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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
The Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office is posting a three-part series regarding Kentucky’s ESGR program and the opportunities it helps create for Kentucky Guardsmen and fellow veterans.
Staff Report
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is the lead Defense Department agency promoting cooperation and understanding between civilian employers and their National Guard and Reserve employees.
Kentucky’s ESGR seeks career opportunities to unite employers with Service members throughout the Commonweath.
Upcoming Career Events in October include:
Manufacturer and Employee of the Year Awards Luncheon
When: October 3, 2014 — 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Where: The Seelbach Hilton, Louisville
Speakers: Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson, Mayor Greg Fischer 16 Oct Military to Manufactures luncheon
Military to Manufacturing: Get Skills to Work in Kentucky
When: October 16, 2014
Where: Gateway Community & Technical College Convening Center, Boone Campus, Florence
Speakers: Heather French Henry, Commissioner, Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, Major General (Retired) D. Allen Youngman
Co-presented by KAM, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and Gateway Community & Technical College, this extended luncheon event focuses on our military veterans rising to fulfill the needs of manufacturers who have opportunities for engineers, managers, and production careers. This disciplined, mature and “work-ready” workforce is a natural solution to having an ample talent pipeline for the future.
Click here for more information regarding manufacturing career opportunities and venues.
Established in 1972, ESGR operates within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. The agency’s responsibilities fall into three categories: Increasing awareness of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, recognizing outstanding support of employers for their Guard and Reserve employees, and resolving workplace conflict through mediation.
ESGR seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve. For more information about ESGR, go to: http://www.esgr.mil.
Story by Spc. Lerone Simmons 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Civilian bosses of Kentucky National Guard Service members talk with a Soldier at the 138th Fires Brigade Command Post, as part of the annual Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve “boss lift” event at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, Greenville, Ky., 28 July, 2014. The boss lift is an event that allows civilian bosses to experience a day in the life of a Kentucky National Guard Service member and give more insight on what the their employees do in the military world. (National Guard photo by Army Spc. Lerone Simmons 133rd MPAD)
GREENVILLE, Ky. - Each time a Kentucky National Guardsman is activated, an employer is left to fill a vacant spot on the assembly line, at the office or behind the wheel. Recognizing the sacrifice employers make, and the impact a Guardsman has on their business, The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve promotes cooperation between reserve components and civilian employers to foster better long-standing relationships.
Civilian Employers engage with a Virtual Range Fire program with the Engagement Skill Trainer (EST) with the assistance of several Soldiers while at the annual Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve “boss lift” event at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, Greenville, Ky., 28 July, 2014. The boss lift allows civilian employers to experience a day in the life of a Kentucky National Guard Service member. (National Guard photo by Army Spc. Lerone Simmons 133rd MPAD)
“As employers, you have to learn to appreciate and understand your military employees,” said Eric Leef, a human resources manager with the Louisville-based General Electric.
“When a Soldier makes that initial commitment to serve, they embark on a path filled with training and dedication which can also benefit any privately owned business,” he said, adding “they know how to get the job done.”
Maj. Jonathan Gocke, fire support officer for the Kentucky Army Guard’s 138th Fires Brigade and parts fulfillment planner for GE, nominated Leef for the ESGR Boss Lift, a program that exposes employers to a day-in-life of a Soldier or Airman. Leef and 15 other employers descended onto the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center July 28, via Kentucky National Guard UH-60 Blackhawks, to see what a Soldier does during the one weekend-a month, and two-weeks out of the year.
Click here for more photos of this event.
Tina Hammons, director of consumer sales, smiles while she poses in a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System as Rosemary Miller, program support technician, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, takes her picture during an annual “boss lift” event at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, Greenville, Ky., 28 July, 2014. The boss lift allows civilian bosses to experience a day in the life of a Kentucky National Guard Service member. (National Guard photo by Army Spc. Lerone Simmons 133rd MPAD)
“The boss lift shows them another side of their employee, and also how important the role of the employer is to the entire National Guard,” Gocke said. “GE having a presence here, it shows that they care about their employees.”
The day began with a flight from the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, or the Louisville Air Guard Base. Once landed at WHFRTC, the bosses received a welcome briefing by leadership, and joined in with the 138th Fires Brigade’s Command Post for an annual training exercise. The employers fell in on the fires company and received a closer look at at the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The bosses geared up and engaged in a Virtual Range Fire program with the Engagement Skill Trainer (EST) and toured the live firing ranges before their mission was complete and they departed in Blackhawks.
“The civilian bosses of National Guard Service members get to see what our Service members do while getting the opportunity to participate themselves,” said retired Army Maj. Gen. Robert S. Silverthorn, state chairman, Kentucky ESGR committee.
“The boss lift gives the employers the opportunity to see their employees perform duties as a member of the United States Military,” he said.
