Store Manager

Northeast
US Air Force, O-6

I earned my two-year and four-year degrees while active duty with the Air Force. It took quite a while, as I have been a single-mom for most of my career, but, after “nickel and diming” my courses, I earned my BA in Human Resources Development through Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1999. (Rough duty, huh?) After 15 years as an enlisted Airman, I was selected to attend Officer Training School and earned my commission in 2000. I retired as a Manpower and Personnel Officer with the rank of Captain after 23 years of service.

Like many service members, I thought employers would be lining up to hire me when I retired, and, boy, was I surprised when they weren’t! It wasn’t that I didn’t have the talent and experience the employers were looking for; it was just a matter of supply and demand. After three months of searching on my own, Bob Berkholz invited me to come to an Orion International event in Dallas. I was immediately impressed with the professionalism and sincere desire to place me with the right company.

I’d hoped that I wouldn’t be wasting my time since there was a job fair out here at the same time. Well, like a prayer answered, Bob contacted me and explained that the event was turning out to be more of a logistical event and wasn’t exactly the right fit for my talents, but he also suggested another opportunity. I really appreciated that, because I felt that some other recruiters may not have taken the time to contact me or even recommend me to a colleague. This was how I was introduced to Chris Hurst.

Chris contacted me and gave me a telephone interview that I felt thoroughly prepared for, thanks to Bob. Next, Michele Zambrano interviewed me and invited me to Wal-Mart’s hiring event. Her in-depth feedback and recommendations after the interview gave me the confidence I needed for the interviews with the Wal-Mart executives. Chris and Michele did an outstanding job of preparing me and the other candidates for the next steps.

Wal-Mart flew me into Philadelphia, and I got a store tour and lunch. The interview consisted of a three-person panel with competency/behavior based questions. I felt comfortable during the interview and thought that I’d done well. You don’t have to wait to get feedback on how you did with Orion’s hiring events. You will know something usually within 24-48 hrs. For me, this was very important. Although I knew that Wal-Mart was a client, I felt as though the Orion team of recruiters had my best interest at heart the whole time.

Ultimately, I was offered the position of Developmental Store Manager for Wal-Mart. I could not have been happier with the results. My kids, Sharmeka, age 21, and Sean, age 18, and my parents are extremely proud of me. My compensation exceeded my desires, and I feel I have the right fit with the right company and the right job!

The Orion team understood how best to market my specific skills and talents. Without them, I would have never have had this opportunity. Wal-Mart trusted Orion to provide them with high quality candidates with the leadership skills they were searching for. Based on my experience, I have begun to recommend Orion’s services to my friends and associates. They do a great service for our veterans.