NEC
NEC (Navy Enlisted Classification) is a coding system used by the U.S. Navy to identify specific skills, training, and job qualifications of service members. Think of it like a specialized job code or career specialty identifier. When you see NEC on a military veteran's resume, it tells you exactly what specialized training and capabilities they received beyond their basic job title. For example, while someone might have been an Electronics Technician (their basic role), their NEC would specify if they worked on radar systems, communication equipment, or other specialized areas. This helps recruiters understand the exact skills and training a veteran candidate brings to civilian jobs.
Examples in Resumes
Maintained advanced radar systems as Electronics Technician with NEC 1542
Served as Operations Specialist with NEC 0332, managing combat information systems
Supervised team of 15 technicians across multiple NEC specialties
Typical job title: "Military Veterans"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Military Veterans
Veteran Job Resources
Professional Networks
Transition Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: Can you explain how your NEC specialty prepared you for a leadership role in our organization?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate how their specialized military training taught them leadership, problem-solving, and technical skills that transfer to civilian leadership roles.
Q: How did you handle training or mentoring others in your NEC specialty?
Expected Answer: Candidate should describe experience in teaching others, developing training programs, and ensuring knowledge transfer within their specialty area.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How does your NEC training relate to civilian industry certifications or qualifications?
Expected Answer: Listen for understanding of how military qualifications translate to civilian credentials and any steps taken to obtain civilian certifications.
Q: Can you describe a challenging technical problem you solved using your NEC training?
Expected Answer: Look for examples of practical problem-solving, technical expertise, and ability to work under pressure.
Entry Level Questions
Q: What basic skills from your NEC training would be most valuable in this civilian role?
Expected Answer: Candidate should be able to connect their military technical training to civilian job requirements and demonstrate understanding of skill transfer.
Q: How did you adapt to learning your NEC specialty, and how would that help you learn new systems here?
Expected Answer: Look for examples of learning ability, adaptability, and willingness to master new skills.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years post-military)
- Basic technical knowledge from NEC specialty
- Military discipline and work ethic
- Team collaboration
- Following standard operating procedures
Mid (2-5 years post-military)
- Advanced technical expertise in specialty area
- Project management experience
- Team leadership
- Problem-solving in civilian context
Senior (5+ years post-military)
- Strategic planning and execution
- Program management
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Training and mentoring others
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to translate military experience into civilian terms
- Overuse of military jargon in civilian context
- Lack of civilian certifications related to NEC specialty
- No clear career progression since military service
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