Career Advice By Randy

Q&A – Politics in police department, military, and government?

Many of you like the questions and answers on this blog. I just found another one from ‘Swordsman808′ who asks

I am a 23-year-old college grad applying to Navy OCS and the intel community. I was originally attempting to be a state police officer but economic circumstances made that impossible. Police departments (especially mine) sometimes have bad reputations when it comes to department politics influencing hiring, I’m young and perhaps innocent, but not naive. I’m more and more realizing “politics” is just one of life’s ugly realities that has to be dealt with. Through my primary goals of building a career based in naval intelligence, and perhaps becoming a SEAL, I am hoping to someday become a good candidate for employment in the FBI or CIA. So I was just curious, how does the political aspect of hiring for those agencies compare to state police departments? And how much does politics come into play during military officer promotions?

Answer: In the Commissioned Officer ranks of military service, politics is part of the game. However, as a Junior Officer, it doesn’t affect you near as much. Office Politics will occur in any proffession, field, or occupation that you get into. But if you want to be above all of that, it’s a choice and it will NOT mean that you don’t get promoted or the good job. Overall, if you don’t allow yourself to be sucked into it or get upset about it when you see it happening, not only should you be alright, but your fellow officers and the enlisted persons that serve under you will probably take notice and you will be respected for it. In short, stay true to who you are while being the best Officer you can.

Tagged:Military

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Getting The Nerve To Switch Your Career

If you are thinking of switching careers then you really should read this article out of Forbes.  There are a lot of good points in it that I know you will really like.

Here is just one example:

 

First, try this other career on for size. Instead of just letting the idea bounce around your brain, get as much experience and training in the new area as possible. Take courses, volunteer, do it pro bono for friends or familyall while you still have your other job. I met a successful caterer recently who told me she first tested the waters by doing easy dinner parties at friends homes for only the cost of the food.

See the Original Story here

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Q/A – How do I apply for out-of-state jobs?

It’s Q&A time again. This one comes from ‘Amy’ who is asking…

My husband and I currently live in Montana but are planning on moving to Portland, OR within the next year or so. We’ve wanted to move to Portland for a long time and love the city. Ideally, we’d like for one or both of us to have a job lined up before we move. I currently work as a mental health therapist for children and have an MSW. My husband has a Bachelor’s Degree and works as a supervisor for a company in town. That being said, I’d like to continue working in the mental health field as a therapist. Before I start applying for jobs in Portland, I had some questions regarding my cover letter and how to make myself stand out among the other applicants. -How would I format my cover letter (e.g., Do I say something along the lines of “I am currently employed as a therapist in Montana, but am planning to relocate to Portland, OR if offered this position.”, etc.)? -How do I let out-of-state employers know that I’m serious about moving and would be more than happy to relocate for a job? Any and all help is greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!!

Answer: I would take a vastly different approach. A few weeks or months in advance of your anticipated move, you could send out a cover letter that reads like:I will be relocating to the Portland vicinity within the next {blank} weeks. In anticipation of the relocation, I am enclosing my resume that outlines my experience as a therapist. ….Alternatively, you could be more aggressive and telephone several companies and tell them that you’re planning to be in the area (“visiting friends” or “house hunting” or whatever) during the week of November 1 through 7. You’re calling to find out if this entity has any openings for which you might interview. Keep up this tactic until you get one interview lined up. THEN, make your travel arrangements for the week, and send out as many cover letters and resumes as you can telling the recipient that “you’ll be in the area during the week of November 1 to 7, interviewing for positions as a therapist and house hunting”

Tagged:Other – Business & Finance

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An Answer to the Question: Job hunting: Does it help or hurt to apply multiple times?

It’s time for another question/answer. I know a lot of you like these so here we go. This one comes from who asks us: