Before the interview
- Reread the posting. Pick the three or four things that matter most, and match each one to something you’ve done.
- Learn the company. Know what it does and how this role fits in, so your answers sound specific.
- Practice out loud with a civilian. If a friend asks what a term means, change how you say it.
- Prepare a one-minute introduction. Say what you did in the military in everyday terms, what you’re good at, and why you want this job.
Tell short stories with results
When someone asks for an example, use four steps, and keep it to about two minutes:
- The situation. Set the scene in a sentence or two, without the backstory.
- The task. Say what you were responsible for.
- The action. Explain what you personally did.
- The result. Finish with what changed, using numbers if you can.
Prepare five or six stories that cover leadership, solving a problem, a mistake you fixed, working under pressure, and working with difficult people. Most interview questions can be answered with one of them.
Say “I” for your part, and credit the team where it’s due. Military culture teaches “we”, but the interviewer is trying to understand what you did.
Answer the common questions
| If they ask | Focus on |
|---|---|
| “Tell me about yourself.” | Your one-minute introduction, ending on why this job makes sense as your next step. |
| “Why are you leaving the military?” | A short, positive answer about what you’re moving toward. |
| “You don’t have industry experience. Why you?” | The skills that carry over, how quickly you’ve learned new systems, and a specific example. |
| “How do you handle a less structured workplace?” | A time you made decisions without complete instructions or changed plans as things moved. |
| “What are your pay expectations?” | A researched range. Compare your total military compensation, including allowances, against civilian pay and benefits. |
Watch your language
Replace acronyms, unit names, and rank titles with what they mean. “I supervised a team of eight technicians” lands better than a title the interviewer has to decode. Our guide on translating your experience has more examples.
Keep the tone conversational, too. You don’t need to address everyone as sir or ma’am unless that’s the norm there. Follow the interviewer’s lead.
Handle sensitive subjects
- Classified work. Never share anything classified. Describe the type of work and the skills it took, and say that you can’t go into more detail.
- Combat. You decide how much to share. If asked something you’d rather not discuss, it’s fine to say so and steer back to the skills that apply to the job.
- Your clearance. If the job calls for one, be accurate about its level and whether it’s current.
Ask your own questions
Have a few ready. They show you’re serious and help you judge the job:
- What does success look like in this role after six months?
- How are new people trained?
- Are other veterans working on the team?
- What are the next steps, and when should I expect to hear from you?
Still looking for the right role? Find jobs that match your MOS/AFSC/Rating.