The Hunter - October 2020

Thursday, October 1, 2020

In This Issue

Careers for Veterans with Trane Technologies

Keep Your Job Search Moving With a Virtual Interview

Careers for Air Force Avionics Technicians through Orion Talent

Orion Partners With Infrastructure Masons Veterans Coalition to Raise Awareness of the Digital Infrastructure Industry

VA Refinance Loan FAQ with Mutual of Omaha Mortgage

Exclusive Opportunities Through Orion

According to Your Peers

Career Success with Orion

Podcast Series for Job Seekers

Earn $100 for Every Referral that Finds their Career through Orion

Companies Recently Hiring

Connect with Orion Online

Careers for Veterans with Trane Technologies

Orion has recently partnered with Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, to provide rewarding careers for veterans and transitioning service members.

Trane Technologies was formed in 2020, after the company completed a spin-off of its Industrial business which was subsequently combined with Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc. Prior to the Industrial business spin-off, the company was known as Ingersoll Rand. Through its strategic brands Trane and Thermo King, and its portfolio of environmental products and services, Trane Technologies brings efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. 

Trane Technologies has an award-winning workplace culture and is the kind of company where the best people aspire to work. Throughout its many businesses and locations, Trane Technologies has a diverse team of inventive, collaborative and talented people who share a willingness to help, who are proud of their work and their company, and who are continuously looking for better ways to do things.

Trane Technologies

Chairman and CEO Mike Lamach welcomes veterans to consider a career at Trane Technologies:

“At Trane Technologies, we honor the service of our veterans – and we understand how that service translates to a successful civilian career outside of the armed forces. Your discipline, strategic thinking and commitment to excellence make you an extraordinary candidate for a career at Trane Technologies. We know this firsthand; we have a strong community of veterans across the organization leading Trane Technologies toward premier performance.” - Mike Lamach, Chairman and CEO

Trane Technologies offers many veteran friendly benefits, including:

     -  Military Leave Policies aligned with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA)
     -  Continue to serve for a cumulative period of up to five (5) years
     -  Earn your full pay during your two-week annual training
     -  Generous continuation of gap pay and benefits when called up for Federal Duty
     -  Generous bridging of incentive pay for up to 90 days when called up for Federal Duty
     -  Extension of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to families of deployed employees
     -  Family Medical Leave Coverage extended to include care for qualified employees and Service Members
     -  Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERG) Chapters being formed throughout the Company

Visit us online to learn more and apply for a career with Trane Technologies.

Keep Your Job Search Moving With a Virtual Interview

An Orion virtual interview is your chance to interview with hiring managers for positions across the U.S. that are a match with your background, skills, and preferences. In addition to meeting social distancing guidelines, virtual interviews are becoming a preferred method of interview due to ease of scheduling and budget friendliness for job seekers and employers.

We’ve put together an extensive list of tips for conducting a great virtual interview, covering technology, location, attire, obstacles, and more. Key takeaways include:

- Ensure your internet connection is stable and test your webcam, audio, and microphone at least 24 hours before your interview

- Find a quiet, private, well-lit place, free from possible interruptions

- Look into the camera when you speak, not at the interviewer, since they will see you looking at them on their end. You do not want it to look like you are looking away, up, or down.

- Dress the same way that you would if you were meeting the interviewer face-to-face. The default attire should be suit and tie, unless the recruiting team tells you otherwise.

- Before the interview, ask the interviewer for a phone number where you can reach them if you experience technical difficulties. If the video cuts out, call them at that number. Ask if you can continue the interview by phone or if you can reschedule.

Orion has worked diligently to keep your job search moving forward during COVID-19. We have helped many transitioning service members and veterans land their next career in spite of business slowdowns and travel restrictions. Here’s what they had to say:

“Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, my Orion recruiters worked hard to get me the job I wanted at the salary I needed. They were extremely friendly and answered all my questions quickly and, most importantly, honestly. I would recommend Orion to anyone looking for a great job search experience.” - U.S. Navy Aviation Mechanic

“I spent a little over 80 minutes doing two virtual interviews and was offered the job without even having to formally apply for it! I would not have the job right now if I did not work with Orion” - U.S. Navy Electronics Technician

Visit us online to learn more about how to succeed in a virtual interview, as well as upcoming opportunities to virtually interview with the nation’s most sought after companies.

For even more tips, listen to our podcasts about preparing for a virtual interview:

Careers for Air Force Avionics Technicians through Orion Talent

Orion is the nation's largest military career placement firm. Since 1991, we have found civilian careers for nearly 1,000 transitioning and former Air Force Avionics Technicians.

