d start applying now if I was you. With how long it takes most companies to act on resumes and the length of a hiring process, you may not have a chance to start a job before the end of summer
Posted on 4/15/19 at 7:41 am to momentoftruth87
I agree with the posts above, if you wanted to get into HR, you should have studied HR. That being said, you need to realize that being in the military does not afford you a higher starting salary, unfortunately, no one cares about it (It may possibly help you standout in the interview process).
It was a shock for me getting out, and then going civilian as well. Shoot for slightly above market value, and work your up. Your work ethic should get you noticed relatively quick... unless you are a POS.
It was a shock for me getting out, and then going civilian as well. Shoot for slightly above market value, and work your up. Your work ethic should get you noticed relatively quick... unless you are a POS.
Posted on 4/15/19 at 8:28 am to momentoftruth87
quote:
I feel like I should be asking for more,
Don’t we all
The biggest thing, for your first civilian job, is getting a foot in the door and building experience. The 50k Job won’t be the last job you have, but you’ll need it in order to parlay into the 60k job, the 75k job, the 85k job, etc etc
Posted on 4/15/19 at 8:53 am to fillmoregandt
10 years of learn
After that you earn
Something to that extent is what I’ve always heard
After that you earn
Something to that extent is what I’ve always heard
Posted on 4/15/19 at 10:33 am to jimbeam
quote:
10 years of learn
After that you earn
Something to that extent is what I’ve always heard
20s are for learnin
30s are for earnin
Posted on 4/15/19 at 11:40 am to BenDover
quote:
Really common misconception. It may help you achieve a raise/promotion once you’re an established contributor in an organization, but it’s not going to be some huge bump in a starting salary. Experience is more valuable than an MBA (or any degree, but that’s a personal opinion).
I agree and that is the main reason for holding off on graduate school. Like I said, I am ready to enter the workforce.
quote:
My advice: Focus in on what you’re looking to do and get after it. You’ve already got a generalized degree but you need to be able to convince a potential employer how you can provide value. Bland/general (I’m looking for something in this or this or this) answers are not good. Have a vision on what you can do and become the best at it.
Solid advice and I am very much ready to get after it. This is why I created the post trying to see if you guys had any other pointers. I appreciate the information you and the others provided.
I also have a vision of what I can do and what I bring to the table. I know my degree is generalized, but as a non-traditional student, I felt like it was the best route for myself. I also feel like my OP was long, but I did not list everything that I can sell myself on. I am very aware of what I bring to the table and how I can translate my military experience to an employer.
quote:
Lastly — Don’t price yourself out. Obviously you’ve got to come up with a number that makes you and your family comfortable, but nobody is paying you for the 10 years you spent in the Marines if you’re not going into some related field (law enforcement, security, etc). For the work gap, that’s not an issue if you list the years of education and include the time spent in the military on your resume. Any HR/recruiter who isn’t an idiot should see that.
I am not too concerned about the salary and pricing myself out, I just know that my experience and education should bring at least 50k. Honestly, if there is a gig out there that is less, I am open to it. My family is already comfortable with the income that my wife and I already have.
Military experience does not have to be focused towards law enforcement, security, or fields like that. The experience that I have is in recruiting/sales (3 years), managing large numbers of Marines (80) that drove production, quality assurance/maintenance control over 300+ Marines driving success of flight operations and maintenance activities, certifying aircraft safe for flight. Also, I have documented experience in leadership, management, safety, operations, and communication.
I am not in anyway trying to sell anyone here, or think I know everything fwiw. My post was long, but it does not sell me. Also, me becoming a student at 28 after a decade in the military shows that I can do anything, I have been in school with the younger generation, and I am not the standard military guy that gets out without having a goal.
Again, I appreciate your advice and comments.
Posted on 4/15/19 at 11:43 am to Upperdecker
quote:
You have little to no ground to negotiate pay unfortunately, unless you go to an employer that knows a lot about military work and can have that translate into your new job description
I understand that I will probably have little ground to negotiate, but I dont feel like starting off hunting for 50k is really over shooting my worth. I have looked at the local job market and my resume is a match with many jobs that are over 50k. I know that does not mean anything, but I know my military work translates very well and I am very diversified.
quote:
Also I’d start applying now if I was you. With how long it takes most companies to act on resumes and the length of a hiring process, you may not have a chance to start a job before the end of summer
I will be applying soon because I understand that it isnt a quick process.
