Top Ten Questions from Army Reserve Soldiers

by Guest Blogger Ray Luppe
Program Support Manager - EPI

Program Support Managers across the country answered my call for questions Soldiers had when it came to the Army Reserve Employer Partnership Initiative. I want to thank these fine folks for the time they have given this request and the questions they submitted to me so that I can provide answers to our Soldiers using Work Smart.

Here's the Top Ten Questions from Army Reserve Soldiers:

1. Is EPI a part-time job Web site?

A: Not at this time. The first priority of EPI is to find full-time employment for qualified Army Reserve Soldiers.

2. Is this EPI just another "flavor of the month" that will disappear from view once there's a change of command?

A: Definitely not! EPI is gaining popularity and universal support within the Army Reserve Command and employer partners are signing on at a steady pace. EPI is here to stay!

3. Can EPI help a college student get an internship?

A: Sorry, not at this time. That is one area where the EPI staff is studying and hopes to be able to provide support in the very near future.

4. Are they really doing anything?

A: The Program Support Managers and the EPI staff are working every day to help our troops find work and there are many success stories, even in the present economy. Look at next months Soldiers Magazine.

5. Do I have to follow up?

A: Certainly doesn't hurt! The purpose of EPI is to move your name up to the top of the list. We’ll help you get there but you have to take some initiative in your job search as well. Together we can do it.

6. Is it going to cost me anything?

A: Not a dime, nada, zip, bupkiss! You paid for this when you put on that uniform.

7. If I go online, am I going to start getting a bunch of junk mail?

A: We don't think that is going to be a problem but you may want to check your spyware software on your computer just to be sure.

8. Can I get resume help through EPI?

A: EPI signed a partnership agreement with Tip of the Arrow Foundations and they offer Soldiers one-on-one resume advice. There also are lots of free services available on the Web – just Google "resume help."

9. Can I give my resume to the Program Support Manager who comes to my unit for a briefing?

A: Of course you can. But the best way to handle a resume is for the individual soldier to the Employer Parntership Initiative Web site and submit the online form that is available there. An Army Reserve Career Manager will then match your MOS with an employer seeking those same occupational skills and then contact you to notify you of existing opportunities.

And the 10th most asked Question from Army Reserve Soldiers is ...

10. Why do I have to enter my personal data each time I want to look at an advertised job opening?

A: The primary reason is to collect data on the program, how many people are using the portal and how many jobs each applicant is applying to. The secondary reason is it allows us to follow up with you. In the very near future, the system will allow participants to enter the portal with a name and password.

I hope this clears a few things up for you Army Reserve members looking to take advantage of this wonderful new program.