Our team of veteran Recruiters will help you make the transition into the civilian workforce by matching your skills and career goals with high caliber career opportunities within America's top companies.

We’ve recently launched a website for Air Force Avionics Technicians that provides success stories, testimonials, salary information, and more. The website also includes an episode of Orion’s “From the Battlefield to the Boardroom” podcast, featuring Mark Dewitz, an Air Force veteran hired through Orion.

After an almost 24-year career in the Air Force, Mark decided to retire and pursue a career in the civilian world. Like most veterans, Mark had really enjoyed his time in the military and was worried he would not find a career as rewarding as the one he experienced in the Air Force.

Mark attended an Orion Hiring Conference in 2019 where he accepted an Electromechanic position with Alcon Laboratories. “When I was driving home from the hiring event both of my Recruiters were texting me letting me know how many companies were interested in me. It took so much stress out of my job search, and I couldn’t have done it alone,” explained Mark.

“I’ve told all of my Airmen to register with Orion Talent. Orion will find you the work you need and they will set you up to be successful. My experience working with Orion from cradle to grave was excellent,” said Mark.

Listen to the Podcast


Why Work with Orion?

   - In 2019, our average base salary for Enlisted Technicians was $74,941 (not including overtime)
   - The average number of interviews a candidate gets through Orion is 6.4.
   - 86.2% of our candidates are employed at 6 months; 8% have been promoted!

Visit us online to learn more about careers for Air Force Avionics Technicians through Orion Talent.

Orion Partners With Infrastructure Masons Veterans Coalition to Raise Awareness of the Digital Infrastructure Industry

Orion has recently partnered with Infrastructure Masons (IM), a non-profit, professional association made up of individual technology and business leaders around the globe. This partnership is focused on raising awareness of the Digital Infrastructure industry within the military community (which includes, but is not limited to active, guard and reserve; veteran support organizations; and functional affiliate groups).

Lee Kirby, Chairman & Co-Founder, Salute Mission Critical, serves as the IM Veterans Global Lead and a member of the IM Advisory Council. Lee recently joined Orion’s From the Battlefield to the Boardroom podcast to discuss his post-military career in the data center industry, why the industry is a great fit for veterans, and the resources available to veterans through IM.

Lee says that a common misconception about careers in the data center industry is that you must have a technical skill set. “Every skill set that the military has, the data center industry uses,” he explained. “You don’t have to be a technician to have a place in this industry. We also need security guards, people who are cleaning the data centers or working the loading docks. There’s not a single military specialty that I can think of that can’t be adapted to data centers,” said Lee.

Infrastructure Masons was established in 2016 in the US and Europe, with 2,000+ active participants in over 60 countries representing over $150B in infrastructure projects in 139 countries. The organization is steered by a leadership team comprised of Board & Advisory Council members that build and operate some of the largest digital infrastructure portfolios in the world.

The goal of Infrastructure Masons is to provide a place where infrastructure professionals connect, grow and give back. “By offering free memberships to veterans, they can join even prior to leaving the military to start becoming attuned to the important trends and forward thinking processes that the data center is going through to continue to fuel the digital economy,” said Lee.

Listen to the full podcast here, and visit us online to learn more about our partnership with Infrastructure Masons.

VA Refinance Loan FAQ with Mutual of Omaha Mortgage

 

Orion has recently partnered with Mutual of Omaha Mortgage to provide exclusive VA home loan benefits to our veteran job seekers and alumni. Through this partnership you will receive the same loan rate and better fees than Mutual of Omaha Mortgage employees receive, as well as no lender fees and generous rebates.

If you are a homeowner currently utilizing a VA loan, Mutual Of Omaha Mortgage has answered some of the frequently asked questions about VA refinance loans.

VA REFINANCE LOAN FAQ

What is a VA streamline refinance?
The VA streamline refinance loan is also known as the VA IRRRL. The VA streamline refinance is often a simple loan process because the borrowers are refinancing from one VA mortgage loan to another VA loan. This loan is often also referred to as VA-to-VA Loan. A VA streamline refinance is not available to homeowners who do not currently have a VA mortgage loan. The VA streamline refinance loan does not require that the borrowers occupy the home which is currently financed with a VA mortgage product.

What is a VA IRRRL?
The VA IRRRL loan is also known as the VA refinance or the VA streamline refinance. The acronym IRRL stands for interest rate refinance reduction loan. The VA IRRRL loan or VA streamline refinance is a special type of refinance loan made available by the VA Loan Guaranty program. The VA IRRRL loan is a fixed-rate refinance loan program. This loan is ideal for homeowners who currently have a VA mortgage loan who are looking to lower their monthly interest rate.