It’s a win-win for the employee and employer, Gocke said.
“Without employer support, our job would be very difficult, so I’m grateful for ESGR and their role with the boss lift, because it helps maximize the employer employee relationship,” Gocke said. And, he said, “it’s pretty hard to beat a Blackhawk ride. It’s definitely not something you see or do every day.”
Advice by Kelli Carter, H2H/Kentucky Employer Support for Guard and Reserve
FRANKFOR
T, Ky. – The rumor is true – the job interview is key to getting on the career path that you want. The more prepared you are for the job interview the better your chance of getting the job.
It is crucial for you to research the company and find out what they are all about. Use what you learn to practice interview questions, writing out your answers and practice answering in front of a mirror. Also, be sure and relate your answers to the company’s needs.
Put together short overview of your resume that you can talk about with your prospective employer; to keep it from being too long, think of it as 30-second commercial.
Behavioral interview questions are most common in job interviews. The employer wants to know what you will do in certain situations. Keep your answers professional and related to the job. Here are few questions you should prepare for and links to some great guidance on how to answer them:
Potential employees practice job interview skills — in this case a firm, professional handshake — during a Kentucky Employer Support of Guard and Reserve workshop. (Kentucky National Guard photo)
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Why Should we Hire You?
Describe Your Greatest Achievement
What Interests you about this Position?
Your Goals for the Next 5 Years
Reason for Leaving Current Job?
Your answers should be as long as needed to fully answer the question, but do not ramble on. Your responses should show the employer why you’re a qualified candidate and why you are a fit for the job and the company.
What to do and take to the interview includes:
- Be sure to get the full name and address of the company, department or building where your interview is, the name and position of the contact person/interviewer and contact number
- Look up directions and do a dry run to make sure you know where it is and to make sure you are ten minutes early
- Take a few copies of your resume and letters of recommendations
- Take a pen and paper in case you need to write something down during the interview
- Take any job description you have on the position
- Take a list of questions to ask the interviewer about the job
The employer will most likely check those social media accounts before call you in for an interview. Make sure those accounts are professional and clean.
It is important to look nice and professional. Men should wear a suit (navy or dark grey), long sleeve shirt (matching to suit), belt, tie, dark socks, conservative shoes (leather), and little to no jewelry. Make sure piercings and tattoos are hidden. Women should consider a suit (navy, black or dark grey) and a coordinated blouse, conservative shoes (pumps), limited jewelry (stud earrings), professional hairstyle that is out of your face.
Tips for a phone interview are:
- Prepare by compiling a list of your strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments and answers to typical questions.
- Have your resume in front of you to refer to, along with a pen and paper to make notes.
- Be in a quiet place alone (no background noise).
- Take a moment to think about the question before answering then respond slowly and clearly
- Smile during the interview to project a positive tone in your voice and your image (Yes, this actually works!)
- Send a thank you note after the phone interview to reiterate your interest in the position
An applicant should always ask at least three questions to the employer that will show more interest in the job. Examples: Can you tell me about a typical day in this position? What is the work environment like? Does the job require travel? Why is the position vacant? When are you making a decision on who to hire?
Always send a thank you to each person with who you have the interview to reiterate your interest in the position. Thank them for their time and tell them you hope to hear from them soon regarding the position.
And finally — If you really REALLY want that job, be sure to tell the employer before you go that you will accept the position if it is offered to you.
Good luck and happy job hunting!
If you need assistance in any of these topics contact Kelli Carter at 502.607.1302 or email her at [email protected]
HELPFUL LINKS:
Kentucky Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Facebook page
Hero to Hired - preparing for interviews
Hero to Hired - interviewing tips
Hiring Kentucky Heroes
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Employment Transition Coordinator Tammie Hollar (left) speaks to an employer and Soldiers at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 1, 2012. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — It’s been said that getting a job is lot like dating. (If you’re already married, think back to when you weren’t.) You don’t want to go out with just anybody, right? You know what you want in terms of lifestyle and compatibility, and you’ve got standards. Or at least you think you do. So you look around, see what’s available, and you think about what you want out of “that perfect relationship.” Eventually you find the right person — you hope — and you know you’ll have a great time if you can only get him or her to notice you.
And therein lies the problem. Getting noticed and scoring a date with that special someone.
There’s no arguing that military life gives Guard members training and experience that can be used in civilian employment. After all, that’s one of the great things about joining the Guard. But translating those traits into a relevant job-related language and building a proper resume is all too often the biggest stumbling block to getting a date, er, um … job with the right employer.
That’s where Tammie Hollar comes in.
Hollar is the employment transition coordinator with Kentucky Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. One of her jobs is helping service members find their voice, get their training and experience down on paper — or online — and help them on the road to a successful and happy career.
It’s a mission she is very passionate about.
