The Hunter - December 2021

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Veteran Spotlight: Matthew Peacock

We’re proud to profile Matthew Peacock, a Navy Cryptologic Technician who was recently hired by Catalent Pharma Solutions as a Lab Materials Technician in San Diego, CA. Matthew worked with Orion during his terminal leave to find his civilian career. He was able to accept his new position prior to his full separation, and started shortly thereafter.

Matthew recalls his job search process as relatively easy. “The easiest part of separating was finding resources to help transition out,” he recalls. “If you look in the right places, you will be flooded with organizations and groups that help veterans and transitioning military. That is how I found Orion!”

Matthew’s new role as a Lab Materials Technician primarily involves working in a lab for Laser Energetics, which conducts physics experiments including research on fusion power. The role is heavily engineer-based, and even though Matthew does not have formal schooling as an engineer, he attributes his experience in the Navy as vital in helping him obtain his new role at Catalent Pharma Solutions. “I was able to sell my military experience working with electronics and equipment to get the position,” he explained.

Matthew recognized that the qualities and skills that he acquired in the military have been vital in helping him obtain his new role, and will help other veterans who are looking for civilian jobs as well. “I think being a veteran gives us an edge,”  he stated. “Hiring managers know that veterans have been in stressful situations where we have had to adapt and learn. We are capable of teamwork on a level that I think is higher than many civilians. And I think being in the military puts people in a situation where they have to produce results to get a job done,” he said.

Lastly, Matthew offered some advice for transitioning military and veterans who are looking for a civilian career, most notably to understand how valuable the military skillset is to corporate America. “Learn your worth! Look up what careers you would be interested in, and pay attention to the salary ranges. If you get offered a salary, don't be afraid to ask for more!”

If you are transitioning soon or are a veteran looking for a civilian career, join Matthew and the thousands of others like him who have found rewarding careers through Orion Talent. Register today to begin your career search with Orion.

We want to hear from you! If you would like to participate in our next Veteran Spotlight, email Bethany Howe to be featured.

Careers in the Finance & Accounting Industry

What is the Finance & Accounting industry?

Professional Finance & Accounting careers span many industries including, Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Real Estate, and Telecommunications, among many others. Industry experience is often imperative in mid-band and senior Finance & Accounting Leadership positions. If you have 10+ years of leadership experience, you may be right for middle to upper level back office finance & accounting leadership roles.

Common job types in the Finance & Accounting industry 

There are several common job types in the mid-band to senior level positions in the Finance & Accounting industry, including:

- CFO Controller
- Tax Manager
- Accounting Director
- Financial Planning & Analysis Manager
- SEC Reporting Manager

What Finance & Accounting jobs are in high demand?

The most in-demand Finance & Accounting jobs are for Controllers, Financial Managers, Management Consultants, Treasury Analysts, Accounting Managers, Budget Analysts, Senior Tax Accountants, and Auditors. This is true across a variety of industries including Consulting, Food and Beverage, Non-profit, and Technology, etc.

What are the highest paying jobs in the Finance & Accounting industry?

Among the highest paying Finance & Accounting careers are Chief Financial Officer, with a salary range of $86K-$286K+; Controller, with a salary range of $78K-$155K; Accounting Director, with a salary range of $88K-$174K; Finance Manager with a salary range of $74K-$132K; and Senior Accountant, with a salary range of $52K-$96K.

Why should you start a career in the Finance & Accounting industry?

Finance & Accounting Professional careers are dynamic and evolving. If you have the right education and problem-solving abilities, a career path in this field could lead to a CFO position. With clear career progression paths often evident, moving from an entry-level position to a mid-band or senior role is more easily mapped out. It is also a more stable career field with opportunities available in a variety of industries worldwide.

Ready to get started with a career in the Finance & Accounting industry? Learn more about the industry, search jobs, and reach out to our Finance & Accounting industry recruiting experts, Yasmine O’Brien, Daniel Frank, and Jackie Deace.

Job Seeker Scams and How to Avoid Them

America is getting back to work. According to The New York Times, job growth right now is at an unprecedented high, and has not been seen since the previous three recessions. In response, the job market has seen an unprecedented number of positions available. However, with those high job vacancies, come scammers. Read on to learn more about what are job seeker scams, why they exist, common scams, and tips to avoid them.

What are Job Seeker Scams?

Job seeker scams are designed to dupe unsuspecting (and vulnerable) job seekers into providing sensitive, personal information, like Social Security numbers, bank account information, and more, to scammers who are looking to do harm with the information.

The majority of job seeker scams happen when a person, claiming to be from a company or organization, reaches out to the job seeker personally about a position. This job often sounds too good to be true - and most oftentimes, it is. In fact, most job seeker scams are about jobs that do not even exist! 

Sometimes, the job does exist, and after working with the company for a period of time, those who fall prey to the scam are never paid.