Thank you for your comments and suggestions.
Posted on 4/15/19 at 11:53 am to TheRustyShackleford
quote:
I agree with the posts above, if you wanted to get into HR, you should have studied HR. That being said, you need to realize that being in the military does not afford you a higher starting salary, unfortunately, no one cares about it (It may possibly help you standout in the interview process).
If you look at most HR openings, they arent really required for the positions. Most jobs that I have been searching just requires a bachelors. This was another reason why I decided to do the general studies degree. I know some will want it as well as other certifications, but I am more than confident that I could get an HR job if I wanted. Also, the three years experience as a recruiter selling the Marine corps is more than hounding kids in a parking lot. A lot of training goes into everything that I have done and that is why I am looking at HR as a possible career. My other experience as QA and Maintenance/Material control gives that experience as well.
Again, I am not trying to sell myself or think that I am someone special, but I feel like some might not understand how my experience translates. I will be more than confident to explain that to an employer.
quote:
t was a shock for me getting out, and then going civilian as well. Shoot for slightly above market value, and work your up. Your work ethic should get you noticed relatively quick... unless you are a POS.
First of all, TYFYS, and thank you for replying. It is nice to hear from others that have spent time in the military, and your advice is appreciated!
I have done some research for market value and what the prefered experience/requirements that are being sought after. I will most definitly take my position and work my way up. That is who I am. I am always 15 minutes early to classes still, professional, and a very hard worker. Far from a shitbird that is expecting something to fall into my lap.
Again, I appreciate your time to reply to me and the advice/comments you provided.
Posted on 4/15/19 at 12:10 pm to momentoftruth87
I'll say that you do a much better job of taking constructive feedback/criticism than the kid on here earlier who was complaining about his bonus + salary so I'll give ya that 
.
I don't think $50k is asking too much, that's pretty well aligned with college grads (traditional or not). You don't have to have an HR degree to get into it, I'm a corporate recruiter for a software company and I studied Sports Administration. I'm probably one of the least "HR" folks in the world and I landed in it.
My last point was moreso about what I see on my end here in Austin. Guys who work for 10 years in equity trading then all of a sudden switch careers, go to a coding bootcamp, and then say they're looking for $90k because that's what they were making at their last job. That's nice, but you're going to get an offer based on what you can provide to OUR organization, not based on what you recently were making in an entirely different industry.
If HR/recruiting is what you would like to get into, it's kind of tough to crack without experience. As much as I hated that world, working in the staffing industry was probably the best preparation I could've received. It's tough and cut throat but you'll find out pretty quickly if it's for you or not. You really do earn your stripes in that arena.
Before I get off my soapbox, I'll say that I always enjoy working with former military and they get preference from me. You never have to worry about those folks handling their business -- they're usually extremely self-disciplined and those are traits that're hard to find these days. Best of luck to you and we're rooting for you!
. I don't think $50k is asking too much, that's pretty well aligned with college grads (traditional or not). You don't have to have an HR degree to get into it, I'm a corporate recruiter for a software company and I studied Sports Administration
. I'm probably one of the least "HR" folks in the world and I landed in it. My last point was moreso about what I see on my end here in Austin. Guys who work for 10 years in equity trading then all of a sudden switch careers, go to a coding bootcamp, and then say they're looking for $90k because that's what they were making at their last job. That's nice, but you're going to get an offer based on what you can provide to OUR organization, not based on what you recently were making in an entirely different industry.
If HR/recruiting is what you would like to get into, it's kind of tough to crack without experience. As much as I hated that world, working in the staffing industry was probably the best preparation I could've received. It's tough and cut throat but you'll find out pretty quickly if it's for you or not. You really do earn your stripes in that arena.
Before I get off my soapbox, I'll say that I always enjoy working with former military and they get preference from me. You never have to worry about those folks handling their business -- they're usually extremely self-disciplined and those are traits that're hard to find these days. Best of luck to you and we're rooting for you!
This post was edited on 4/15/19 at 12:12 pm
Posted on 4/15/19 at 1:51 pm to momentoftruth87
Also,if you have not already done so.. Join the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), best way to connect with local professionals. If you are still in school, you can pay the student price. Good luck!
