Why do employers overlook EMTs, police, and army veterans when hiring??  

I fully understand how you feel. Sometimes Human Resource personnel are not the sharpest knives in the drawer. They have a script handed to them and they cannot see beyond that. If they do not see the buzz words they are looking for, you will not get past them. I doubt that I would ever have been hired had I gone through the usual channels of filling out an application and being screened by a Human Resource person.

You are right. If you can be an EMT, you can certainly handle people. Maybe they thought you would be too good. Customer service at most companies is not what it used to be. It is not always to help the customer. Do not give up. Someone will appreciate you. You may try reworking your resume to use the words they are looking for. Check out the classifieds. Put those same words that they use on your application as your qualifications. Good luck.

Its because your asking WAY too much an hour. I work in fast food / customer service at a coffee shop. I have worked there for 6 years and make minimum wage and get treated like a piece of dirty. Im just finishing up college which is why I stay in such an underpaying position and get treated badly. I work for another company as well making well over minimum wage (about $10 - $12 more) and most places wont hire me or iffy. A lot of people who get paid more and simple ask for more in such a bad and easy position to fill will just be looked over. Not just EMT or Police, etc. My sister worked at a local library and made about $19 an hour and applied to a grocery and they laughted at her. They figure why come work for us if you made more where you were or still are. Just remove that work experience off your resume or simply remove the amount you want put MINIMUM WAGE or put starting wage. They wont hire you and laugh at you if you put over minimum wage in this sort of position. Doesnt matter your past work experience or anything.

army veterans are known to be more able to do more physical work thats why they are taking you in the companies

This country is always saying how we should value our public servants and veterans, yet when it comes to putting our money where our mouths are we fail miserably. Have you asked any of those people why they rejected you? I would think that with all the stressful situations you handle and your decision making skills plus being able to keep your cool anytime you would be the ideal candidate for customer service! Perhaps they are not thinking that way?

Most applications have a space where you can tell why you think you're a good fit for the job. Do you put down your skills in keeping your cool, in persuading people to your point of view (they'll be okay, etc.), your consistent attendance record and your ability to multitask under pressure? If not, that might help. Good luck!

You hit the nail right on the head. I have a friend who is a paramedic and he makes less than $15 an hour. I find it absurd that a man or women who can save a life is only worth that. It's insulting to think some who works as a department store or is a janitor at a school is worth more than an EMT worker.

Try applying at other places. Could it be they think youre overqualified or perhaps because they feel like you having two jobs would be a problem? I know a lot of people have two or three jobs but maybe those companies don't mind. That or they didn't mention their other occupations.