Product Systems Engineer

West
US Navy, O-4

I will officially retire from the Navy after 20+ years of service in January 2008. Having begun my job search in June 2007, I am secure in the knowledge that I will be starting my new career in December. I had started my job search with one of Orion's competitors. The thing that their competitors did not do well was connect me with companies that met my needs. Several of the companies they presented to me were outside of my commuting range and were in careers that I was not interested in. And, while I had learned some interview skills, etc., from them, they just couldn’t seal the deal. Then Orion International was referred to me by fellow co-workers who were leaving the military and had utilized their services.

When I turned to Orion, I worked with JP Sniffen. He did a great job staying in touch with me and with keeping me informed about opportunities in the area of Washington State where I wanted to live. Even when my focus was on other job opportunities, he continued to stay with me to ensure that I stayed in contact with the company that eventually provided me with a great offer. He really listened to my desires and helped me get connected with a company that was in the area I was retiring from in the Navy. I was very glad that he didn't try to set me up with companies outside of my area of interest or outside of my work preferences like Orion’s competitors.

Because I had already been to a hiring conference with one of Orion's competitors, I wanted to skip this step and jump directly into interviews. JP took this feedback and immediately connected me with Thales Avionic Inc. After connecting with this company, Orion provided me with a phone interview that led to two face-to-face follow-up interviews. I was then offered the position of Product Systems Engineer position.

My new job is the perfect fit for me as I transition out of the military. This is the exact job I was looking for. I was also able to get a new career in an area that is close to my home. This was very important to me, because I was conducting a remote job search. Location, Location, Location! I was very excited to see that this opportunity was within reasonable distance from my home. In addition to location, Orion matched me up with a company that has a great working environment, excellent pay, and exceptional benefits.

I feel that I started the job search process at the right time (about four to six months out). If you start too early, some companies just aren't interested. I think that is why it is so important to work with a capable recruiting firm such as Orion. They can provide you with advice about the job search process, because they are constantly in that world. It is not easy trying to do it on your own. Orion provides that aggressive networking that you need to get you over the top.

JP’s willingness to go that extra mile for me helped lead me down the path toward my new career. I also appreciated the work of my Orion Account Representative, Jennifer Terrell. She helped sell me to the HR department at Thales Avionics, Inc. and provided me with excellent advice when it came time to negotiate the company's offer. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with two exceptional professionals. If their efforts are typical to other personnel who work at Orion, I would definitely recommend Orion to any of my friends and co-workers who are transitioning from the military.