LINK /
LINK /
Posted on 4/15/19 at 7:36 pm to BenDover
quote:
I'll say that you do a much better job of taking constructive feedback/criticism than the kid on here earlier who was complaining about his bonus + salary so I'll give ya that
Thanks man. I am pretty critical about myself anyways, and came here to get some good info from you guys.
quote:
I don't think $50k is asking too much, that's pretty well aligned with college grads (traditional or not). You don't have to have an HR degree to get into it, I'm a corporate recruiter for a software company and I studied Sports Administration . I'm probably one of the least "HR" folks in the world and I landed in it.
I did not think so either. Especially where I am, where most people do not have bachelors. There are some big companies that I will be looking into though and will be commuting more than likely. That is cool that you studied that and ended up where you are. I am open to any oportunites, as long as the job will be a good one. I know I could get a sales job, but I am not looking to work weekends, so that is why I am trying to stick to the fields that I listed. Recruiting would be another job that I would be interested as well.
quote:
My last point was moreso about what I see on my end here in Austin. Guys who work for 10 years in equity trading then all of a sudden switch careers, go to a coding bootcamp, and then say they're looking for $90k because that's what they were making at their last job. That's nice, but you're going to get an offer based on what you can provide to OUR organization, not based on what you recently were making in an entirely different industry.
I can understand your point here. I wasnt trying to come off that way in my initial post, just more so know my worth in the area that I am in. I would like to get up there to 90+, but I know I will have to work my way up. That is no problem at all. I just dont want to take too low of an offer since I am in my 30's and get pushed to the side because of my age. I know that isnt old, but do feel like I am entering this older than most.
quote:
If HR/recruiting is what you would like to get into, it's kind of tough to crack without experience. As much as I hated that world, working in the staffing industry was probably the best preparation I could've received. It's tough and cut throat but you'll find out pretty quickly if it's for you or not. You really do earn your stripes in that arena.
Sounds great and something that I am up for!
quote:
Before I get off my soapbox, I'll say that I always enjoy working with former military and they get preference from me. You never have to worry about those folks handling their business -- they're usually extremely self-disciplined and those are traits that're hard to find these days. Best of luck to you and we're rooting for you!
I appreciate your comments and it is nice to see that most of the military members that you have worked with have panned out. I know its a concern for some people, but I have the goals I do because of hard work that I have put in. I never thought I would attend college, let alone graduate with a bachelor's and have an opportunity for a grad degree. I am the first in my family to get a college degree too. I'm a third generation Marine and brought up with manners and hard work ethic.
Again, thank you!
Posted on 4/15/19 at 7:37 pm to TheRustyShackleford
quote:
Also,if you have not already done so.. Join the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), best way to connect with local professionals. If you are still in school, you can pay the student price. Good luck!
Will look into it in a bit. Got home from school, had sons baseball practice and just ate. Again, thank you for suggesting that. If you have any other suggestions, send em on over!
Again, thank you for your time.
Posted on 4/15/19 at 9:55 pm to momentoftruth87
Yes to SHRM. Some of the regional chapters offer prep classes for the certification exam, and they’re always good for networking. Re: post military career, pls remember that you need to be a student of organizational culture wherever you land....don’t be that vet who thinks every org should run on military standards.
Posted on 4/15/19 at 10:14 pm to hungryone
quote:
don’t be that vet who thinks every org should run on military standards.
I'm a servant leader type. I want to be involved and I have seen many examples of shite leadership during my time in the military. I can also be that person that can bring urgency. I'm not looking to walk in and try to take it over. Tbh salary isn't an issue if it's a great business/corporation to work for.
Posted on 4/17/19 at 7:55 am to momentoftruth87
40-50k is a fair wage for a starting college grad with your degree and in the field you’re looking to go into. Be more focused on finding the right company to work for rather than the right role you are looking for. A good company with opportunities for growth and training will benefit you at this point in your start. HR can be a great career but don’t automatically put off an opportunity that doesn’t meet the HR path.
As far as the military experience...I’ve worked with plenty of guys with military experience. Both good and bad. Going into the HR/business field I don’t think it’ll carry a ton of leverage but likely won’t hurt you.
Good luck on your venture!
As far as the military experience...I’ve worked with plenty of guys with military experience. Both good and bad. Going into the HR/business field I don’t think it’ll carry a ton of leverage but likely won’t hurt you.
Good luck on your venture!
Posted on 4/18/19 at 12:02 pm to southside
Thanks for the kind words and encouragement sir
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