What is the Purpose of a Job Seeker Scam?

Many scammers use job seeker scams to gain access to your personal information - social security number, bank information, credit card information, address, etc. Once they gain this information, they can use it to drain your bank account, file for tax refunds, and rack up debt in your name, to name a few. If you are duped into an illegal scam, you could even be facing legal charges! 

Common Job Seeker Scams

There are several major job seeker scams that are repeatedly used:

Emailed Job Offer from an Employer, Recruier, or Job Board

This is an email from either an employer, recruiter, or job board offering you a position, claiming that you have been found on a major job board (like Monster, Indeed, etc.). It is most likely for a position that you have no memory of applying for, but the company may be appealing, one that you’d love to work for. The catch? You have to give sensitive information, like a copy of your driver’s license, Social Security number, or bank information to move the process along.

Fake Jobs on Social Media

Social media is the number one place for job seeker scams right now. Fake Facebook pages, Facebook profiles, LinkedIn profiles, and Twitter accounts are created advertising jobs to apply for, encouraging you to link a resume.

Fake Jobs from Employers

In this instance, a job is posted pretending to be from a well known employer, like Google or Apple. This is called “corporate identity theft,” because the scammer is using a corporate name to try to trap job seekers.

Fake Jobs on Job Boards

Fake jobs appear on well known job boards such as Monster, Indeed, Craigslist, etc. Most job boards do vet their positions, but with the high volume of jobs being posted daily, some bogus jobs can slip through the cracks. 

Ways to Avoid Job Seeker Scams

There are several ways to avoid job seeker scams and keep your personal information safe:

  • Never give out your sensitive personal information over the phone or email.
  • Never take payment in the form of a cashier’s check, and never cash a check that comes with extra payment.
  • Never agree to a background check unless you have met the employer.
  • Never apply to a position that has been emailed to you without any further information.
  • Never wire money.

How to Tell if a Job is a Scam?

If it sounds fishy or sets off any warning bells in your head, go with your gut and do some research before committing to anything. Remember that job postings that include either a poorly written or vague job description, no company information, an unrealistic salary, or a suspicious URL (company name misspelled, long and confusing address, etc.), are all indicators that the job is a scam.

Note that any legitimate company, recruiting firm, or employer will be transparent about positions, and will never ask you for sensitive personal information in advance of an offer. To protect yourself even further, sign up for scam alerts through the FTC, and read what to do if you were scammed.

Job Alerts for Diversity Jobs

 The Orion Talent Diversity Job Board offers more than 30,000 career opportunities for diverse job seekers in a wide range of industries. Subscribe to alerts tailored to your interests with employers that foster a workplace of diversity and inclusion!

A diversity job board lists career opportunities from companies seeking to hire from underrepresented groups. The goal of these job boards is to equitably foster the recruitment and placement of diverse talent.

What qualifies someone as a diverse candidate?

Diversity candidates can include minorities, women, people with disabilities, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, and members of other underrepresented groups. In a broader sense, many companies consider a diverse candidate to be someone who brings a unique perspective to the workplace.

Do employers have to hire minorities?

Although they are not required to seek out diverse employees, almost every private company is required to be an equal opportunity employer. This means they are not allowed to discriminate against minorities in their hiring, firing, or workplace policies.

Why do companies hire for diversity?

Companies that hire diverse candidates gain a wide range of perspectives that create a more creative, empowered company environment. Through the creation of better employee experiences, they become more competitive and innovative.

We are proud to work with industry-leading partners like Hertz, Expedia Group, CVS Health, Campbell's who are seeking to offer exciting careers to diverse talent.

Register for Diversity Job Alerts to have jobs delivered to your inbox!

VA Refinance Loan FAQ with Mutual of Omaha Mortgage

 

Orion has 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

  • TSMC
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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 podcasts, including:

152. What You Need to Know About a Career in Sales

151. Proven Tips for Landing Your Dream Job

150. Army Veteran Climbs the Ranks in the Restaurant Industry

149. Reducing the Stress of Relocation from the First Relocation to the Last

148. Air Force Veteran Joins Office Pride, an Award-Winning Franchise

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 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    

Upcoming Hiring Conferences

Click here for more information.

Join the Orion Team

Orion Talent is a customer-centric company focused on helping people discover meaningful careers and businesses grow by finding, delivering, and engaging the best talent around the world. As we continue to experience growth, we are seeking outstanding men and women to join our team. We are looking for individuals that are highly motivated, driven, energetic, and have a passion for helping industry-experienced candidates and veterans find the right career.

We are veterans, professionals, mothers, fathers, men, and women, all focused on one mission: To help people discover meaningful careers and businesses grow by finding, delivering, and engaging outstanding talent around the world.Orion offers its employees competitive salaries, and benefits including paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, medical, dental, and vision coverage, short- and long-term disability, health savings account (HSA), and 401(k) retirement plan.

