Tips for transitioning to civilian jobs
Retired Army Sgt. Major Mike Quinn is the guest on this week’s American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast episode, where he dispatches advice for servicemembers seeking civilian employment, how he started his successful business and more.
Quinn, founder and CEO of HireMilitary, is a prominent voice in the military-to-civilian transition space. After retiring in 2017, he realized the challenges veterans face entering the private sector workforce and resolved to make a difference. Now, he is a two-time LinkedIn Top Voice with more than 363,000 followers and leads HireMilitary.
On the podcast, Quinn discussed his challenges and what he learned while trying to find work in the civilian sector. It was eye-opening for him as he learned how the military and civilian worlds differ when it comes to defining metrics of responsibility.
“When I did my first resume I was so proud of that first bullet point: I lead the operations of 17,000 people in 45 countries. That’s how we count success. I’m a big deal. But none of that exists out here,” he said, explaining that civilian employers focus on the number of direct reports.
He recalled his first experience at a job fair. He prepared tailored resumes, researched 41 employers and felt ready. “Everyone was getting interviews but me.”
It was a defining moment for Quinn. He had two important takeaways:
• “I didn’t blame them (employers). What do I need to do differently so they will be interested in me?”
• “How do I get access to that information so that people will talk to me?”
Quinn understands the struggles servicemembers have as they try to choose a civilian career path.
“When it comes to transition, the hardest part about it is figuring out what you want to do,” he said. “And then figuring out what is important to that job. What do they do every day? What are their biggest challenges? What are their successes? What metrics do they track?”
His experience led him to create HireMilitary. “It was to fill a gap and allow servicemembers and companies to find each other.”
HireMilitary uses DoD Skillbridge, allowing companies to post jobs and internships, and for servicemembers to join the “talent network.” Now, HireMilitary has expanded to offering direct placement opportunities, opening the network to military spouses and government contracts.
“It’s been a roller coaster. The only reason it works, is because we solve problems. We see a problem and we go fix it.”
Quinn’s advice to job seekers: do the research, engage people who can help you and expand your network. “Join The American Legion. You’re filled with veterans. There’s the ultimate networking tool.”
Check out the full episode for more advice from Quinn.
Also this week, original co-host Ashley Gorbulja returns as she is substituting briefly for Ashley Gutermuth, who was unavailable for the recording. Hosts Jeff Daly and Gorbulja offer their thoughts on:
• The Aug. 9 deadline for toxic exposure benefits under the PACT Act.
• THRIVE, a 14-week clinical program at VA, that aims to improve wellness for veterans and staff members. It is available right now at 60 VA centers.
• How a New York Legion post has embraced The American Legion Be the One initiative to reduce the number of veteran suicides.
Check out this week’s episode, which is among more than 180 Tango Alpha Lima podcasts available in both audio and video formats here. You can also download episodes on iTunes, Google Play or other major podcast-hosting sites. The video version is available at the Legion’s YouTube channel.