Comment

Comment by Lindsey L Williams on January 5, 2011 at 3:23pm

Dave,

 

Within your post, I believe I read that you have tried joining the military and were unsuccessful.  My question is whether or not you tried joining as a full-time solder on active duty, or as a member of the Reserves or National Guard (Regardless of branch) where you perform military duty once per month?  Within an active duty capacity, depending upon the position, what you explain may be true. 

 However, if you have not done so, you may take a look at entering the Reserves or National Guard where you perform military duty once per month.  If your goal is to get in the military first, and then move around within the system, it is a good idea to apply for an administrative position. 

 

In this capacity you may be able to make the argument that you are not performing within a combat environment, nor are you using a radio to communicate movement plans, or relay any sensitive information.  If you are successful gaining entry into the Reserves or National Guard, you will then be on track to government employment. 

 

I am sure there are other options.  This is one option that I have seen successful in the past.  Being a disabled veteran, I can understand how you feel. 

 

For Example:  Inquire about MOS 42A with the Army.  Here is what is listed under this job skill identifier:

MOS 42A Human Resource Specialist

• Administrative Services Managers
• Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
• Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
• Educational, Vocational, and School Counselors
• Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
• First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Office and Administrative Support Workers
• Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
• Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Specialists, All Other
• Office Clerks, General
• Word Processors and Typists

Advanced/Specialized and Other Certifications

Soldiers in MOS 42A may also be interested in the following certifications. These certifications may require additional education, training or experience. For information about the general requirements for these certifications from the certifying boards, use the links below.

Project Management Institute

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
• Program Management Professional (PgMP)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

 

Ref:  https://www.cool.army.mil/enlisted/42a.htm

Comment by Lindsey L Williams on January 5, 2011 at 3:11pm

Jaxi,

 

Well said

Comment by Paulette Neal-Allen on February 24, 2009 at 6:22pm

Good for you. Hopefully, he at least had a little ping when he heard your message.

Comment by everydaydave on February 20, 2009 at 1:37pm

Thanks Paulette. I have talked with any and all offices and disability groups for help, and they tell me just start at the beginning of the circle, and you are at the beginning of the circle. Please thank your husband for his service time.

Well I finally had enough one day last week. Had a voice mail on telephone, saying that my background fitted their needs and would I be interested in consulting work. I called backed within like 10 minutes of the call. The job had been posted nationally and for months. Somehow the job just got cancel. I final just needed to say something to someone and I told the guy..." I may have a speech problem as you can hear, but the stutter is in my voice and not in my heart and soul. If you know anything about people with disability, they excel in other things due to the disability."

Comment by Paulette Neal-Allen on February 20, 2009 at 1:22pm

Dave, my husband is a 100% disabled veteran, and you're right. Though they're not SUPPOSED to discriminate, they sure seem to. How else can you explain the fact that hubby has come in the "top choice" over and over again, but as soon as he shows up for the interview in his wheelchair, they lose interest? It sounds like you have the same issue, that as soon as they talk to you, they lose interest.

Hrumph. I wish I could help, but all I can really do is say I can understand your frustration and wish you luck.

Comment by Haig Evans-Kavaldjian on February 11, 2009 at 8:48am

Most cabinet-level agencies also have an Office of Civil Rights or the equivalent which advocates for disabled federal employees.

Comment by Haig Evans-Kavaldjian on February 11, 2009 at 8:47am

You should check out www.disabilityinfo.gov -- there are tons of good resources there.

Comment by Sharon Ballard on January 31, 2009 at 11:24pm

HI Dave,

It is always disheartening to hear that you and anyone is being discriminated against. It does not feel good when you are treated differenlty from others!

I have never worked for the federal governement, etc., so I can't advise you on the application. I can say that when I did part time work as a seasonal clerk for the IRS when that question comes up and you check yes, then you are directed to a list of disabilities that a person would indicate. This goes with what Steve said that it is supposed to be a way to find the best fit for you. However, you may need to really zone in on what your skills are and what do you like doing. You say you are looking for a job, any job, I know it is hard out here but what do you like to do! I think if you concentrate on that and what skills you have, you will indeed find that job that is right for you, be it in the federal government or else where.

Also, in my opinion, honesty is always the best policy. This way the employer knows and if they contact you they are interested in you and your skills. This also helps to avoid surprise attacks.

Believe me I know how you feel! Thinking that they won't hired you because of this and that, well chances are if an employer makes inappropriate comments that's not the employer you want to work for anyway.

This only my opinion, I'm not expert either, but I've been there and honesty is the best policy.

Good luck with your job search! (CNN earlier today interview a woman who just lost her job with no notice. Maybe check out that interview and also CNN was posting available jobs from companies on their website.

Comment by everydaydave on January 30, 2009 at 5:30pm

I got some good lines also when people ask some of those off the walls questions. Now days, you got to have some of those up your sleeve to get by, to show people that you know what you are doing. I have had a lot of interviews and I am grateful for the ones that I been one.

I will take any comments and/or suggestions that any of GovLoop members gives out.

Comment by GovLoop on January 30, 2009 at 4:53pm

I'm a big fan of the book Brazen Careerist. They give really practical advice on getting a job - from resume to interviewing.

And I agree that you face disability discrimination and it's really horrible but I'd also suggest looking to develop creative ways of trying to prevent it from happening. While not the same, I've often been discriminated due to my age (late 20s but look even younger). In an interview or meetings or exec presentations, I've been asked multiple times "how old are you?" in a condescending tone - which is completely inappropriate and violates numerous discrimination rules.

But I have a series of jokes/lines I use when people ask that, so I disarm them and make them feel comfortable. For example, "Well, I'm older than the founder of Facebook and younger than Buffett. But obviously I'm no billionaire." Or a witty one-liner back "Old enough to know those penny loafers you are wearing went out of style in the 80s (just made that one up)"

Just a thought. But I'm no expert. And I know it's really tough out there.

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