“I’m a big believer in the employability of our Guard members,” said Hollar. “It’s just a matter of getting the attention of the right employer and matching up skill sets and culture fits, and selling them on who you are and what skills you have.”
Hollar has nearly 20 years experience in human resources, recruiting, managing and supporting diversity initiatives in corporate settings and working with community agencies that support people with disabilities and veterans.
In short, she’s “been there, done that.”
Tammie Hollar (center) speaks with a civilian contractor at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 1, 2012. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Raymond)
One of the most crucial things that Hollar pushes is proper resume building. Sometimes job seekers have a tough time understanding the resume building process. Hollar is determined to get help overcome the wording.
“The people I work with usually have the skeleton idea or outline on what they want to say,” she said. “But they’re not always sure on the latest resume trends and job search techniques. That’s where I can help them.”
Hollar explained that because we are now in an age of automation and electronic search engines — think Google — companies use these same kinds of systems to screen applicants.
“If your resume doesn’t have the right key words, it may not even make it to an actual person,” she warned. “You have to know the right words and phrases to put in your resume. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance in translating your skills to fit the workplace.”
Your resume is your branding, Hollar contends, so you have to personalize it with your abilities and training.
“It’s always surprising to me how many people act modest when it comes to listing their capabilities. Remember, you’re not bragging — you’re looking for a job and they need to know what skill set you bring to the table.”
One other thing she suggests is personalize the resume to the targeted employer.
“That can make a huge difference. It shows them that you’ve done your homework, that you’ve taken the time to learn what they’re all about and that you are eager to be part of their team. Think of it as flattery.”
And a little bit of flattery — whether you’re looking for a job or a date — goes a long way.
To find out more about Kentucky ESGR and getting on with your career contact Hollar at [email protected] or message her through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KYESGR
What do you think of this article? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook.
Employers Recognized Among 3,236 Nominations Nationwide
Military training mean great jobs skills — Good relations between National Guard troops and their employers is essential to maintaining the force. Here Kentucky National Guard troops provide support in the aftermath of the tornado that devastated West Liberty, Ky. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Gina Vaile-Nelson, 133rd MPAD, Kentucky National Guard)
ARLINGTON, Va. – Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, recently announced that three Kentucky employers have been selected as semifinalists for the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the DoD to employers for exceptional support of their Guard and Reserve employees. This year, 133 semifinalists nationwide stood out among an impressive pool of 3,236 nominees.
The Kentucky employers named semifinalists are Humana, Inc., Louisville; Knox County Board of Education, Barbourville; and Ingram’s Water and Air Equipment, Paducah. Freedom Award nominations come directly from Guard and Reserve members, or family members acting on their behalf. The Freedom Award provides service members with an opportunity to recognize employers for going above and beyond what is required by law. Employers chosen as semifinalists support their Guard and Reserve employees through a variety of formal and informal initiatives, including developing internal military support networks, providing full benefits to employees fulfilling their military obligations, caring for the families of deployed employees, and granting additional leave to Guard and Reserve employees preparing to leave for or return from deployments.
“The employers selected as Freedom Award semifinalists have distinguished themselves for their support of their National Guard and Reserve employees, and are truly serving our Nation with their extraordinary commitment to these special employees,” said ESGR National Chair James G. Rebholz. “Their efforts are to be applauded, and ESGR salutes these patriotic employers for their special care of their Guard and Reserve employees and their families while they serve our Nation in times of war and peace.”
ESGR will announce the 2012 Freedom Award finalists next month after a review board comprised of military and civilian leaders selects the 30 most supportive employers from among the 133 semifinalists. The 15 award recipients will be announced early this summer and honored in Washington, D.C. at the 17th annual Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award Ceremony on September 20, 2012.
A complete list of Freedom Award semifinalists from each state is available at www.FreedomAward.mil under the Media Tab in the Press Releases section.
About ESGR and the Freedom Award:
The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of ESGR to recognize exceptional support from the employer community. In the years since, 160 employers have been honored with the award. Established as a DoD agency 40 years ago, ESGR develops and maintains employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR’s mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.
For questions or interviews regarding the Freedom Award, please contact Mandi Rumble, ESGR Public Affairs, at 571-372-0704 or by email at [email protected].
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
OPEN THE DOOR TO SUCCESS by taking advantage of the education and employment opportunities made available to you through the National Guard (File photo)
FRANKFORT, Ky. – One of the great things about being in the military, aside from wearing cool uniforms and getting trained to do things that most other people cannot even imagine, is the range of benefits that “Uncle Sugar” makes available to the troops. Among the most valuable of all those benefits available are the ones that provide education and employment opportunities.
Lt. Col. Allen Boone and his Education, Incentives and Employment team are committed to making sure that all of Kentucky’s Citizen Soldiers and Families get access to the full spectrum of the available benefits and services .
