Area Manager

West
US Navy, E-7

I served in the United States Navy for twenty years and retired in April 2007 as a MMC(SS) while serving as the Production Officer for Submarine Maintenance Division based in Point Loma. My job search began in 2006, because I knew that the end of my military career was fast approaching.

I met my recruiter, Jim Lewis, during one of his many visits to our base. After I spent some time talking with Jim, I knew that Orion was the company for me. They are the largest recruiting firm for military members in the country, and my mind was put to ease by Jim’s experience. He, too, retired from the military, so I knew that he understood the process that I was going through. He treated me great through the whole process and listened when I told him what my expectations were. We talked about several avenues that were available for me, and Jim didn’t push me down any one path. He let me decide the path that I wanted to take, and I appreciated that immensely.

Jim sent me an invitation to the hiring conference that was scheduled for January 2007. I then went through two training session with Jay Koranda and was briefed on what to expect while I attended the hiring conference. It was an eye opening experience for me, because I had already been to one hiring conference with a different company and that didn’t fare to well. I thoroughly enjoyed the hiring conference, even though my schedule changed three times. I am glad for the changes, though, because the last one proved to be the one for me. I was added to the Amazon.com schedule at the last moment and really didn’t have time to prepare. But like any other good military person, I accepted the challenge and did well during my interview.

After the hiring conference, I was contacted by Jim, and he debriefed me on all of my interviews. Each company liked me and wanted to schedule site visits. I discussed with Jim the companies I was most interested in, and he took charge from there. A couple of days later, I was scheduled for my second interview with Amazon.com. Jim was beside me the whole way making sure my plane reservation was a good fit for me, that I had a hotel room when I arrived, and he ensured that I had a rental car. I interviewed with Amazon.com and within 30 minutes of my interview, Jim called me on the phone letting me know what they thought. He told me that he had very positive vibes from the company, and within ten days Amazon extended me an offer.

The offer that I received from Amazon was more than I imagined, and I accepted right away. If it wasn’t for Jim and his devotion to clients, I would have never found the job at Amazon. I am working in the facilities department as one of two area managers, and I couldn’t be happier. Jim helped make the transition from military life to corporate America a very smooth and enjoyable experience. I have recommended Jim and Orion to every one I know transitioning from the military. Orion International blew the competition out of the water. Thanks, Jim, and thank you Orion!!!!