Can you refinance a VA loan?
Yes, if you are currently a homeowner whose property is financed via a VA mortgage loan you can apply for a conventional, FHA or VA refinance. Depending on the rate and terms a borrower is seeking, they have the option to review any type of refinance loan to replace their current VA mortgage loan.

How soon can you refinance a VA loan?
Depending on the level of risk associated with a borrower, most lenders would typically require the homeowner have their current VA mortgage loan for a minimum of 12 months prior to applying for a refinance. Payment history is one of the most crucial factors in determining a borrower's risk level for a VA refinance.

Can I refinance my mortgage with a VA loan?
Yes, if you are actively serving military, honorable discharge, veteran or the surviving spouse of any of the previous who is currently the borrower of a VA home loan you may refinance your property with a VA streamline refinance or VA IRRRL loan. The VA streamline refinance or VA IRRRL loan is only available to homeowners who currently have a VA mortgage loan. VA refinance loan products are not available to civilians or the general public.

Can I refinance a conventional loan to a VA loan?
Yes, a borrower who is eligible for VA benefits can refinance from a conventional loan to a VA loan. Although this is not typical, there is no restriction that prevents this. To be eligible for a VA loan a borrower must be actively serving in the U.S. military, have received an honorable discharge, be a veteran or the surviving spouse. If a borrower who currently has a conventional loan opts to refinance with a VA loan the loan process could take longer than average because different documentation will need to be reviewed that was not previously received and underwritten by a VA approved lender.

When to refinance a VA loan?
The decision to refinance a home should not be taken lightly. It is important for a homeowner to evaluate and determine their financial goals. If a homeowner is seeking the opportunity to lower their monthly interest rate or transition from an adjustable rate mortgage loan to a fixed rate program, then a refinance could be a great opportunity. Speaking with an experienced loan originator can help a borrower review their income, assets, and debt to determine if a refinance is the right decision.

How long does it take to refinance a VA loan?
If a VA borrower uses the VA IRRRL loan or VA streamline refinance, the entire process can be completed in 30 to 45 days. Although the VA streamline refinance or VA IRRRL loan does not require income verification, in order for the VA refinance process to move forward, a borrower must have the following qualifications:

 - VA Loan eligibility of the borrower must have been used on the property intended for refinance
 - Most recent two years of W-2 statements to establish income
 - Ability to document current or previous occupancy of the property
 - Confirmation of currency on mortgage payments or no more than one late payment in the last 12 months

Visit us online to learn more about Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, and apply to get a personal loan offer from their knowledgeable team.

Exclusive Opportunities Through Orion

According to Your Peers

Career Success with Orion

Podcast Series for Job Seekers

Have you tuned in to From the Battlefield to the Boardroom, our podcast series dedicated to supporting military job seekers? We have a variety of episodes covering everything from the civilian transition process to valuable insights and guidance from other Veterans and business leaders.

We've recently added new podcasts, including:

127. Best-Selling Author Shares "Signs of a Great Resume"

126. Waste & Recycling Industry: Essential Careers During COVID and Beyond

125. From Military to Millionaire, with David Pere

124. Signs You Took The Wrong Job - And What To Do About It

123. Army Veteran Turned Data Center Expert Discusses Careers for Veterans

122. Women Veterans: Discover YourNexStage with Founder/CEO Kate Watson

If you are ready to enter the interview process, visit our Interview Essentials page to sharpen your interview skills!

 

Visit us online to listen to all the episodes, and explore our new podcast categories on each stage of the transition process. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast platform or RSS feed, to automatically receive new episodes as they are released.

We'd love to feature your questions in our upcoming episodes. If you have any questions you'd like to hear us answer, click below to email us!

Listen on Google Play Music         podcast    

Earn $100 for Every Referral that Finds their Career through Orion

Did you know that Orion candidates earned $6,900 in referral bonuses in the first quarter of 2020?

For every job seeker you refer to us who is subsequently hired through Orion, you'll receive a $100 gift card to a retailer of your choice after they reach 90 days on the new job!

It's simple - just click here to refer a friend. 30 seconds of your time could be $100 in your pocket!

Companies Recently Hiring

Siemens

Lam Research Corporation

SMA America

FTC Solar

Hormel Foods Corporation

Customized Distribution Services

KLA

Europastry

Hensel Phelps Construction Company

Lineage Logistics Holdings

Bell & Howell LLC

Hines Interests

Munters Corporation

International Paper Company

Plastic Industries Incorporated

Jones Lang LaSalle

Connect with Orion Online

Follow us to keep up-to-date on all things Orion, including hiring events, base visits, webinars, and news pertinent to veterans through our social media listed below.