“The opportunity to increase the level of support to our Soldiers and their families is our utmost goal,” said Boone. “Our mission is to daily become more effect and efficient in our job so to provide the highest level of quality support for education as well as employment. This includes incentives for student loan repayment and bonuses for our Guard members.”
Boone’s team wants to inspire not just the Soldiers, but Family members as well to achieve a higher level of success than they’ve ever had before.
“We want them to take advantage of the huge amount of educational benefits that are available to them,” he said.
Ltc. Allen Boone and Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Peele have a passion for helping Soldiers jump start their careers through education, employment and incentives offered by the National Guard. (Photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
Boone and his team are working hard to market their services and get the word out on the opportunities available to Guard members and their Families. Websites and social media tools such as Facebook have now become part of that process.
Some of the most attractive features about signing on with the Kentucky National Guard are the enlistment incentives and education benefits.
“The maximum enlistment incentive is $15,000,” said Sgt. Matthew Boone, state incentives manager. “The average bonus awarded is around $2,500, depending on where a recruit goes, the need for that particular job skill, available slots, unit strength and other factors.”
Current members of the Guard can also receive extension bonuses of up to $10,000 depending on their eligibility.
Education incentives include the Montgomery GI Bill, federal tuition assistance, state tuition assistance and the aptly named “kicker.”
But what if you’ve already graduated from college? Don’t worry about it – the National Guard has something to offer you, too, in the form of college loan repayment programs.
“We spend a lot of time on loan repayments,” said Sgt. Boone. “With the increase of this program to $50,000, that is very popular right now.”
Sgt. Matt Boone and Capt. Melissa Mattingly discuss incentives available to Kentucky National Guard Soldiers. (Photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
Preparing troops for civilian employment is the other side of the coin. Without jobs part-time troops can become distracted and unhappy, and they may even decide to leave the service. Stable, productive employment builds a strong, resilient force of motivated Soldiers capable of deploying overseas in time of war or here at home during natural disasters and emergencies.
“Education and employment go hand in glove,” said Lt. Col. Boone. “We work very closely with Kentucky Employer Support of Guard and Reserve in putting out job announcements and training seminars. We want to do everything possible to increase the marketability of our troops in this challenging economy.”
But it’s not just the individual Soldier that the Guard can help; another program Boone’s team runs is Education After High School, which targets the children of Guard members.
“This program helps Guard youth identify the opportunities that are available to them after high school,” he said. “Whether it’s a two or four year college, vocational or trade school or apprenticeship programs that lead to full-time employment, we can help them find their direction.”
There are requirements that must be met, of course. Troops applying for state tuition assistance must meet all physical fitness and height/weight standards and they must not be flagged. Applicants for the Montgomery GI Bill also have their rules. But not to worry – the Education Office can help guide you through the process to make sure you know what’s expected.
“With the benefits we now have there is no financial reason for our people not to get their college degree and advance their civilian career and pursue a great military career,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Peel, Education Incentives and Employment NCOIC. “I come from a customer service background and I love helping people figure out what they need and connecting them with the right resources.
“I’ve seen our Soldiers give so much every day and this is a chance for us to give back to them.”
For more information on Kentucky National Guard education benefits and incentives call 502-607-1307 or email [email protected]
Also, visit the following links:
Federal Tuition Assistance
State Tuition Assistance:
ARNG Education Web Site
Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
Representatives of eight Kentucky corporations signed statements of support for Employer Support to the Guard and Reserve on October 1, 2011 while participating in the ESGR-Panther Racing "Indy Car Experience" at Kentucky Speedway prior to the running of the Kentucky 300 Indy Car race. From left to right are: Brad Stout, Panther Racing; JR Quinn, Bud's Police Supply Inc.; Joseph Murphy, The Gun Warehouse and Range LLC; Bud Wells, BudsGunShop.com LLC; MG (R) Bob Silverthorn, KYESGR State Chair; Bill Roberts, LexTech Inc.; Patrick Merchak, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce; Jeff Compton, Boneal Inc.; Carl Kurz, Toyota Motor Manufacturing; and Phillip Brown, Fresh Look Services. Inc. (Photo by Phil Miller, Kentucky Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve)
Among those who signed statements of support for Employer Support to the Guard and Reserve were Joseph Murphy, The Gun Warehouse and Range LLC; Phillip Brown, Fresh Look Services. Inc and Bud Wells, BudsGunShop.com LLC. (Photo by Tim Stinnett, Kentucky Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve)
Kentucky Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve coordinator Phil Miller was on hand to thank the civilian employers for taking part in the Panther Racing event. (Photo by Tim Stinnett, Kentucky Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve)
Employers got an up close look at the Kentucky National Guard car during their Indy car race series at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky., Oct. 1. (Photo by Tim Stinnett, Kentucky Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve)
