What’s Next: Interview Like a Boss

Transition to Civilian Life

By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy

Be the Star - Interview like a Boss! “First, NEVER pay for advice, counsel, or job training. There are groups that will ask for thousands of dollars to help place you and network. I tried it. It was a Phil Kendro, AV-8 miserable failure, but I was desperate at the time as I Harrier pilot and 7-year was leaving the military and still didn’t have a job.” veteran of coordinating the Miramar Air Show “Second, learn to interview like a boss!” for the Marines had the world at his fingertips. When you finally get the interview, you have one chance to nail it.

In addition to his military success, he excelled at networking. His boss at Mirimar pushed him to join LinkedIn five years prior to getting out. It started a snowball effect - he quickly had hundreds of contacts and became heavily involved in community relations. It seemed that everyone in San Diego knew Phil Kendro! He was a connector!

He admits “I thought I could succeed in anything, and it got a bit to my head.”

The Counts are In! Drumrollllll….

As the time to transition out got closer, his list of contacts grew exponentially. However, his job offer count didn’t reflect it. He got only ONE job offer, and it wasn’t one on his dream list.

Phil recalls, “It was a true rollercoaster ride with the highest peaks and lowest troughs. I can say that YES, I did generally stay positive as I was surrounded by an amazing network of friends and supporters, but there were many dark days in my household, mostly within myself. After 20+ years of so many mission successes, how could I fail my family in such a fashion?”

His post-military career may have started off without his dream job, but that didn’t stop him. He networked and got that dream job.

We caught back up with him to ask his advice for those in similar situations.

So, how do you interview like a BOSS?

Use the S.T.A.R. Method! This means, when asked a question, frame it like this: Here’s the SITUATION, here’s the TASK I was given, here’s the ACTION I took, and here’s the RESULT of my achievement.

Trained for combat but not trained for an interview, those veterans who are not well practiced in interviewing, fail. The S.T.A.R method to help keep you focused in an interview. This is a tried and true format that helps keep you succinct and focused in your answers.

Often people start to ramble and talk too much if they are nervous or not prepared. Don’t be the interviewee from ‘Talkers Anonymous.’ You won’t get the job.

Just as making a great shot depends on sight picture and trigger control, a great interview depends upon staying focused and purposeful in your execution of your answer.

Let’s put Phil’s interviewing skills to the test!

Phil, “Tell me about a time when you were faced with a challenge and how you overcame it.”

S stands for “Situation”.

“I was an Iraq Invasion Company Commander and a Harrier pilot at time when the Harrier aircraft had severe maintenance issues.”

In one sentence, Phil is setting the stage for his answer before he moves into what he was assigned to do. After setting the stage, he pauses to move into the Task section.

“While stationed in Iraq I was given the position of Company Commander for the 2003 Invasion to takeover and rebuild air bases, provide refueling for aviation assets anywhere. I had zero previous experience.”

A stands for Action

“In a very short period of time we rebuilt 3 different airfields, including one the size of Miramar Air Station. We also provided security, food, living quarters, and an airfield to thousands of pilots and aircrew. Our team included military police, engineers, fueling experts, logisticians, motor transport personnel, administrative staff, fire/rescue, expeditionary airfield personnel and an explosive ordnance disposal team.”

This is clear, succinct, and well-framed, leaving no room for confusion.

And now for the moment that the interviewer has been waiting for…

R stands for Results

“With no previous knowledge of the job I was to perform, I rebuilt multiple airfields in a high-risk environment with no casualties, and returned everyone home safely. Our team achieved accolades from all who worked with us. From the lessons that were learned I helped develop the standard operating procedures for future missions. I went from having no knowledge of the unit to which I was assigned to a subject matter expert in rebuilding, maintaining, and multiple airfields throughout southern and central Iraq.”

Great job Phil!

Jim Gruny

Hear this loud and clear - Employers are results driven!

Past performance predicts future behavior. The results you created while you were in the military matter to your potential employer as they are expecting you to do the same for them. How did you increase productivity? How did your leadership result in achieving an outstanding safety record? How did you save time and money for your division? Answer with a clear, well-framed story of how you created RESULTS and offers will be knocking at your door.

Need help with your transition? Have questions? Link up with Eve on Linked In today.

www.linkedin.com/in/eve-nasby-given-hiring-expert

www.bandofhands.com