Positions with Orion Talent

Below is a list of position descriptions for which we most frequently recruit. Be sure to check out each position's page to see if we are currently recruiting for that role and apply if interested. Alternatively, you can view a list of all of our current openings here.

Internship

Orion Talent is a proud participant of SkillBridge, a DoD program in which companies offer internships during a service member's last 180 days of Service. Learn more about Orion Talent internships.

Senior Business Development Leader - Raleigh, NC

As a Senior Business Development Leader on our National Sales Team, you'll be responsible for leading end-to-end sales cycles for both new business development and existing account expansion, from qualifying new leads and targets through contract negotiation to RPO opportunities and Talent Programs. You will support and enhance Orion's Talent Programs offerings, including solution design and technology / operational enhancements. Learn more about this position and apply here.

Business Development Representative - Raleigh, NC

As the Business Development Representative (BDR) on our Hirepurpose Team, you’ll be responsible for managing the business development research, lead generation, initial outreach on potential accounts that would benefit from Hirepurpose’s services. You’ll be developing and supporting relationships that promote engagement and presenting Hirepurpose offerings as you discover client’s hiring challenges. Learn more about this position and apply here.

Director, Professional Search - Cincinnati, OH

As the Director, Professional Search, you'll identify, grow, and retain accounts in your specific vertical, including Construction, Finance/Accounting, Medical, Technology, or IT, driving high customer satisfaction, revenue growth, and year over year improvement. The Professional Search team will work with established account managers within our Search Division to gain knowledge of and access to Orion Talent accounts that include over 15,000 clients and a 50,000+ alumni network. You will also leverage prior contacts and industry knowledge to discover new opportunities and grow revenue. Learn more about this position and apply here.

Military Account Executives - San Diego, CA; Raleigh, NC; Virginia Beach, VA

As an Account Executive on our Military Talent Solutions team, you'll be a sales leader responsible for growing and developing new business for Orion Talent. You'll serve as a custom solutions developer for top US corporations, uncovering new companies interested in leveraging our resources for military hiring. You'll work autonomously to develop and improve your regional territory, with the backing of your regional leadership, corporate staff, and 30 years of collective company experience. Learn more about this position and apply here.

RPO Marketing Coordinator - Raleigh, NC

Orion’s Marketing Team is a strong and cohesive team that leads all marketing functions for the company across its five service lines. The team is led by Orion’s Vice President of Marketing who has been with Orion for over 15 years. Within the larger Marketing team, you will be a member of a smaller 4-person team focused on RPO, and you will report to our Programs Marketing Manager. Additionally, you will work closely with our National Sales Team and RPO leadership team. Learn more about this position and apply here.

RPO Sourcing Specialist - Austin, TX

As a Sourcing Specialist on Orion’s RPO team, you’ll be responsible for building a pipeline of highly qualified candidates and evaluating these candidates against position requirements. You’ll support various administrative endeavors in the recruiting process, and work to sharpen your skills as an integral part of the recruiting team. Learn more about this position and apply here.

Technical Sourcing Specialist - Raleigh, NC

As a Sourcing Specialist on our Professional Search (Technology) team, you’ll be responsible for building a pipeline of highly qualified candidates and evaluating these candidates against position requirements. You’ll support various administrative endeavors in the recruiting process, and work to sharpen your skills as an integral part of the recruiting team. Learn more about this position and apply here.

RPO Recruiter - Remote; Austin, TX

As a Recruiter on our RPO team, you'll be responsible for supporting client needs within various fields of business. You'll act as a consultant, advisor, and a true business partner to develop strategic solutions, creative recruiting and sourcing plans. Learn more about this position and apply here.
 
Candidate Sourcing Recruiter - Virginia Beach, VA
 
As a Candidate Sourcing Recruiter, you'll be responsible for building a pipeline of highly qualified candidates and evaluating these candidates against position requirements. You'll support various administrative endeavors in the recruiting process, and work to sharpen your skills as an integral part of the recruiting team. Learn more about this position and apply here.
 
RPO Recruitment Operations Administrator - Austin, TX
 
As a Recruitment Operations Administrator on our RPO team, you’ll be key to the success of our organization. You’ll support continued growth and success by partnering with our RPO recruiters in managing all administrative recruiting activities. You’ll be an integral part of our team, working to open job requisitions, schedule and facilitate interviews, maintain records, post to job boards, conduct background checks and drug screens, arrange travel (post COVID), draft offer letters - and any other administrative tasks needed. Learn more about this position and apply here.
 
If Orion Talent sounds like the right place for you, tell us more about yourself here or contact Katie Mychalowych, Orion Talent Internal Talent Lead.

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

Did you know that Orion candidates earned $8,000 in referral bonuses through the second quarter of 2021?

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!

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.