The city of Boise helpS Veterans and Spouses Find Meaningful Careers
Mission43 supports veterans and spouses looking for quality employment opportunities in Idaho after the military. As we have given members personalized support to help put their best foot forward in their job seeking journey, we have found some incredible employers in Idaho that are committed to our work as well. These featured employers are veteran-friendly, offer meaningful careers, and have helped Mission43 members find success here in Idaho.
One of those great employers is the City of Boise, which is dedicated to hiring veterans and military spouses onto their team and they are looking to fill many more great roles! Zach Tibbits, who oversees the Mission43 employment initiative, recently talked with Tony Liles from the City. He is the Senior Manager of Organizational Development at the City of Boise, and longtime Mission43 member and supporter. Check out their conversation below where they discuss opportunities at the City of Boise.
What makes working at the City of Boise so great?
Tony Liles, Senior Manager of Organizational Development at the City of Boise.
Tony: “It starts with the people. The people here are a genuine and true reflection of the Boise spirit. The entire process from applying, interviewing, and onboarding was first class. I made a mistake on my application that would have disqualified me for consideration, however, I received a call from HR to verify the mistake and that is where it all begins. The people here care about what they do and how they do it, and we live our Values: One City, One Team-For the Greatest Good, Community Experience with “WOW”, and There’s Nothing We Can’t Do Better. The values are not catchphrases; each employee is expected to live these values in their personal and professional lives. I was welcomed to the city with open arms and it’s a workplace in which I can bring myself to work. Before starting I was asked to send a brief biography and unbeknownst to me, each department received my biography, and when I arrived people were excited to meet me in person.”
Why is the City of Boise a great place for veterans and military spouses to work?
Tony: “When I retired from the US Army in 2019, I was not ready to leave the career that I spent my entire adult life in. Due to injuries I sustained throughout my career, I could no longer be everything I expected my soldiers to be. This was a very agonizing decision, however, I set my goals to find a career in which I could contribute to the welfare of others. In March of 2020, I went to work for an organization that I believed was about serving Veterans, however, after two years I faced the reality that I was not a fit for that organization’s culture. In late 2021, I accepted the fact I needed a change and I may not be able to work for an organization in which I would have the opportunity to serve others while earning a living. Fast forward thru applying, interviewing, and accepting the offer, my military experience is valued here. The City of Boise is a great place to work because it gave me the opportunity to serve others once again. Instead of serving my nation, I’m now serving my neighbors and community. Serving the people of Boise is a rewarding experience, and the nature in which we carry out our assignments gives me a sense of making a difference the right way.”
How did you get your position at the City of Boise?
Tony: “Believing in myself. This is where Mission43 comes in. Mission43 taught me how to translate my military experience into a vernacular that civilians could not only understand but also appreciate. You must believe in you! Veterans have endured some arduous conditions and accomplished grueling missions. Don’t ever forget that. I put in the work to tailor my resume for this position and I brought myself to the interviews. Yes, I went through three rounds of interviews for the role I’m in now. Remember when you are being interviewed for a position, you are also interviewing the organization, so bring yourself to the interview do not try to be someone you are not. People will see through that.”
What tips or insights can you offer to those looking for a career with the City of Boise?
Tony: “Believe in yourself and use your network. If you are a Mission43 member, I’m in your network. Ask for an informational interview. Boise is a unique municipality and it has 13 departments, with professions from Aviation to Zoology.”
How did Mission43 help you in your job search?
Tony: “Mission43 gave me the confidence to pursue high-level opportunities. The support I received is immeasurable. The organization equipped me with the tools and knowledge to write a resume that appeals to employers.”
The City of Boise has a “Hot Jobs” listing where open positions are listed and individuals can apply. If you are considering applying, please reach out to the Mission43 employment team prior to submitting your application. We can help you tailor your resume to that job and increase your chances of being interviewed. We look forward to helping you with your employment search!